Build about 20 individual fires in there to the heat intensity and duration of the intended use, and see if everything still slides together, nice work.

 

Seems kinda small for the fires my groups make. Price is steep comparing to NRS pans with a grill. Would like to see an aluminum lid like NRS, we use it for DO cooking while burning a fire.

Also putting two of yours together would create a space for the fire embers to fall through

 

Seems kinda small for the fires my groups make. Price is steep comparing to NRS pans with a grill. Would like to see an aluminum lid like NRS, we use it for DO cooking while burning a fire.

Also putting two of yours together would create a space for the fire embers to fall through

I think the idea is that it is for IK self support, which is a differnet set of cooking circumstances than a full blown raft support trip. You might grill a little or bake a tatter, but you probably aren't bringing a lot of grill food and big dutch ovens on an IK self support trip. And how would a lid fit into this equation, not needed as it all comes appart and I assume would fit in some sort of heavy duty stuff sack. A lid on a NRS setup keeps all the parts together for packing, not needed for this design.

 

I see, then ignore all my points For kayak self support seems pretty cool then.

 

I am a CU mechanical grad and remember taking that class. We made a solar toilet.... Anyways, get those legs made out of something that requires less machining, you could easily get something like those bent out of some sheet metal. What shop did you get it done at. I know a few local (denver/louisville) sheet metal shops that do excellent work. I've used them both for a couple of years now for work and my own projects. Send the files over to get quotes, factor in labor, packaging and profit and that is your asking price.

 

Looks good and I like the ability to break it down. The thing I would worry about is the aluminum sides. I like a big hot fire. With aluminum's lower melting temp I would be worried about melting it or warping it. That would keep me from buying it.

 

Nice design. I like the breakdown aspect and the lighter weight. I can see it as a great piece of gear for self support kayakers, but perhaps not as big a market to rafters. I currently use a collapsible firepan that is 15X13 packed, can extend to 15X25, weighs 15 lbs. and cost $40. We do a lot of DO cooking with two 12 inch & two 10 inch DOs stacked. We need a minimum of 24 inches in length to fit the DOs. That's a lot of weight & heat. Can your firepan handle that? I'm not sure that the weight savings and breakdown aspects would offset the price for a 17X24 firepan???
Just my two cents.....the pack ability sure looks sweet though. If it was priced under $100 I might be tempted.

 

I'm no chemist. From a toxin standpoint, what happens to aluminum when it gets really hot? Will the sides of the firepan get hot enough to release something that shouldn't be inhaled? Like using a galvanized oil pan?

 

I'm no chemist. From a toxin standpoint, what happens to aluminum when it gets really hot? Will the sides of the firepan get hot enough to release something that shouldn't be inhaled? Like using a galvanized oil pan?

First it warps, then it melts. I'm no expert but i dont think the temp of a fire can gassify it.

The vapor from zinc coating in galvanized metal, at least when welded, can cause zinc poisoning

 

Cool project.
Here's a semi related link from the Liquid Logic kayak camping site. The late (and great) Boyce Greer built a similar pan out of aluminum. The pan was designed to fit in an XP10 river touring boat, and because of that was able to be taken apart into small pieces. Check out the comments after the post, there were some similar questions in regards to the Aluminum, and it's heating properties
The Fire Pan | Self Support Kayak Camping
Overall consensus from Woody and the crew was that a fire cloth or even a Kevlar welding blanket would do the trick, and also do a good job at containing ashes...
He also has a Ti vs. Al analysis in there too comparing the weight differences...Pretty cool.
Boyce was the man.

 

Nice design, definitely looks sweet. Using the steel plates on the bottom might be a good idea, and lighter than bringing the fire blanket for the inside of the pan. But exposed aluminum sides doesn't seem that sweet.

We had two different breakdown firepans on the Grand (for a self support), this was one of them that Pagel owns (not the best photo). We use a small fire-blanket on the inside, and then a layer of sand, so the fire isn't in contact with the aluminum. The aluminum base plates still get some warping, and you can't have raging grease bomb fires, but you can flip the plates and it works for what you need. A grill attachment would be the next luxury.

Wing nuts and bolts need good storage, but probably more sand proof than sliding parts.

Probably a pretty limited market... I'd test one out for you though!

 

Aluminum melts at 900 to 1200 degrees typically. Your fire will probably be that hot....... Don't put your feet under there.....

 

Good for IK
Did you use 6061 or 7003 ?
Watch the expansion and contracting with Aluminum, it will crack, has to be cooled down slowly. But you already know that.
Looks like a design I saw a few years back.








AMERICAN STRONGBOX MFG. AMERICAN STRONGBOX MANUFACTURING LLc. - Home*

 

With this one jackass post you just lost a potential customer, start your own thread to talk about strong boxes if you want. I would suggest the moderators delete your post from this thread, it has nothing to do with this guy's school project and it is obviously just a commercial post.

 

touche. (shameless self promotion)
Ya I know , Its Stainless steel by the way.
I wasnt saying that your design is like this one. I like the concept...You need to look at the USPTO before you end up penny-less.

 

I use a Partner Steel mini fire pan. Best I could find that combined smaller pack ability, lighter weight, and lower price. I'm in the process of adding removable legs to it. Sounds like you thought through many of people's questions and concerns. Let us know if you actually go into production.

 

i really like the idea for smaller self support trips. i am still not convinced about the aluminum side parts. have u had any 10 hr fires in it? i am also wonering how it will fair in taking apart and putting back together after some heat warping and some ashes w/ grease abd some rust r mixed in to the process. love the idea though. seems like it will be a very dirty job dealing with it. p.s. hey cataraftgirl, where did u get that fire pan? it sound pretty neat .