How to make a Simple Fire Pit & Tie Fighter Grill | I Like To Make Stuff

We wanted a fire pit in the backyard so of course I gave it a Star Wars spin. Check out www.iliketomakestuff.com for cool merch, new podcasts, and all of the ILTMS projects!
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Our backyard has a really nice bundle of trees that we really enjoy. Convenient for this project, in the most lush part of the year, there is a big opening right in the middle. I decided to put the fire pit right under that clearing. This is very important because you don't want the fire to accidentally ignite any leaves or branches that are above it. Luckily, this spot was also pretty level.
I began this project by purchasing a grill grate on which we would cook our food. It would be absolutely practical to build the fire pit so that this grate sat on the edges of the bricks, chimney style. But such a design presented a problem, if I wanted to add logs then I would have to remove the grate (which doesn't have handles) and risk spilling my food on the ground. So to allow for room to stoke the fire, I would have to suspend the grill grate over the middle of the fire pit.
At Lowe's, I found some decorative bricks that I liked and laid them out on the ground to find a size that worked. Using those bricks, I found that 14 of them would make a perfectly-sized fire pit.
I decided that 4 levels of brick would work for this project. One row would be partially buried to add foundational support and the other three would provide some protection for smaller kids around the fire. If you're doing the math at home, that's 56 bricks, ugh. So Josh and I lugged all those stones from store to Cruiser to back yard to final resting place.
I drove a stake into the center of my fire pit so that I could have a reference point when stacking our circular walls. After digging out a little bit of the ground for the first level, I started arranging the bricks. To allow for air flow, I spaced a few brick apart at the bottom. And once I had the first layer set, we just started stacking in an overlapping pattern until the walls were up.
The fire pit was done. We could sit and relax while watching the sunset, listening to the crackle of burning scrap wood...but I'm hungry and this thing needs to cook food. Remember that we needed some kind of support to hold up the grill grate? Well, as I do, I got a geeky idea. Instead of just setting two metal bars on top of the bricks and laying the grate on them, I decided to weld up a metal support that resembled Darth Vader's Tie Fighter from Star Wars.
First, I measured the distance across the fire pit to roughly the center of the bricks. Then I transferred this measurement to my shop floor with some chalk and traced out the grate in the center. I drew out the angular pieces of the Tie Fighter wings and measured them with my digital angle gauge. Using a Sharpie, I drew these angles onto some 3/4" steel square tubing. The plan was to cut these triangular notches in the top of the tube and then bend the steel using the one uncut side as a hinge. I welded up these joints and repeated the process for the other wing as well as the two longer grill supports.
After a few coats of high heat spray paint, I used some JB Weld to attach the grate to the Tie Fighter Supports and the grip was finished. I lugged that heavy thing outside to the fire pit and set it in firmly in place. My plan totally worked, I had plenty of room to add new logs on the fire, I cooked up some lunch for Josh and I, and I really like the way it looks! MUSIC: share.epidemicsound.com/iltms
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How to make a Simple Fire Pit & Tie Fighter Grill | I Like To Make Stuff
• How to make a Simple F...
I Like To Make Stuff
/ iliketomakestuff

[@Iliketomakestuff]

When I mentioned that it didn't take any special tools, I thought it was clear that I was talking about the fire pit separately from the grill surface, but apparently not. Everyone just calm down.

[@horatioswrld]

You can make that grill without special tools. Hack saw and more JB Weld.

[@nickmarino6761]

My apologies, didn't mean to start a revolt. Just mentioned it cause I don't have any of those tools so after I watched the video I realized I did need at least some tools to cut metal, etc. Again my apologies.

[@rippedpantsaj]

I Like To Make Stuff yeah I got that I really enjoy your videos and understand them

[@artiet5982]

Hey! You used a large straight edge for those chalk lines! I thought you said “no special tools”! Jeez! Haha just kidding, great video man. Anyway, people will always feel the need to troll or be negative or create controversy . Anyway, Not your problem buddy, you keep doing great work here.

[@boog1dude]

You were very clear. People need lives.

[@filmfervor]

That drone shot looking down through the trees was AWESOME

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks!

[@mikedavidson7470]

Justin Kincaid was thinking the same thing!

[@blakekillionfilm]

It was!

[@zsiggyy]

Time stamp?

[@MultiKlompen]

@@zsiggyy 3:11

[@DarinBeard]

Loved the grin when the first v-cut angle worked spot-on.

[@Nosolorisascompilaciones]

Me too

[@TheToxicDuo]

Didn’t think anyone could make laying bricks interesting and very helpful, but Bob proves me wrong again... keep up the amazing work ILTMS! I’ve been here since the first few months and love seeing you grow more and more as a channel. Doing amazing things :)

[@timberdish]

Quickly! To the Starbecue!! :D Great job guys.

[@mikekernan5388]

Trademark that name!

[@scottoneal2744]

Great piece Bob. Don't forget folks, check before you dig

[@usmanalvi-awan7817]

I suffer from Anxiety and Depression, And I don't know why watching your videos makes me happy and relaxed. A Big THANK YOU from Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

[@lewistaylor-qi4ci]

Usman Alvi-Awan same here bro

[@GottaWannaDance]

It's because you are focused on something other than yourself (and what's in your head). It's simple, but it works.

