How to prep new steel for cooking?

philmore · Aug 24, 2017

Hi All, This is my first post and I couldn't find a straight answer.

I'm rebuilding a new side firebox since the old burned out. I just ordered the steel so I should start welding soon. I've never welding anything for cooking before.

My question is what is the best prep for the new steel?

Do you guys sand blast/grind off the mill spec, paint over it?

Philmore

kam59 · Aug 24, 2017

I stick weld so mill scale is not really an issue for me while building but once finished I do blast the cooker to clean all the mill scale off before painting.

shannonc · Aug 24, 2017

I start the biggest fire that will burn in it and burn it out. Clean all the ash out and wash it out good. Then season.

philmore · Aug 25, 2017

I use a flux core welder. You don't worry about the fumes from the mill scale?

kam59 · Aug 25, 2017

No I do not. The mill scale is just iron oxide. I would be more concerned with the fumes produced from your flux core wire.

brnhornt · Aug 25, 2017

Glad to see this post. I'm building my first smoker as well and never intended on doing anything about the mill scale...happy that I wasn't crazy and about to kill myself or others ;)

philmore · Aug 25, 2017

brnhornt, I've made myself sick once welding on top of it. I can't imagine that it goes well with cooking food.

kam59 · Aug 25, 2017

My concern with scale on steel has nothing to do with food safety as it is just a by product of hot rolled steel. The reason I blast is because that is the proper procedure for painting hot rolled steel. I never blast the inside of the firebox I will have the painter sweep any rust in the chamber for me. Welding fumes are the number one cause of someone getting ill. It is the flux fumes that get you not the scale.

philmore · Aug 25, 2017

kam59, thank you for the info. I knew you guys would be able to help. I thought it was the scale that made me sick and not the flux fumes. I knew galvanized material releases harmful fumes. Either way I weld with a respirator every time now and I normally grind the scale off the joint I'm about to weld because it helps my small welder get better penetration with thicker steel. I have to preheat the steel with a torch as well on 3/16" steel as well.

Do you paint the inside of the box?

kam59 · Aug 25, 2017

No paint in the firebox or cooking chamber. Leave the firebox bare and season the chamber with a light coat of Pam.

philmore · Aug 25, 2017

Thanks for the info guys! I'll try and post pics of the build as I go.

philmore · Oct 10, 2017

Thought I'd post a pic of the build so far. Almost got it done. Still need to add the spring to the handle and weld on the back. I got a little creative and added a slide out ash tray to it.

philmore · Oct 16, 2017

Finally got the new firebox attached and running. I had to drill a hole at the top to allow more airflow in.

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How to prep new steel for cooking?

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