Best Grill Metal? Toronto Metal Supplier?

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I'm about to build an outdoor camp-fire grill. The requirements are that its overbuilt (in terms of weight and durability) and has a removable grill. I was thinking mild steel for the frame and expanded 304 stainless for the grill, but someone mentioned to me that there might be health concerns with cooking on certain grades of SS.What is the preferred metal/alloy for bbq grills? I've got a TIG, so I'm not limited by my welder.I'm also looking for a good metal supplier in/between Toronto, Peterborough, and Cobourg.Thanks!
Reply:Originally Posted by tonerI'm about to build an outdoor camp-fire grill. The requirements are that its overbuilt (in terms of weight and durability) and has a removable grill. I was thinking mild steel for the frame and expanded 304 stainless for the grill, but someone mentioned to me that there might be health concerns with cooking on certain grades of SS.What is the preferred metal/alloy for bbq grills? I've got a TIG, so I'm not limited by my welder.I'm also looking for a good metal supplier in/between Toronto, Peterborough, and Cobourg.Thanks!
Reply:I think he is referring to the release of hexavalent chromium.  I am not sure, but I don't think that it would be released at cooking temps.  I am not a SS expert, but I think it is released at near molten states?Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldI think he is referring to the release of hexavalent chromium.  I am not sure, but I don't think that it would be released at cooking temps.  I am not a SS expert, but I think it is released at near molten states?
Reply:How about building the grill with 1/4-3/8" SS round rod? Probably easier to clean than expanded SS, and easier to find. Just build a nice jig fixture to make it look nice and straight.Bert200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Wait until you see the price for stainless expanded, the cooking concerns (which there are non at cooking temps) will be the least of your worries. $350 for a 4x8 sheet last time I checked.If you cannot convince them, confuse them.         Harry S Truman
Reply:Originally Posted by bert the welderHow about building the grill with 1/4-3/8" SS round rod? Probably easier to clean than expanded SS, and easier to find. Just build a nice jig fixture to make it look nice and straight.Bert
Reply:NiceInteresting, the need for strong back pieces, if one used thicker rod. I thought it would have been ok. I guess it could be cheaper using thinner rod though and bracing it.Nice rack!200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Originally Posted by bert the welderNiceInteresting, the need for strong back pieces, if one used thicker rod. I thought it would have been ok. I guess it could be cheaper using thinner rod though and bracing it.Nice rack!
Reply:Glad you posted, Dave. I was going to make a rack for my fire pit, and was thinking 1/4". Guess I'll forgo that plan! Thanks for the heads up.Still want to make some high end hot dog sticks!200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:This website is the best!  I went to home depot and purchased a premade grill (they have a dozen sizes and shapes for common pit manufacturers).  None fit my pit perfectly so I welded extensions to reach the fore and aft brackets on the pit......and set the premade grills on the frame.  Easy off for putting coals, simple, been there for years, no problems.  Though not as much fun as building from scratch!
Reply:Well you could go the route a couple guys in my class went and built a grill out of 3/8 12" mild steel making it 2.5' L x 1' H x 1' W and 3/8 bar stock for the grate, instructor said it holds heat for hours and cooks a mean dog.  Oh and given its weight its pretty hard to steal.
Reply:I usually try to buy the replacement grills available from lowes hd or walmart. Then design the grill size around them. They have the porcelin coating that cleans easy and meat doesn't stick like it can with stainless. They are ususally under $20 and easily replaceable. If you decide to use stainless remember to oil it before cooking. Also remember stainless expands more than steel so if you fab a grill from rod  consider just tacking the rods to the center supports and let them rest on the outside supports so they can grow. I have seen really expensive grills turn wavy the first time they get used.Lincolin Power Wave 450, Lincoln Powermig 255, Lincoln Pro Mig 140, Lincoln Squarewave Tig 275, Miller Big 40 G(with Hobart Hefty suitcase), Thermal Arc 95S and Esab PCM875 in an already full machine shop.
Reply:made my smoker grills from mild steel..grease keeps them from rusting, and when you light it you can tell by watching the grease how the heat is doing..this foto is the  first time cooking so there is a bit of rust  but not  any   more.. Attached Images