[@lewistaylor-qi4ci]

GottaWannaDance ik bro, thanks for understanding

[@oceanbay5624]

Usman Alvi-Awan Jesus Christ can and want to help you. Ask Him for help. He will definitely help you!!!

[@djxxxplicit]

For the firepit, I would recommend digging 5-7" deep then adding a layer of gravel then leveling sand. This will provide a better base so your firepit doesn't sink into the ground in the future.

[@justariflefromjordan]

You need your own TV show. 👍👍👍📺

[@vincentferrari]

Funniest part? The grill top didn't interest me as much as the simplicity of the pit itself. It's something I was gonna buy, but now I think I'm just going to make it!

[@cottoncandy8420]

Same

[@Superman-xr1oh]

Why not just buy it already made? It'll cost you more in bricks alone than if you just bought a fire pit.

[@tevonboyd93]

@@Superman-xr1oh the accomplishment of doing it yourself

[@jakedeane3003]

Yeah for real, lot of the people with who make fire pits always do way too much. You don't need leveling sand and gravel and all that shit

[@charleswestmoreland4261]

Steve Fredrick it costs more at Lowe’s for the fire pit kit than buying the stones separate, which you can make a larger fire pit for less. Same exact stones minus the metal ring insert, that you don’t need.

[@demogod4955]

You can never go wrong with a tie fighter grill.

[@wornoutshoes11]

You are very good at making simple things complicated. 👍👏

[@hhds4716]

Yes more yard builds

[@SpecificLove7]

Great accessory to the pit

[@mikkelchandler5503]

Awesome Video ... Skywalker gives it a Thumbs up...

[@HaggisFist]

I love that this vid is 13:37. Fun build!

[@g30ffm0rt0n]

The force is strong with this one...

[@brandonbaker8541]

That drone shot was cool

[@Jonny2by4]

I don't actually make any of these projects but it's so satisfying to watch. Keep up the great work, Bob!

[@franks.5069]

The quickest way to get from stake to steak...

[@LorenzRommelspacher]

If you like barbecuing you should build a tripod grill. It's the go-to grill in parts of Germany. The hight of the actual grill is adjustable but the special thing is, that the grill surface is movable so you can keep the meat moving over the fire which makes for a very tender steak.. :)

[@PaulCherepnin]

No matter what you build. It’s always interesting to watch

[@NedbLegocity]

Bobtimus, i recently relocated, and a fire ring is on my list of things to build! Thanks for making it easy!

[@iDeviceChgr]

Really cool! I love how you guys incorporate something like Star Wars into projects like this where you wouldn’t even think you could :)

[@djb113]

That drone shot at 3:12 👌

[@DONphantasmo]

You make it look so easy and fun, Bob. Thanks a lot for these great videos!!!

[@richiskinner9810]

What about a Tree house, but for grown ups? A place were you can have a nice summer evening with friends and family.

[@timothycwick297]

Thanks for this video. I appreciate the details and your rational in decisions. You explain things very well. Good job.

[@simonstorey5258]

Excellent and Good Clear instructions

[@scottwooster4102]

Nice. Like the Star Wars theme.

[@vashjr9893]

Bob making something that doesn't involve wood? WHO TOOK THE REAL BOB

[@kjellbjorge5271]

Great idea. I love the Tie-Fighter !!

[@Evski-if4gn]

Not gonna lie. The way this dude Sells his content and his products from his website is awesome. No I’m not a bot and if you haven’t gone to his website I highly suggest you do it’s amazing

[@suearmstrong3404]

Love how you turn ordinary items into something fun. You easily could have made a simple grate for the top but you turned it into a point of interest. I enjoy your constant need to go beyond simple!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks Sue!

[@PracticalRenaissance]

HONEY! BOB MADE THAT THING YOU WANT

[@Gantorin]

Very cool. I like the area you have. Looks like great place to chill with family on a weekend, or read a book and enjoy nature.

[@Metalman200xdamnit]

Very awesome. The fire pit does look simple enough and all you need is some deck chairs and a place to store your wood,equipment,and fire extinguisher.

[@odiesclips7621]

Good one, Bob

[@jan-roarbernhardsen7626]

Great build in the garden. A perfect place for the family to have a lot of nice days

[@jessical4866]

That aerial shot was amazing.

[@JonasWinkler]

That drone shot! Damn that was sweet!! Good job Bob - regards from Germany!

[@Pryorfab]

Construction adhesive between the layers will help long term keep them straight! This is a great video Bob! Fire pits are nice to have when it starts getting cooler!

[@NabilTouchie]

he mentions it at 12:51

[@Pryorfab]

Nabil Touchie yup just wanted to verify it helps much more than you'd expect!

[@jrsmyth9761]

While I agree it will hold the shape better, it will make it a pain to maintain/replace failed stone(s).

