Newbie build - Mini GF

[clutch_kick]

Hello all.

A while back I purchased the Mini GF plans and I am now planning to get cracking on with the build. Being in Europe I have to convert the whole thing in Metric so my first job is putting everything in sketchup with the materials available to me.

Before I do that, being in a hot country, Malta (think San Diego / Tijuana climate, only ever been to SoCal, SC, and NY) can I get away with building the frame using 25mm (1 inch) square tubing, and use a thinner insulation? It would drop the cost of materials and also the overall weight of the project.

Thanks

Charlie

[Squiggle]

I have just been through the same thing & i just converted a couple of pages at a time, I also started building the FB first & then built the frame around it(much easier to get the conversion right). With respect to the frame, I ended up using 40mm box. I'm not sure if using the smaller box will be ok, maybe Frank can chime in here.

[clutch_kick]

Thanks Squiggle, my thoughts exactly. I was thinking of getting my firebox bits plasma cut from 6 and 12mm sheets, build it and then build the frame around it.

I don't see any problems personally with using 25mm sq tubing BUT I would prefer a more educated opinion than my own.

I have just been through the same thing & i just converted a couple of pages at a time, I also started building the FB first & then built the frame around it(much easier to get the conversion right). With respect to the frame, I ended up using 40mm box. I'm not sure if using the smaller box will be ok, maybe Frank can chime in here.

[clutch_kick]

quick update, I've converted the main frame and firebox into metric units and went for 35mm square tubing.
Just getting some quotes for the metal and plasma or water jet cutting now, so I can hopefully get on with it.

[clutch_kick]

Just out of curiosity, since i'll be CNC'ing all the firebox parts, would this design work well instead of utilising expanded metal?

[Tom_Heath]

You are talking about the expanded that is called out at the start of the heat transfer tube?


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[clutch_kick]

That's correct Tom, in the picture above the transfer tube is hidden for clarity.

You are talking about the expanded that is called out at the start of the heat transfer tube?


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[Tom_Heath]

Yes you will be fine with what you have drawn. You can also water jet the coal grate. I might actually alter your drawing to show rectangle slots with radius ends for both locations. If your paying for laser or water jet it will be cheaper.


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[clutch_kick]

Great, thanks! I'll take your recommendation on the rectangular slots. I have also done the coal grate too, I guess the simpler the cuts the cheaper it will be.

[Tom_Heath]

Yes sir. I have a ton of laser work done daily and it's based off of cut time but more importantly is that they charge for every pierce point. We have expanded metal patterns cut and it's pricey.

I believe the rectangular slot are more effective anyways.


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[Rodcrafter]

When I made mine I used 1/2" square stock same as the fire grate.


Making memories!

[Squiggle]

I did the same as you RC but I used round bar.

[clutch_kick]

I should be getting the square section this week, all cut to size ... Hopefully can start doing some work.

[Rodcrafter]

Great


Making memories!

[ajfoxy]

Remember the rule: No Pics it did not happen!

[The Czar]

That is the rule


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[clutch_kick]

35mm square section is in hand, got all the bits for the frame and doors ...

[NM_Wanderer]

[Squiggle]

[Tom_Heath]

Awesome.


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[ajfoxy]

Great start, now the fun begins.

[buco2218]

Looking to build a mini, but I don't know what to expect the cost of the material to be. Has anyone in Kansas built one, and if so what should I expect to spend on this project?

[mp4]

Looking to build a mini, but I don't know what to expect the cost of the material to be. Has anyone in Kansas built one, and if so what should I expect to spend on this project?

Seems to me I saw prices in the $600-900 range depending on how thrifty you are. I'm sure you can spend more too if you farm out the cutting.

[clutch_kick]

I am budgeting around 600 Euros ... but honestly don't know what the plasma cutting costs ...
I'll just have to invent some stories to the wife

[ajfoxy]

Just tell her it was either get someone to plasma cut them or purchase a plasma cutter yourself...

And please let us know how that conversation turned out...