Cast Iron Source

[TedW]

I'm thinking of having a Cast Iron 1/2 round made for my 007 drum.

Any brothers deal with cast iron? This would essentially be a 22" diameter circle, cut in 1/2.

I'm thinking 1/2" thick. I want to make a griddle for the drum.

 

[smoke ninja]

I'm thinking of having a Cast Iron 1/2 round made for my 007 drum.

Any brothers deal with cast iron? This would essentially be a 22" diameter circle, cut in 1/2.

I'm thinking 1/2" thick. I want to make a griddle for the drum.

Dwfisk was making some griddles for kettles but i dont know if he's still up to it or not

 

[robert-r]

Why cast iron? & 1/2" thick is gonna be heavy.

 

[TedW]

I have a source for cast iron plates. Not cheap, and I'd have to finish machining locally.

This'll weigh maybe 30 pounds. Not awful, and the CI is the conductive surface I want.

 

[Swine Spectator]

Craycorts with two griddle inserts should meet your needs:

https://www.cast-iron-grate.com/grates-for-weber-charcoal-grills/22-5-kettle-grills.html

Specifically:https://www.cast-iron-grate.com/cast-iron-griddle-hotplate-for-2-5-grate.html

 

[TedW]

Saw those. I've been in touch with Craycort. I'm looking for no seams. Just a 1/2 round. They just have the sections.

 

[tjv]

1/2 solid cast iron at 22" diam is pushing 50 lbs.

stainless and carbon steel pushing 55 lbs.

that's a lot of weight to handle and support.

t

 

[TedW]

Totally agree. But I'm looking at a 1/2 round. I could go thinner than 1/2" thick, but I figured this would be more durable.

 

[txsmkmstr]

Any particular reason you want a 1/2 round???

I've seen C/I griddle plates that could be cut/grind to fit a drum. Also, how about two smaller rounds - a couple of garage sale Lodge skillets with the handle and sides cut off?

Just musing a bit.

 

[TedW]

I like the musing... Thanks for that. I like the idea of the large surface with no gaps. Like the blackstone.

The 22" diameter drum could hold a 2/3 round. That would leave 1/3 open for exhaust. So that's like a 14" x 22" at the widest point. That's good surface for me.

 

[Jrogers84]

Any particular reason you want a 1/2 round???

I've seen C/I griddle plates that could be cut/grind to fit a drum. Also, how about two smaller rounds - a couple of garage sale Lodge skillets with the handle and sides cut off?

Just musing a bit.

I agree with this. Find a big newer lodge and use a angle grinder to cut off the sides. I guess I dont see a purpose of having it that thick. The amount of time it would take to properly heat up and the weight alone are two factors I would be concerned with.

If you were just looking to locate information and not an opinion I apologize, please disregard

http://shop.lodgemfg.com/skillets-and-covers/17-inch-cast-iron-skillet.asp

 

[TedW]

I'm definitely looking for any opinions, so thank you for that.

The thickness, I can see, is less necessary. 1/2" is thick and slow, I agree.

If I do the 2/3 round, I could go to a 3/8" thickness. The CI Griddle would rest on a stainless grate, so there's initial support under the griddle.

 

[Jrogers84]

Although I am no foundry expert I would imagine it would be alot easier finding this is CS rather than CI. Finding someone to make a mold for a single piece may be a task. That pan I sent the link on would leave you 3" on either side of the barrel.

 

[TedW]

I'm just getting flat stock CI. This would be a flat plate covering 2/3 of the drum opening. No raised edges, etc.

So the flat stock CI is easy to find. I just need to decide on the 1/2 circle vs 2/3 circle. I'm thinking 2/3

 

[sturev]

This might be a good option...

Lodge Griddle

not round but probably around the same square inches...

 

[TedW]

That's a very good option.

 

[iamuzzyhunter]

This griddle from Lodge is about $30 at Walmart. http://shop.lodgemfg.com/griddles-and-grill-pans/double-play-reversible-grill-griddle.asp

I have this and have used it with my 007.

 

[McSpazatron]

Another thing to keep in mind, cast iron is brittle. Depending on how it's used There is always the chance of a big heavy piece cracking while warming up or cooling down. Or if you drop it on accident.

I've never had a stove top cast iron pan crack, but the ci bowl on my lodge hibachi has cracked. Probably because of a heat differential between the top and bottom of the bowl. The CI fire grates also eventually crack.

Carbon steel is probably used most on big skillets/griddles because it lighter, quicker responding, and can probably tolerate having a hot side/cool side much better.

Cast iron can be better for retaining/storing heat for longer periods of time, and for slowing the impact of heat changes, but thats probably not as important if you use it for quick sears or cooks.

 

[TedW]

More good points. That's worth some noodling time

 

[dwfisk]

For a drum you are basically talking <24 inches diameter. A chunk of 1/4 inch thick A36 carbon steel will work fine with a little seasoning; thicker would be OK but not critical. You should be able to find a local fabricator to laser cut the steel for about $50 for a one off. Give me a diameter and I'd be happy to modify one of my CAD drawings and send to you if you want.

Edit: my understanding is that CI would need to be cast in its final form; can't really cut or machine to a final configurstion and you sure on't want to try and weld CI.