Uses for Old Gas BBQs

Uses for Old Gas BBQs

Just killing time

Look familiar? pretty common item in most households.

This is our 3rd BBQ, they just don't seem to last forever, as I once thought they would.

I'll spring for a new set of rocks periodically, but once the burners rot out or the controls start to leak it's toast.

But what can it be used for other than filling the municipal dump?

The old tanks can be used for a small metal foundry, or as a tank for an air compressor.

The Hood shell assembly is aluminum and melts down nicely for whatever you want.

But the base is where I wanted to concentrate today.

Here is one that is in the process of being stripped down. The bottom shelf already has a piece of scrap 3/4" plywood screwed into place. The Batteries are nice ballast for the unit for now.

A middle shelf of more plywood is bolted into place.

This cart will be for marine and deep cycle 12V batteries, as a charging station and reconditioning.

This shelf is for storing a Digital multi-meter and the battery desulfator (an essential item to keep Lead Acid cells in top condition.)

The top Shelf is 3/4" particle board, definitely not my first choice, as it disintegrates if allowed to get wet, but it will do for now.

The top is fastened with 8 1/4" carriage bolts countersunk and drilled through the steel tubing.

The original amenities rack is still in good condition so I've left it in place.

The top is 16" by 50", so is handy for any number of tasks, and is easily moved like any wheeled cart.

This is our original BBQ originally from 1986, I modified the mid shelf location so that the table saw would sit down low enough that a larger table surface could be mounted.

This arrangement was made about 5 years ago and has been quite functional. I'd be stretching the truth to say that it is equivalent to a $700 or $800 table saw, but certainly has extended the utility of a cheap $100 10" saw for my needs.

With space at a premium, when the saw is not in use, I lower the blade and clamp a sheet of hardboard over the saw.

Now it is a standard bench for storing junk or working off of.

I realize that this isn't the cool gee-whiz type project like the CNC mill or the lathe, but it is simple, practical and easy.

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