Side shields hinged to fold in

Just finished this today thanks to photos and comments from Derek, Muzz and Mick, and now thanks to the resizer program Derek suggested I can post a few pickies.

Here it is set up.

What do you guys use for your photos, camera or mobile phone?
I just finished knocking up a cooking table thanks to photos and comments from Derek, Mick and Muzz for inspiration, took some photos with my didgy camera but they are too big to post.

Hi all,

I posted this on my camp-cook form but it applies here as well. I apologize for the American measurements! We just can't seem to get ourselves onto the metric system like the rest of the world. I built this one a couple of years ago and after seeing the photo of the Lodge table I think they have been on my website looking at the pictures!  

One of the topics that comes up regularly is Dutch oven tables. I've cooked in campfire rings, metal pans made for changing oil, and on the table I built for myself. Although cooking down on the ground is historically accurate, cooking up on a table is really convenient.

Rather than trying to draw up a set of plans, I'll give a list of the dimensions and materials, then let the photos explain the rest. There is nothing "magical" about the dimensions that I chose other than I wanted  it big enough to cook with two 14" ovens side-by-side. It turned out quite sturdy as I have cooked with 5 ovens in two stacks on it.



- the table is a 16" x 36" piece of 3/16 steel (1/8 would be more than enough!)
- 1" angle iron welded around the parameter to keep coals from falling off
- 12" high wind screen made from sheet metal
- banquet legs are welded directly to the table


I bought the legs at Home Depot and welded them directly to the bottom of the table. I also cut 3" off each leg to lower the height of the table.



I welded 1" angle iron around the parameter of the table, leaving openings in each front corner so I can scrape ashes into a bucket. This doesn't need to be very strong, so a couple of inch long welds are more than enough.



This little tab creates a slot for the windscreen to slide into. No need for latches or other hardware.



This is an overall view of the cooking surface.



Here is a photo with the windscreen folded up. I used piano hinges and rivets to put it all together. The windscreen folds down just like on the old Coleman stoves.



I use 1/4 round steel to make a handle for the table. It makes it easier to move the table around and makes a great spot to hang the coal tongs.



I hope this gives you enough detail to build your own table. There is no right or wrong way to build them, so make one that meets your needs.  

Joanne

Are you still keen Muzz??
Christmas madness is over & I can find a bit of time between fishing trips,
We might do a proto type & tweak it from there!

Mick,