Hi there metal makers. I would like to build a frame to hold 2 himalayan salt cooking blocks similar to the photo below. I have not yet taken, but am interested in the welding class.
Not sure what would be the best way to do this so I thought I would hit up the hive brain here.
For whatever reason the 16x8x2 inch blocks are about twice what it would cost to put two 12x8x2 inch blocks together side by side (which is more surface area). Ideally, I would like to use stainless steel, but cast iron would work as well; any other thoughts? Maybe a mild steel thats powder coated or enameled?
I assume welding is the way to go, but would like to hear other viable options. Can anyone else think of something I’m missing or a better method?
Thanks in advance for your input!
Brazing.
Will the frame be exposed to high heat?
Will the frame be outside for long periods of time / exposed to the elements?
It’s my understanding that bacteria survives a significantly shorter period of time on copper surfaces versus steel surfaces. Is making the frame from copper (pipes) an option?
Brazing is an option, but the most accessible way is usually oxy acetylene torch heated, which we don’t and can’t have at the space. There isn’t any real reason to prefer it either if you are going with steel or stainless steel. The example photos look like medium gauge sheet metal folded into angle, and likely just spot welded then powder coated. (Or maybe some other heat resistant grill paint or similar)
Cast iron you would want to braze, but unless you are trying to use the frame as a cooking surface and season it like a cast iron pan, I see zero reason to go with cast iron. It is usually more difficult to acquire, more brittle, and more of a nuisance to work with.
Some googling suggests this might get used in an oven to 500F, which isn’t an issue for any of the welding, brazing, or metals in question. But it is too hot for a powder coat finish.
If weight isn’t really an issue, I would suggest common steel angle welded, then figure out which bad compromise to make on finish options.
If you feel fancy, it could be done out of stainless, but against a salt block, it will rust if bare, and you have fewer finish options.
I’ve seen these holders and it’s actually on my list of things to make (once I live in a spot I can grill at again).
Weld it; as for the metal choice it comes to some preferences but I was going to make mine out of aluminum for the temperature range I was planning to use it at, and not have to deal with any special coatings.
You can powder coat it, but IMHO you would want to ensure the salt side facing the steel stays that way if this is for anything other than presentation i.e. cooking on. I would not powder coat it if you’re going to exceed 300 degrees with it, as the coating may start to become wet and flow.
There are a few routes you can take:
- procure angle stock and simply cut/weld it.
- use flat sheet stock, then the metal brake to make the bends for the side walls to your liking (it’s pretty easy to use, but right now classes aren’t being taught often. if you catch me around I can show you on the spot). then weld it
- plasma cut an existing tray of some kind (hand plasma if the material is thin, if it’s thicker you may be able to invert it on the CNC table if it’s shallow enough)
The handles are something that can be done with the induction forge as a blacksmithing thing, or you can use something pre-existing or more basic.
As for the welding class, TIG gives you the greatest control, as well it works on materials such as Aluminum and Stainless better. MIG is the easier process to get the hang of, but has less granular control (especially on thinner materials, where I’ve seen people eat their work pieces).
if you want to use stainless, then you would need 316 or a similar alloy with a higher chlorine resistance. I may actually have some left over, but it’s 1/4" plate that you’d have to cut and weld. Extra heft and cutting it is a pain, though with our recent update to the hand plasma might be more feasible.
I’d likely stick with the mild steels; as for the finish some high temperature paint similar to what they use for repairing grills might work well, or you can try a Cerakote which is a high temperature ceramic coating. I’ve never done it before but it’s something I’ve always wanted to see if we can make happen at the space.
Cheers,
-Jim
First off, thanks everyone for the responses!
I had not thought of copper or aluminum so yes they are options. The main thing is that this will need to be sturdy as the salt blocks are fairly heavy (guessing, but maybe 15-20 lbs for both), and yes they will get up to 500 degrees. I would suspect aluminum might be the cheaper way to go then, and I’m guessing I wouldn’t have to worry about any potential rust or finishes.
I’m not in any kind of rush on this, but would anyone be available to assist with this project? Maybe late September or October-ish. I am happy to trade time for time if you are interested in leatherwork or woodturning (or I can straight up just make you something).
I’d be down to help you with it, and I’ve been meaning to learn wood turning. I’d recommend TIG (which I teach) and Aluminum or Stainless (since it gets heated, probably Aluminum)
I’m teaching a TIG class next weekend (Sept. 8th, 10:30AM) and we’ll be welding Aluminum if you’d like to join. If you have your materials I can probably stick around after the class to help you for an hour or two.
Because this was news to me, is this (roughly) how this will be used?
That changes substantially how the stand should be made, I should think, from how I thought this was used based on my introduction (your post).
I just signed up, thanks! and yes, lets check out schedules Saturday and see what works best for some time/project trades. I really appreciate it!
Yessir, you cant do it too often because its a lot of salt, but damn if it isn’t super tasty. Also, veggies, shrimp, and scallops are amazing on the salt block.
Do the salt blocks come in standard size(s)?
Or, would something adjustable be a better choice?
They seem to be pretty standard divisions of 4’s, so like 4x4, 4x8, 8x8, 8x12, and 8x16. The 8x16 is what my friend has and I think she paid about $100 for it. Its awesome, but the best I could find for one was $75. That’s where the idea to piece 2 12x8’s together came from (for $50 no less).
Here’s the one I was looking at- https://www.ebay.com/itm/HIMALAYAN-SALT-BLOCK-PLATE-8-X-12-X-2-FREE-SHIPPING-bricks-slabs-natural-NEW/322795345179?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
I just re-read this and realized that I have no idea what I would need to get so I thought I would ask. Seems like maybe an 6ft piece of angle aluminum would do the trick, right? Maybe 3/16 x 1-1/4 in size? I think I would also need to get a piece of flat as well for the cross bar across the bottom. I will try to get this by Saturday. Is there a local metal place you recommend? If not I will consult the Wiki.
That should work. 1/4" is the max we can weld aluminum with our current welding setup, so as long as you are below that it can be welded, the question is what is strong enough for the block you are wanting to carry. I don’t really have much a feel there, so pick what you think is good and we’ll go from there. You might also want to get some bar for welding the center strap if you wanted to copy the above design completely.
I normally deal with Metals4UOnline as they are close to the space and are open during business hours for will call. They are NOT open on weekends, or late on weekdays, so take that in mind.
I’ll go check them right now, I can pick it up during lunch tomorrow or Friday so that works.
I think the shipping weight of each block is 8 lbs so its probably 16 lbs total. 3/16 should work for that right?
It should but you’re the one who’s got to be happy with it, so I’ll let you decide how strong it is when you have it in your hands.
As far as handles go, I would get some metal door handles and drill and tap handles as aluminum doesn’t really work well in the blacksmith world.
I looked at the tensile strength and I’m sure it will be fine. Also I ended up grabbing some square tube stock and I have an idea for the handles using that. See you Saturday, thanks again for all the help!