Primitive Cuisine

I'm open to suggestions for rigging up a swinging grill pictured above. Some of you might consider it as well--low-tech, highly functional, inexpensive to build (I think--we'll see.)
We've not been real happy since we made the move from the propane grill (whose most expensive parts continued to fail on an annual basis) to a simple Weber charcoal grill. With this very basic kettle-grill the distance from coals to the burgers is too great for an average bed of charcoal to cook sufficiently for those who like their meat thoroughly done and there's no distance adjustment. Plus, the bagged charcoal ain't cheap and takes up a good bit of room in the shed.
I've seen this grill in use (thanks, neighbor, for the illustration) and we could use wood--abundant and free--the few times we cook out. Being able to set the grill itself spinning over the hotspots in the fire works well to avoid overcooking. The cooking height is easily adjustable. I just need to find the legs and especially the piece at the top that holds the three legs together. Everything else should be easy to find. Ideas?
And by the way (thanks for the tips!)--white plastic-coated adjustable wire book easels are on their way, and too cheap to be true! A dozen for less than $12. Plus $17 shipping. Gotcha.
Comments
The legs you can get form the plumbing department just ask for galvanized steel pipe. The “leg holder” could be made by any welder just give him/her the angle you want at the time you have the “leg holder” made you could have a hook for the pulley placed. The pulley could be found in any hardware store as should the steel “rope”. The steal “grill” could be made from your Webber grill rack.
Posted by: cindy lee | September 1, 2006 8:03 AM
Haven't tried it myself, but I know people who have. Try one of these:
http://midtown.net/dragonwing/col9905.htm
http://www.nextag.com/fire-pit-cooking/search-html
http://www.deltablues.net/tripod.html
http://www.mountainstreamforge.com/CampSets.htm
Posted by: Jen H. | September 1, 2006 8:35 AM
Have you thought about adapting an old camera tripod? You would have adjustable legs and middle tube.
Posted by: Joe Wade | September 1, 2006 3:01 PM
Fred,
Think you might find the swinging grill a bit difficult to get stuck items off of ... unless it is made big enough to perhaps give it some possibility of stability.
Steve.
Posted by: Steve | September 2, 2006 4:40 AM
The tripod idea is great--I have replaced my old, heavy metal tripod with a lighter composite model, so the spare could work for the framework of the swinging grill. And Steve, lifting the grill toward the apex of the three poles should secure the grill surface from swinging--or an oven mitt would work just as well while scooping burgers onto a plate. Thanks for all your tips, ideas and leads!
Posted by: fred1st | September 2, 2006 7:05 AM
thanks to Jen H great sites
Posted by: cindy lee | September 6, 2006 9:17 AM