Looking for ideas for a fire pit.

[Grumpy John]

Looking for ideas for a fire pit to place in our barbecue area. Mainly for those lovely Autumn days when it's nice and sunny, but the evenings get a bit on the cool side.
I found this (http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-cool-steel-fire-pit-for-your-back-ya/) one and it looks reasonably easy to make, but I'm a bit concerned that with a solid base it would not draw very well and be hard to keep a decent flame going. On the other hand the solid base would stop a lot of ash and mess falling on the the ground, which would require someone (me) to clean it up the next day (while suffering a hangover).
Any ideas, anyone?

[Bohdan]

I agree that a fire on a solid base is not the best.

It is hard to start and to control without an adjustable air draw control.

All you need under the breather holes is a shallow tray to catch any ash that falls thru and you will have very little to clean up.

[nrb]

Have a look at Jacsam Cut – CNC Plasma Cutting - Fabrication - Welding (http://www.jacsamcut.com.au) a plasma cutting service that has a great fire pit/holder,very solid that may suit you

[Grumpy John]

I agree that a fire on a solid base is not the best.

It is hard to start and to control without an adjustable air draw control.

All you need under the breather holes is a shallow tray to catch any ash that falls thru and you will have very little to clean up.

I was thinking of making a mesh insert that sits 150 - 200mm above the base of the pit and drilling breather holes in the side between the bottom of the pit and the mesh. Hopefully it would draw air in through the holes and the resulting ash and coals would sit in the bottom of the pit.

[Grumpy John]

Have a look at Jacsam Cut – CNC Plasma Cutting - Fabrication - Welding (http://www.jacsamcut.com.au) a plasma cutting service that has a great fire pit/holder,very solid that may suit you

I had a look, thanks for the link. I have a friend with a plasma cutter and a MIG welder, so I might borrow a couple of ideas from that one.

[FenceFurniture]

GJ, I have an old enamel washing machine basket that has had a stand welded under it. It breathes wonderfully, and by having it up a little higher the smoke tends not to aim for the people around it. It can be picked up and relocated with a couple of people holding two sticks underneath the basket (even while lit).

[Grumpy John]

Yeah, the old washing machine baskets make great fire pits They are getting hard to come by now.

[FenceFurniture]

Would Mrs Grumpy like an upgrade on the current machine? :D

[Grumpy John]

Haha, no she's very happy with the current machine. Anyway, it is a front loader and the drum is not suitable :D.

[FenceFurniture]

Too easy - pull the basket out of the new machine :D