Fire bowls are available in many different versions - both more expensive and cheaper versions. However, some do-it-yourselfers prefer to forego the finished new product and use old stainless steel remnants to make an individual fire bowl. This is not easy, at least if the bowl is to have feet - in this case you need a welding machine and the appropriate craftsmanship experience.
How can I build a fire bowl myself?
To build a fire bowl yourself, you need a bowl-like, fireproof stainless steel vessel (e.g. an old wok, dished bottom), possibly stainless steel pipes for feet, and a welding machine. Without welding you can place the bowl on refractory bricks, for feet you have to weld them on.
You need these materials
You can reuse various metal objects or materials to make a fire bowl. However, the metal must be fireproof; ideally, you should use stainless steel. This very heat-resistant material also has the advantage of being more weather-resistant and therefore more durable than other metals. Basically, any bowl-like vessel made of stainless steel is suitable for a fire bowl, for example
- an old wok
- the bottom of a water tank
- the bottom of a cauldron
- the tail of a ton
- or a so-called dished bottom
You can get a dished base made of stainless steel in different sizes in stores, but it is often not significantly cheaper than a ready-made fire bowl. You can also continue to use the drum of an old washing machine and, for example, convert it into an original fire basket.
If you want the fire bowl to have feet, you will also need three stainless steel pipes of the desired length.
Fire bowl without welding
If you want to save yourself the hassle of welding, you can simply use the fire bowl without feet. To do this, prepare the ground for the planned fire to be fireproof: stake out the area, lift off the turf and dig a hole about ten centimeters deep. Fill this with gravel and tamp it down well. Now lay out a few larger, fireproof stones so that the fire bowl rests on them instead of on feet. The bowl must sit securely and must not wobble.
Fire bowl with feet
However, if you are looking for building instructions for a fire bowl with feet, it is best to proceed as follows:
- Get three stainless steel pipes (€23.00 on Amazon).
- Cut this to the desired length using an angle grinder.
- A length of approx. half a meter is very suitable for a fire bowl.
- The pipes must be exactly the same length so that the bowl will stand securely later.
- After cutting, deburr the sharp interfaces with a file.
- Weld the pipes to the bottom of the fire bowl.
- The distance from the edge of the bowl to each pipe should be the same.
- The pipes should also be evenly spaced apart.
- Work here as correctly as possible to increase the stability of the fire bowl.
Welding safety
Always wear safety glasses, long clothing and sturdy shoes when welding! Otherwise, sparks can cause serious injury, such as if you get them in the eye.
Tip
You should not set up the finished fire bowl near easily flammable objects or materials and should always place it on a fireproof surface.