[@buli5104]

you could use a simple log to put it next to the fire pit or maybe make it into a bench which would not only create more places to sit but also it would look nicer

[@riccardozardi2262]

IM SURELY going to do this in less than a month, thank you for the real good inspiration and idea

[@masoomali4518]

Nice Fire Pit.

[@N-hunter]

Hey Bob, one idea would be to add a lip made from sheet metal to the grill to prevent food from falling off the grill into the fire.

[@bettyolis7734]

Since new to building stuff ii am so appreciative explaining to leave a space on the bottom tier so air could feed the fire...would have probably forgotten to do that!! Thanks, will be watching more of your videos.

[@TheSmugglersRoom]

Great project Bob! Love the Tie Fighter element, outstanding!

[@pur_let6679]

Cant wait till Lucas film sponsors him

[@BruceAUlrich]

So simple, but so cool!

[@thinkhatch]

I loved that you personalized it with the tie fighter! Now you can make some first order s’mores! Who will be the first to order s’mores? You’re killing me smalls!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Smore what? How can I have more, if I haven’t had ANY? 😉

[@Kevin_In_Alaska]

Great idea and easy construction. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@bwead5856]

Who dislikes your videos? I like them

[@rippedpantsaj]

You are like the binging with babish of engineering

[@donreinholz8121]

That is a cool fire pit.

[@anmedia7747]

Cool your videos need so much more views because they are so amazing and interesting and useful!

[@skyborne6393]

Love the bloopers. 😂♥️ and simplicity is best.

[@FixItNick]

Great stuff good job keep it up!

[@Danman1972]

You can also take a flat shovel to get under the roots and make sod pieces to patch anything area in your yard that are lacking.

[@samfeldman9192]

gotta love that drone shot

[@antrosemac832]

Philippines is watching :)

[@joshwiley881]

Enjoyed it Bob. Thanks for sharing.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks Josh!

[@drewpat44]

Super rad!

[@emilyeldridge4213]

Absolutely love your video

[@JOLLY_ROGERS_86]

Awesome fire pit

[@SeanBZA]

Grill holder is simpler han JB weld, just use 4 small offcuts that are on the circumference of the steel, and drop it in there. Offcuts just have to be a quarter in taller than the grill to hold it, and then you can clean the grill or replace it with ease.

[@esophmakorie5453]

Thanks Bob, awesome project.

[@danielrisueno8003]

And there he goes, surprising us again with something totally out of the box (literally).

[@artiet5982]

Love the idea for how you bent the grill rails. Awesome stuff man!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome work Bob! 👍👊

[@kevinyoungblut]

Cool project but I would recommend a layer of pea gravel at the bottom for air flow and drainage.

[@michellecanham3904]

Great job nice and easy. Well done

[@patrickretsel7048]

Love the Star Wars touch....maybe a little construction adhesive to help keep the bricks from moving around. That is a nice size pit, I’ll bet you’ll be putting nice size chunks in there when everyone is sitting around it.....it might stop a simple mistakenlike hitting the side and toppling it over.

[@bettyc.parker-young1437]

Excellent!!

[@VoidSet04]

This was great

[@cardsfanbj]

Wyatt Kilian I think you mean 'grate' lol

[@ken12269]

Nice "fighter" pit - loved watching you make this!

[@MaguirePhilip]

This video saved me so much stress! Thank you for the upload 😁👍🏻

[@nowoneknowsme]

I like the design, even without the star-wars-background it looks awesome.

[@gaminglady3601]

Love it!!!

[@willpham6104]

Awesome!!

[@darthvader6533]

Well I know what I'm doin today, Im sure Luke and Leia will love this.

[@dafloca2002]

i did like it very much!! Thaks for sharing

[@adamglendye]

This is a hot project.

[@DovidStern]

Cooooool! I want one.

[@bubuprai8500]

I like it. Great works

[@moispro1467]

Wow that’s really good

[@talonlebaron2053]

More fun stuff? I can't wait!!

[@dudewecanfixit]

know what I'm doing before this winter starts lol thanks for the idea!

[@evancashman7614]

Love the CAD work on the ground :)

[@jtlerch]

love it

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic! Loved that! 😀

[@69virgin1966]

Looks great Bob.

[@shaunnapierccc4191]

Great Build. I really like the tie fighter design. My only concern is using Round Up, Paint, and JB weld around cooking foods. Just dig the grass up or let it burn away like you said. If you have the capability of using Stainless, do so. Also Maybe use a fastener to hold the great down so it can be removed and cleaned.

[@dorotabrown7917]

Awesome 👏❤️❤️‼️

[@otsokivivuori7726]

I would put some log benches around that to be able to sit there more comfortably

[@elvisd23ca]

Excellent video as always

[@pjcollects]

Love the Star Wars themed grill. Also, I really loved the aerial drone shot above the pit and the trees. I'd love to see more of those types of camera shots being used when possible.

[@timbrown0892]

Loving the outdoors projects man, keep em coming. Helping a buddy spruce up his house/backyard and am always looking for ideas.

[@ccwnoob4393]

great job!

[@ZacJones]

Cool project Bob, I like the star wars theme haha those dogs look delicious!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks! They were super good :)