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📏 FINAL DIMENSIONS (WHAT YOU’RE BUILDING)

• Outer Diameter: 36 inches

• Height: 12 inches

• Material: 1/8” thick × 4” wide mild steel flat bar

🧮 STEP 1: CALCULATE YOUR STEEL LENGTH

To form a perfect circle, you need the circumference:

Circumference = π × Diameter
3.14 × 36 = 113 inches

👉 Add extra for overlap + trimming:

• Final cut length: 115 inches (9 ft 7 in)

🧱 MATERIAL CUT LIST

• (1) Steel flat bar:
  1/8” thick × 4” wide × 115 inches long

👉 If using shorter pieces:

• (2) pieces at 57.5 inches each

🧰 TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

• MIG welder

• Angle grinder (cutting + grinding discs)

• Welding clamps

• Tape measure

• Marker / soapstone

• Safety gear

👉 Best beginner welder (main investment):
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✂️ STEP-BY-STEP BUILD (DETAILED)

🔹 Step 2: Mark Your Cut

• Lay your steel flat bar on a stable surface

• Measure 115 inches from one end

• Mark clearly using a square

👉 Double check measurement before cutting

🔹 Step 3: Cut the Steel

• Use an angle grinder with a cutting disc

• Cut straight across your marked line

👉 Clean cuts = easier welding later
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🔹 Step 4: Mark Center Reference Points (IMPORTANT)

This helps keep your circle even.

• Measure and mark:

  • Center point at 57.5 inches

• Then mark halfway again on each side:

  • ~28.75 inches

  • ~86.25 inches

👉 You now have 4 reference points to guide bending

🔹 Step 5: Begin Forming the Circle

• Start bending slowly from one end

• Work evenly along the bar

• Use a round object (barrel, propane tank, bucket) as a guide

👉 Focus on bending evenly between your marked sections

🔹 Step 6: Bring Ends Together

• Continue bending until both ends meet

• Adjust shape until it forms a smooth circle

👉 The ends should:

• Sit flush

• Line up evenly (no gaps)

🔹 Step 7: Clamp the Joint

• Use clamps to hold both ends tightly together

• Ensure:

  • Circle is flat on the ground

  • Ends are aligned

🔹 Step 8: Tack Weld (DO NOT SKIP)

• Add 2–3 tack welds along the seam

• Check alignment again

👉 Fix any shape issues now — not later

🔹 Step 9: Full Weld

• Run a full bead along the joint

• Weld slowly for better penetration

👉 This is where a good welder matters most:
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🔹 Step 10: Grind the Seam

• Use a grinding disc

• Smooth the weld

• Remove sharp edges

👉 This improves both:

• Safety

• Appearance

🔹 Step 11: (Optional) Add Airflow Holes

For better burning:

• Mark holes 2 inches from bottom edge

• Space holes every 3–4 inches

• Drill using 3/8” bit

🔹 Step 12: Final Placement

Place your fire pit on:

• Gravel

• Stone

• Dirt

👉 Avoid:

• Wood decks

• Grass

🧠 PRO TIPS (IMPORTANT)

• Bend gradually — don’t force it

• Tack weld first, always

• Check roundness before final weld

• Use clamps to avoid misalignment

🔥 FINAL THOUGHTS

This is one of the best beginner welding projects because it teaches:

• Measuring and layout

• Metal forming

• Welding fundamentals

Once you’ve built this, you’ll have the skills to move into bigger projects like tables, frames, and workbenches.