BBQ

Bean can barbeque

This project was prompted by my wife's Brownie Pack wanting to have a Fathers' Day barbeque.

So here is how I made the bean tin barbecue:

As far as materials go all you need Is a baked bean tin.  I used the commercial size supplied by one of the other Brownie leaders. You could also use an old paint tin that has been cleaned out, or, if you can find one, an old coffee tin.

The first step in making the barbeque is to mark the position of the holes around the bottom edge of the tin using a soft tape; a draper's tape is very good for this.

Mark the holes about an inch (2.5cm) apart just above the base of the tin. You need to leave enough room so that when you punch the holes it doesn’t weaken the base of the tin.

To make the holes in the tin I suggest using a centre punch and a small claw hammer, along with a folding work bench (WorkMate_©).

Now simply punch the holes at the points you have already marked. This may take some effort to get the punch to penetrate the tin. The other way, if you have a workshop and the skills, is to use a pillar drill.  The advantage of this is that you don’t leave sharp edges where the hole comes through the side of the tin.

Of course if you feel you want to make your can look even better you could fit it with some sort of base or legs. Otherwise, use some bricks or other solid support to keep your barbeque off the ground.

For firing we use our own lumpwood charcoal which burns hotter and cleaner than charcoal briquettes without the need for lighter fluid.

If you are using a barbeque always act in a responsible and safe manner. Keep hot surfaces clear of the ground and make sure all charcoal is extinguished before disposal.