Make:

• Make Projects - Volume 07
• Send GPS data to your computer without a microcontroller
• Homebrew iPod remote allows for easy control for the visually impaired
• Eglantine lamp
• Multitool keys
• HOW TO - Mod a VGA screen into a Chumby

Looks like he's using galvanized ducting for this hack.

The vapor emitted from hot galvanized steel is toxic to breathe!!!

"Aaron Newcomb made his own charcoal chimney for less than 20 dollars"

That's great and all. I certainly applaud his ingenuity, but...I got my charcoal chimney at some big-box store for about 12 bucks.

Don't these things only cost $12 or so? I remember buying mine at a local hardware store for something around that. Nice construction, though. Even if it's somewhat toxic (re-galvanized steel comment), it still beats lighter fluid.

I think that's a picture of his old flimsy charcoal chimney. He built a 'monster' one out of metal duct that seems to be about 3X larger.

Posted by: Becky Stern on June 27, 2008 at 12:08 PM

You're right, James, and that's the point of his project-- it's bigger than your standard charcoal chimney and therefore better for entertaining guests (galvanization aside). Plus it's always fun to make your own of something...

... and brain damage from the galvanizing will make the guests easy to entertain. This was a good idea, but he needs to get STOVEPIPE (the black kind) and not common duct (the shiny kind).

Or just buy a gas grill and avoid the whole mess.

I remember using something like this when we would go tailgate camping in he boy scouts. Ours were made out of large (gallon size?) tin cans, top and bottom cut out and triangle shaped holes around the bottom edge made with a can opener. Thy were very effective and the price was cheap as free.

Posted by: mrmeval on June 27, 2008 at 9:23 PM

Just use a portable propane or mapp gass torch, it's faster.

Also use natural charcoal rather than crap that's got binders in it. It burns fine and the tastes imparted are fantastic.

What poo-poo'ers. This is a great idea. No one is going to cook *over* the chimney starter, nor is anyone going to huff the fumes. The commercial chimney start I have looks like it was made of galvanized steel. I probably breathe more heavy metals during a hot shower.

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