homemade grate

[chip1957]

Newbie and hooked.....
I want to get a draft in thru the ash bin door and up into the firebox across the fire. I was thinking of a square steel plate maybe 3/8" thick with 1/2" holes in the center portion so with the wood stacked on it the air would be directed right up and thru the fire. Will this warp the first time heated?? What is the best design/material for a grate for the firebox that will withstand the heat and not warp??

Thanx in advance for any help......

[Ausable]

Chip - My Arch and Evaporator are homemade. The Arch was made from a 250 Gallon Fuel Oil Tank. My Grate is about 10 inches off the bottom and I get a great draft through the ash cleanout door and up through the fire. Many Factories use this style of grating for flooring on upper stories and it is tough. I have been burning on it for three years and it is still holding up. It rests on angle iron welded to the sides. -----Mike----

[chip1957]

thanx for the comeback.......what is your grate made from? did you make or purchase it? Any photos?