New guy here coming from NE Indiana. This is my first post outside of my introduction, so please have patience with me. I’ve been a gas cooker for the last 30 years. Within the last 10 years I’ve dabbled in smoking meats on entry level equipment. We are in the process of upgrading our back patio and I have decided I want to move towards charcoal grilling. Before I make a big purchase I thought I’d grab a used kettle to be sure that’s what I want. I picked up a Gen 2 Performer on Marketplace for $40. It was left behind at a rental unit and the landlord just wanted it gone. It is in need of some love to get it back to its namesake condition. The table was severely cracked from both sides but not broken in half. The interior needed a thorough cleaning and the gas assist was inoperable. I’m a cheapskate so I’m trying to get this rig going on the cheap too. I’ve also decided this will be a good project to do with my 13yr old son to get him off the game controller a bit.
First thing I did was try to clean out the bottom bowl. The grease and soot was severely caked. I eventually got my grinder and a brass wire wheel to go at it. I know, it’s overkill but the enamel held up very well. The ash bin and sweeps cleaned up well despite a bit of corrosion on the ash bucket handle. I ordered a new gas assist and igniter along with a stainless top grate. The grill has cleaned up nicely so far, but still determining what to do with the broken tabletop. So that leaves me where I am today and what I’ve tried to do so far.
As I mentioned, the table was severely cracked, but is still in one piece. Because I’m a cheapskate I’m going to try to fix it before I resort to building a wood table (carpentry skills are very mediocre). I picked up some JB Weld marine epoxy at the store. I then use d a triangular file to gouge out the cracks to give the epoxy a better bite. Mixed and filled the cracks on top and bottom of the table. The top side was then sanded down so I can prep for paint. This is where I currently sit, as the epoxy has set up for almost 2 days now. It feels pretty solid so far.
First thing I did was try to clean out the bottom bowl. The grease and soot was severely caked. I eventually got my grinder and a brass wire wheel to go at it. I know, it’s overkill but the enamel held up very well. The ash bin and sweeps cleaned up well despite a bit of corrosion on the ash bucket handle. I ordered a new gas assist and igniter along with a stainless top grate. The grill has cleaned up nicely so far, but still determining what to do with the broken tabletop. So that leaves me where I am today and what I’ve tried to do so far.
As I mentioned, the table was severely cracked, but is still in one piece. Because I’m a cheapskate I’m going to try to fix it before I resort to building a wood table (carpentry skills are very mediocre). I picked up some JB Weld marine epoxy at the store. I then use d a triangular file to gouge out the cracks to give the epoxy a better bite. Mixed and filled the cracks on top and bottom of the table. The top side was then sanded down so I can prep for paint. This is where I currently sit, as the epoxy has set up for almost 2 days now. It feels pretty solid so far.
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