charcoal ash filter box basket

mukl

I used as many words as I could to describe this thread because there are so many ways to address this issue.

The issue is filtering lump after a burn. I'm not as meticulous, and frankly, sometimes up here it rains too much and I don't feel like getting soaked...so sometimes I don't get a great lump cleaning/clean out.

So...my quest has led me to the following. And if there are any really good welders out there (cough...ceramic Grill store...cough) maybe you could fashion more of a flared box than these.

http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Charcoal-Grate-Upgrade-Large/dp/B004XU1FES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336365728&sr=8-1

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/stainless-steel-round-wire-basket-8/124WISS8.html

I'm guessing one and three, which sit on top of the fire grate, are either coated (might give off fumes) or not strong enough to handle the heat. By the way, one #1, I'd use wire cutters to make the holes bigger...around 1.5" square. Also, #1 isn't flared...it's just a basket, so there will be plenty of lump that accumulates on the sides.

The idea is to just grab the sides and shake out the bad stuff. Or with #2, to have bigger holes so more falls though. I know...I know...why waste lump...but I just get tired of having a firebox half full of 1/2" pieces that plug up the air holes.

thoughts?

tjv

Since you hinted at ceramic grill store, here is what I've been using since 2006ish.  

Lump basket is easy to use: lift out, shake, put back.  I use a plastic, single gang, electrical conduit box to scoop the ash out of the base's bottom.  Couple scoops and done.  Total project time is maybe one minute.  

I go back and forth on fabricating the lump basket.  I started two trash can fires when I first used it.  After all these years, it still sits in the large egg collecting dust......ash dust that is......

I made one for the xl too but found it kinda a hassle because of its size........

I'll give it some more thought on fabricating them.....

t