DIY Welding Project: How to Build a Metal Fire Pit [Guide] | MillerWelds

DIY Welding Project: How to Build a Metal Fire Pit [Guide]

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Follow these instructions to build a fire pit perfect for chilly fall evenings.

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate

TIME COMMITMENT:  6 hours

Here's what you'll need to get started.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

fire pit planFire Pit Plan
multiprocess welderMiller® Multimatic® 220 AC/DC multiprocess welder
plasma cutterMiller® Spectrum® 875 plasma cutter
wire
.045" Hobart® filler (TIG)
wire
.030" Hobart® solid wire (MIG) 
sheet of mild steel
4' x 8' x 1⁄4" sheet of mild steel 
surface conditioning tool
Grinder (with flap wheel) 

Tools used in building but not required:

table Plasma cutting table
clamps Clamps
GrinderSurface conditioning tool (for any rust removal)
square tubesSquare tubes


WARNING: READ AND FOLLOW ALL LABELS AND THE OWNER'S MANUAL.

Step 1

STEP ONE:

Using the plan linked in the materials section, cut the fire pit design on your steel sheet using the Spectrum 875 plasma cutter. You can also bring the file to a local sheet metal shop to be cut. If you plan on cutting by hand, you can find the dimensions here. Once you have your cuts, use a grinder with a flap wheel to clean up the edges of the plates so they are ready for assembly.

Step 2

STEP TWO:

Assemble your two base pieces by interlocking at the center, using clamps to secure. As each side panel rests into place, tack them at the base and corner using the Multimatic 220 AC/DC.
Step 2

STEP THREE:

After the side panels are in place, insert the center panel to rest on the bottom of the frame. Using the Multimatic set to 1/4-inch Auto-Set™ features, begin welding from the underside first, working from the center out. Spreading out the welds and dispersing heat evenly can help keep the fire pit square and level.
Step 4

STEP FOUR:

After bringing the Multimatic down to 1/8-inch settings, form and fill in the upper corners of the fire pit where each side piece meets. You will want to do this while the material is still cold. You can come back later to dress down the corners with a grinder to get a sharp edge.
Step 5

STEP FIVE:

Switch the settings on your Multimatic back to 1/4-inch and weld the interior corners of the fire pit from the top down to the base panel. While the area is hot, weld the base panel near the corner you just completed.
Step 6

STEP SIX:

Enjoy your new fire pit!

DAVID OLIVER

David Oliver
David, a native Texan, is the owner and lead fabricator at Willomet Motor & Fabrication in Dallas, TX. Formally trained as an engineer, his primary focus is in automotive projects. David’s projects are built to be driven hard, and his preference for TIG welding really shows in his detail-rich work. Most of that work is on his pro-touring 1970 Charger or his 1985 diesel Suburban. You can track the progress of those and other projects on his business's YouTube channel and Instagram. When David is not in the shop, you can usually find him spending time with his wife and their two dogs, Harriet and Aura-Lee.

Welding projects

Feeling inspired? Check out our project page for DIY welding projects, including step-by-step guidance, videos and downloadable plans.

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Related Products

Multimatic 220 AC-DC Model
Multimatic® 220 AC/DC Multiprocess Welder AC/DC TIG, MIG, flux-cored, and stick welder featuring QuickTech™. 120V or 240V input power.
Spectrum 875 XT60M 907583002 REBATE
Spectrum 875 Plasma Cutter with XT60 Long-Body Torch with 25-ft. Cable Compact, 51 lb, 230/208V 1 PH unit provides plenty of power for 7/8 in. mild steel cutting.
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