BBQ Grill

[dallasbbq]

I know this is probably the wrong forum to ask this question but I’m having difficulty finding experts in metal working on the web. Hopefully, the group will not mind answering my off topic questions. I’m working on a project to develop a new bbq grill concept. I was hoping someone could help me learn more about manufacturing techniques. Listed below are a few questions I was hoping someone could answer…

1) I want to produce a charcoal grill that is similar to a Weber grill but has an oval shape. What type of manufacturing process is used to produce this type of item?

2) Weber typically uses steel for their grills. I have issues with weight and was hoping to use aluminum or an alternative material to steel that is lighter. Would aluminum work in a high heat environment?

3) How much more expensive is aluminum than steel?

Thanks in advance

[dbug10]

I fell sure that the Weber grills are stamped as far as using aluminum I would not reccomend it for resale if you are building it for yourself it might be ok and Aluminum is definatly more expensive than steel

[joeyg1973]

Aluminum becomes brittle at fairly low temperature. I know people that use an old charcoal grill to break up large pieces of aluminum so that they can fit it in a crucible to melt in a furnace.

[powderguy]

Aluminum melting point is almost 1/2 lower than steel's..... (depends how good it is of course).... ...

[SaltwaterServr]

I fell sure that the Weber grills are stamped as far as using aluminum I would not reccomend it for resale if you are building it for yourself it might be ok and Aluminum is definatly more expensive than steel

Yes they are stamped. History Channel or Discovery Channel had a program about BBQ'ing last week sometime. They went through the entire Weber plant showing how they are made from the disc blanks through the packaging and testing.