Hello, newb looking for advise on a used 5 footer vs getting new old country.

[SmittyJonz]

with as warped as the stock got not sure how well that will work out. Suppose I could buy new angle and flat and do a bolt together bulid

this should work. another fellar did that but can't find the thread or pics.

 

[dshuld]

Wonder where the 5 footer guy got his grates from and how cost effective they'd be in my application...

 

[SmittyJonz]

look on page 4 in this thread - although he didn't cut out the center and replace with expanded.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182649&page=4

 

[SmittyJonz]

this is my mod to the firegrate in my Old Country Smokehouse but being square and the folded lip on the sides - it doesn't warp

 

[dshuld]

Wonder if I use 3/4 angle on the ends if I could get it to square up again. Then cut the center out of each row of slots and put expanded in. There is a thread on the other forum that has the same exact warping I do. It's not really excessive per se I suppose but it's like "warping" a rectangle shaped tupperware lid by twisting opposite corner. What about something like this? I think those dimensions may actually fit in there semi decently.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/..._clickid=912f2817-d0a4-47f7-bcfd-cc8caccc02b4

 

[SmittyJonz]

Holes are too big - you will lose coals -and not enough clearance underneath for ash.

 

[dshuld]

Not much price difference between 3/4 and 1 1/2 in angle. I may grab some 1 1/2 in and see if I can use that to square the stock back up and cut it out the center then.

edit: think two runs of flat stock 2*3/16 would be enough to brace the center area of the plate for the expanded if It does square up or should I go for angle? Would like to keep the underside clear for ash removal during cooking if possible just in case.