What do we for fire grates?

[Sam Caruth]

Hey all! Just curious on what we use for a fire grate in our homemade set ups. Im switching to AUF in my barrel evaporator, so looking for ideas. I've heard everything from store bought grates, to car rims. Just curious on what we all use.

[NhShaun]

Seems like most people who make their own use Angle iron. I have seen some with the V pointing down and others Pointing up ^. I am about to have a friend make me a grate and I'm unsure of which direction to point the angle iron. Read something about the ashes build up inside the spaces and help insulate the steel so it doesn't get destroyed within a few boils. Also not too sure on proper spacing between each row. Just what I have read on here, I'm sure some more knowledgeable individuals will chime back. Good luck!

[Evets]

I just built mine from some 1inch hexagonal steel I got from the scrap yard. I could'nt find enough angle iron there or I would have used that.

[Ravenseye]

I just built mine from some 1inch hexagonal steel I got from the scrap yard. I could'nt find enough angle iron there or I would have used that.

Nice work there!

[ronintank]

this is what I did on mine.
this drops into the cut out between the fire box and the ash pan.
the ash will fill the angles and for the most part protect the angle iron from heat damage, burn out.
I used 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 1/4 steel angle with the angles spaced 3 inches on center.10563

[maple flats]

Angle Iron, V down and 1/4" apart works well. Then the V down fills with ash to help protect the iron. If you point the V up, it the space fills with ash and you don't get good air to the fire. Blow any air in under the grates, either naturally asperated or from a blower. You want loads of air to get the fire hot enough to keep a hard boil in the pan(s).
If you can get them, cast iron angles are even better.

[Kyle Baker]

10564
Old cast BBQ grills ;)

[WI Sugarpop]

this is what I did on mine.
this drops into the cut out between the fire box and the ash pan.
the ash will fill the angles and for the most part protect the angle iron from heat damage, burn out.
I used 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 1/4 steel angle with the angles spaced 3 inches on center.10563

We do the same thing except that each piece of angle is separate. That way we could pull one out if it got warped, although that has not happened yet. Obviously on this pic the bricking is not done yet. We started out by filling with sand and after that we just let the ash fill in. Works grate.:lol:



10565

[ScottyWelden]

I made my first evaporator this winter, and --what timing--my kitchen stove had just died. The oven grates are now in my arch (sitting on a cinder-block lip). They work great! (Grate?)

[Waynehere]

I built a small frame from some angle iron and placed in the bottom, about 2-3" off the floor. Then drilled out some 3/4" holes in split fire bricks and laid on top. So far so good. If they crack, easy to replace. Plenty of air flow too. I have a rheostat on my AUF fan and after starting the fire, I have to turn it way down to be efficient. But I also have AOF as well.

[Ausable]

Hey! Thanks for all the great - grate ideas :) :) :) ---- My grate was made from industrial steel decking and is starting to warp in the center and will have to be replaced if the warping continues.

[nymapleguy607]

I use half brick fire brick for my grates, i drilled them with 3, 1/2" holes per brick and they sit on an angle iron frame, after 3 years they still look new.

[NH Maplemaker]

Which ever way you go, it is very important to keep your ash box cleaned out! Keeping the hot coals, ash, and heat off the under side of the grates ! This is one of the biggest reasons why grates fail!

[eustis22]

nymaple, got a pic?

[log cabin luke]

If you go to your local srcap yard you might be able to find some cast iron house radiators that you can cut apart. thats what i did for mine. You can even drill some holes in them and pipe in air from a blower or just blow the air under.

[valleyman]

I use a street sign pole cut into lengths with 8" of air space underneath. Works great. No warping after 3 seasons.





http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/Valleyman_bucket/2015%20Maple/Evap-GratesWEB_zpsermzdubb.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/Valleyman_bucket/media/2015%20Maple/Evap-GratesWEB_zpsermzdubb.jpg.html)

[beaglebriar]

I use a street sign pole cut into lengths with 8" of air space underneath. Works great. No warping after 3 seasons.





http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy67/Valleyman_bucket/2015%20Maple/Evap-GratesWEB_zpsermzdubb.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/Valleyman_bucket/media/2015%20Maple/Evap-GratesWEB_zpsermzdubb.jpg.html)
I really like that setup. Might have to find some sign posts!

[maple maniac65]

Does it matter if they are still stuck in the ground.

[WI Sugarpop]

Just cut a couple feet off of several of them and stick em back in the ground.:o

[flyyer]

Hey Sam,
Have you thought about incorporating your AUF with your grate system? I too am getting ready to add AUF on my barrel setup and was tossing around the idea of a dual purpose design / grate / AUF manifold. Are you coming in the front or rear with your air? Pictures when you get done would be helpful.