gulp!!

[in. pred]

i wanted to build a coal cage out of expanded metal. so i stop in to home depot to grab a chunk. what!! no way!! 24"x24" was 49 bucks. i about fell over. how many of those do they sell a year? not to me they wont. i guess the scrap search is on. lol

diy coal basket ideas anyone?

 

[1MoreFord]

Any metal suppliers in your area? Welding shops? Metal fab shops? Any of them may have off fall pieces.
Try McMaster Carr. They may be cheaper than Lowes or Home Depot but you'll have shipping to add to the cost.

 

[realdocBBQ]

Where you at? Honestly, though, I don't like raised baskets in the firebox. I've used them, but I get better results managing the coal bed on the bottom of the firebox. It does somewhat depend on the design of your smoker, though...

 

[chopsaw]

i guess the scrap search is on

Didn't you say you did Drywall ?
Commercial drywall supply will have security mesh . Used in walls of holding cells and cash rooms and such . I used to get it off jobs .

 

[pineywoods]

If you have one try Tractor Supply but a welding shop in the area is probably your best bet

 

[JckDanls 07]

The other problem with HD is that they are to thin...

You want #9, 3/4" Flatened expanded metal...

 

[in. pred]

yes it was kinda thin too. same with the plaster mesh chopsaw. it wont take the heat.

i will check tractor supply then hit up the welding shop.

 

[chopsaw]

same with the plaster mesh chopsaw.

It's security mesh . Can get it from 18 to 9 gauge . Flat and smooth .

Barrier Mesh for Security | ClarkDietrich Building Systems

www.clarkdietrich.com

 

[Fueling Around]

This is a fuel basket I made from expanded metal I got for basically free.
I found some in a local scrap yard and traded them for the metal from a trampoline that was damaged by a wind storm.

 

[LanceR]

Find a steel supply house and, as has been said, ask for #9 flattened 3/4" expanded metal steel sheet. Cost can vary a good bit by region and supplier. My cost six months ago was $88 a 4x8' sheet delivered to my door (Race City Steel of High Point and Denver, NC). I only order sheet steel a few times a year so by no means am I a high volume purchaser.

And check Facebook Marketplace or craigslist. Both usually have listings for expanded metal sheet.