Pellet Fan
Pit Talk -- Comments and Questions Regarding These Pellet Pits => MAK => Topic started by: RemoGaggi on October 01, 2017, 08:03:34 PM
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I've been wanting to front shelf for my older MAK 1-star, but after searching the net, it doesn't look like there's anything out there. I see the newer 1-Star has a front shelf option, but even that is $175. I was thinking about getting a Traeger folding shelf and trying to modify it to fit, but I didn't want to drill any holes in the MAK, so here's what I came up. WARNING! This is a MAGNETIC shelf, so it can and will come off if you put too much weight on it. Total cost was just under $20. Parts needed are 2 shelf brackets, 4 magnets from Harbor Freight, some 1/2" long nuts & bolts, and a piece of wood.
I got these shelf brackets from Home Depot. They were less than $5 each
(https://i.imgur.com/tkdgOAx.jpg?3)
I got these from Harbor Freight for $4.99. The claim to hold 65lbs and come in a 2-pak. You need 4 magnets, so get two packages. A comparable magnet at home depot sells for over $6 for just a single magnet, so the HF magnets are more than half the price of HD. But, you've got to do a little work with the HF magnets. You need to use a 1/4 drill and drill out the rivet in the center to remove the hook. It's super easy and after the hook is removed, it will look like this.
(https://i.imgur.com/0CHtYCZ.jpg?1)
After you've removed the hooks from the 4 magnets attach them to the brackets with 1/2" long machine bolts and nuts.
(https://i.imgur.com/YToiaP9.jpg?1)
From there, I attached the brackets to my Mak, place my wood shelf on it, and screwed the shelf to the brackets. I plan on either painting my wood shelf or staining it, but here it is right now with a 20lb Kettlebell on it. I was able to add 2 additional 7lb dumbbells on it (not pictured) and it held. But, your mileage will vary- we're dealing with magnets. It's pretty sturdy holding 20lbs, but it could get dicey up around 30lbs.
(https://i.imgur.com/Er5pNK4.jpg?1)
Here it is again without the weights. It is a little off center on the MAK, but cause I designed it to also fit my re-purposed mini Traeger.
(https://i.imgur.com/2Fa77Oy.jpg?1)
Some years ago, I had a mini Traeger that peeled and Traeger replaced the barrel under warranty, so I bought a set of legs and turned it into a charcoal grill. Here the Franken-Traeger with shelf.
(https://i.imgur.com/JzXMu3C.jpg?1)
It's an easy project and I figure it is strong enough to hold any food I put on it. I'm thinking the heaviest thing I would put on it is a 16lb brisket on a foil pan. That plus the brackets & wood is probably around 20lbs at most so I figure I've got some weight to go before it falls on the ground.
I'm open to suggestions if anyone has suggestions on how to make this even stronger. HD sells a 95lb rated magnet, but these are $7.86 each, so it drives the cost up significantly.
UPDATE:
I found some stronger magnets that are smaller and some folding shelf brackets from Amazon so I did a complete redo. The magnets are rated at 120lb and come in a 2-pak for $7.40. The brackets are $9.71 each. I can tell these magnets make the shelf a lot stronger.
(https://i.imgur.com/73I8AW1.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/xgjwX0O.jpg?1)
I stained the shelf with black (ebony) stain and the shelf is much stronger with the new magnets, plus it folds!
(https://i.imgur.com/ixUdXef.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/JqayDTD.jpg?1)
I returned the other brackets to home depot, but had to keep the HF magnets since I drilled them out. Total project cost was about $28.
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Very Clever! .... Nicely done. I'm sure you will enjoy the convenience of having that front shelf.
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I have put a 19.5lb. brisket on a shelf once, I don't believe I have ever exceeded that number. I cant see ever putting 34lbs on a shelf.
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I have put a 19.5lb. brisket on a shelf once, I don't believe I have ever exceeded that number. I cant see ever putting 34lbs on a shelf.
I remember seeing a photo of two guys sitting on the Memphis Elite side shelves that I think was at the Royal.
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That was Z and Memphis Tech I believe up there at the Hearthland Plant I think...Will have to ask him!
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Those Memphis shelves are solid.
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That was Z and Memphis Tech I believe up there at the Hearthland Plant I think...Will have to ask him!
Trooper & I at the 2015 Royal sitting on the shelves of my Pro.
Z
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You have a great memory! Wow, just 2 years ago...All the parting in my younger days is coming back to haunt me...
I remember seeing a photo of two guys sitting on the Memphis Elite side shelves that I think was at the Royal.
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You have a great memory! Wow, just 2 years ago...All the parting in my younger days is coming back to haunt me...
I remember seeing a photo of two guys sitting on the Memphis Elite side shelves that I think was at the Royal.
Long term memory is still pretty good...short term memory not so good. Sometimes I log into the computer to do something and by the time I am logged in I forget what is was I wanted to look up.
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Those Memphis shelves are solid.
I do wish it had a front shelf though. Anyone come up with a mod for that?
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Those Memphis shelves are solid.
I do wish it had a front shelf though. Anyone come up with a mod for that?
I would bet that Zep could come up with something. He is the king of mods.
Z
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That was Z and Memphis Tech I believe up there at the Hearthland Plant I think...Will have to ask him!
Trooper & I at the 2015 Royal sitting on the shelves of my Pro.
Z
Trooper - I like the T-shirt. My daughter is a Hope student and the after-hours donut runs are legendary! I've also been known to frequent the place a time or two.
I do have a regional question for you. It is off topic, but just curious if you know anything about the Pipeline BBQ in West Olive? Drove past there a while back. Looked interesting, is it worth a stop?
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Sharp and very creative! :)
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I do wish it had a front shelf though. Anyone come up with a mod for that?
X2 too bad the magnets won't work on the 304 stainless
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That was Z and Memphis Tech I believe up there at the Hearthland Plant I think...Will have to ask him!
Trooper & I at the 2015 Royal sitting on the shelves of my Pro.
Z
Trooper - I like the T-shirt. My daughter is a Hope student and the after-hours donut runs are legendary! I've also been known to frequent the place a time or two.
I do have a regional question for you. It is off topic, but just curious if you know anything about the Pipeline BBQ in West Olive? Drove past there a while back. Looked interesting, is it worth a stop?
I have not been to that location in a few years. I did stop there to scan through the menu right after they put up the BBQ sign. As I recall I was not impressed, but it has been quite awhile.
Perhaps, I should visit again soon and update you through a PM.
Getting back to comments about the front shelf. As you may know, I am BIG on my Memphis Advantage. The pellets are loaded in a front compartment and the lid for this pellet compartment makes for a WONDERFUL front shelf.
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Just drill the holes and be done with it. It’s no big deal. If you Remove the shelf later, you can just put small bolts back in it to close the holes. Really who cares if your grill has some holes in it.
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Dang, it just keeps getting better :)