Our storage facility has a community junk pile. Locals leave scrap metal which eventually gets recycled. I noticed an old propane tank so asked Ms Sara. She said I could have anything I could use. The first step was removing the float valve; aka overflow protection device (OPD).
A 6" side inlet was the smallest doorway I could see working. To get rounded corners a bi-metal hole saw was my friend. A 4" square was marked on the side of the tank. At each corner a 2" hole was made. A grinder with cut-off disc connected the corner holes. Not too shabby, eh?
For the outlet I choose 3" exhaust pipe. It's readily available from local auto parts stores in convenient sections. One end is already expanded to slip snuggly over another pipe. So the threaded valve bung on top was removed with a hole saw. Then a short piece of pipe was welded for the outlet port.
An 18" section of pipe established the flue. Supposedly the taller the stack the hotter it burns. For more height just add another section. This got the project started. Viola! DIY chimenea.
I prefer to discharge smoke above the heads of those gathered around the fire. That keeps smoke out of everyone's eyes, hair and clothes. While there's more room for improvement, it works as is.
After breaking in the chimenea for a few nights I gave it to Ms Sara. I can make another one. Just repurposing some junk was satisfying enough. The build is often the funnest part for this project junkie.
