Fire Kit Information

Jon is an independent blacksmith and is quite busy.  He’d love to be able to take all of your phone calls, but doesn’t have the time.  In order for us to keep prices low, we’ve created this information page, please read through all of the information below as it will most likely answer all of your questions.  If you still have questions, please email michelle@formandreform.com. 

Comments are welcome in the “leave a reply” section below, but it’s best to email your questions.

Welcome to the fire pit kit information page!  With these kits you can build fire pits that run on propane and can be filled with materials such as sand, water, lava rock and glass.  Sand Gardens are an especially big hit because the fire burns at the surface and you can create burning designs in the sand by drawing into it with a rod. The following information is to help you understand how the kit goes together so you can safely create your own unique fire pit.  Please use caution when making and using your creation and use common sense to keep it safe.

All fire rings have staggered burner ports for a better flame pattern and a more significant flame presence. Both stainless steel and cold rolled steel are available – they feature ports that are drilled not punched; hub is raised above concentric rings to reduce risk of water in valve or gas line. A plugged 1/2 NPT coupler is welded at the center allowing them to be plumbed from either side. Rings may be used for natural gas or propane applications however the below kits are designed for propane applications. Please follow instructions during installation – Media type and amount is critical for safe operation.

Finished examples

Shop for a kit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each Propane Kit Contains:
- fire ring or burner, 3/8″ 45 deg flare to 1/2 NPT fitting (to connect to the gas hose), 1/2″  brass nipple, Teflon tape, lighter, propane regulator with needle valve and 12′ hose.

- Although you’ll only need one, the the kit also includes two couplers.  If you’d prefer to weld your coupler into place, use the steel black one, otherwise the 1/2″ Bulkhead coupler requires no welding and fits into a 1 1/8 hole.

 

Step One:

Pick a container

In addition to the plumbing parts you will need a container that is able to handle high temperatures and hold the media you will use. Make sure it’s water tight if your going to make a sand garden.

With a little searching though your local hardware store, garden center, junkyard or restaurant supply you can find great ready made vessels to build in.

The bottom 6″-12″ of a 55 gal drum works great. I have also used woks, Stainless Salad bowl, dog bowls or a flat plate of steel. Stay away from painted steel, aluminum, and galvanized steel as these will release fumes or melt.

Don’t situate the fire directly against cement or wood.  If you’re working with a cement or wooden structure, set up a metal vessel within the structure, allow for ventilation and leave plenty of room between the metal and the structure for air flow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step Two:

Add a hole for the coupler

Locate and mark the center of the wok, then center punch. Make sure you are center punching with a hard object backing up the other side. if you don’t your mark will be too light and you risk just making a big dent. Now using a step drill in picture 2, or a hole saw, drill a 1 1/8″ hole. if you find the bit wandering off center go back and make a better center punch. Stainless steel is very hard and lots of pressure is need to get the first hole on the step drill. Step drills are a great way to make round holes in thin materials. Normal drills tend to make oblong holes in thin materials and a large hole is really not recommend with standard drill bits. A step drill can be found at your local hardware store in the drill section, or in the electrical area for making knock outs for EMT conduit. they are not cheap and a more economical  solution is a hole saw. These come in the diff sizes. Drill a 1″ hole for the  weld in coupler and weld in place.

Step Three:

Plumbing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For this build I use the brass 1/2 NPT Bulkhead fitting. It should fit snug in the hole. Secure with the nut and add additional high temp sealant if it is not water tight (for sand). The 1/2 NPT coupler could be welded in it’s place as an alternative. Next use the 1/2 NPT nipple to attach the ring to the inside of the bowl.  If using sand make sure the holes on the ring are pointed down so it doesn’t run in, for rocks, high temp glass or other porous materials point the holes up. On the bottom of the bowl attach the 1/2 NPT x 3/8 45 deg flare fitting to the coupler. Now attach the hose/regulator using the 45 deg flare fitting on the end of your hose.

Use Teflon tap on all the NPT fittings. Do not use on the 45deg flare fittings (hose connection).

Venturi upgrade

 

A venturi (gas air mixer) upgrade kit is available for fire kits that will be used with rocks, high temp glass or other porous materials to achieve a clean soot free burn. I offer a 90k BTU kit for the 6-12″ and a 150k BTU kit for 18′ and larger rings. These kits replaces the 1/2 NPT x 3/8 45 deg flare fitting that comes with the standard fire ring kit. The small nut in the center is used to adjust the air/gas mix. Adjustments should be made with media in place as this will affect the burn.  The instillation is the same as what is shown above.  Do not use sand, water or any material that will block up the holes on the venturi and build up back pressure.  I recommend lava rock or glass.

Use your discretion (aka common sense) when choosing materials for your media and structure.  If you aren’t sure, do some good old fashion research. Some advise I give a lot is to make sure they won’t pop when heated. Also, use caution when lighting as built up gas will make a whoosh and burn off your hair!