Modern Geometric Steel Chiminea

Make this modern geometric chiminea yourself using 16 gauge sheet metal and 3 tools:

• Angle Grinder - with grinding wheel, flap disc and cut off discs
• Drill with wire brush attachment
• Mig Welder

Make sure you watch the Youtube video!

• 4' x 8' sheet metal (16 gauge)
• Rustoleum High Heat Paint
• Mineral Spirits

Purchase a 4' x 4' sheet of 16 gauge sheet metal from a metal supply store. These generally come in 4' x 8' sheets, but your metal supplier can cut them down to the 4' x 4'. If you purchase a 4' x 8' sheet you will have enough metal to make 2 chimineas.

Reference the cut sheet to measure and cut your sheet metal. The base of the chiminea should be an isosceles triangle. So each piece should measure 24” at the base, and each angle should be 60 degrees.

Clean the edges of the cut metal with the wire brush attachment on your driver or with a flap disk to prepare for welding.

Lay once piece flat and use something to prop up the top piece up at approximately 60 degrees. I used a piece of old plywood. Position and tack the back together. Once the back is secure, lay the front piece and tack to the bottom. Since this piece is square, you will have a little pice of the rectangle protruding out. Make a field cut to make ti flush with the angels of the structure.

This step will require some field cuts. Tack the base plate to the bottom making sure it is parallel and level to the ground. Note in the video I used two scrap pieces since that’s all I had. They were not exactly the right size, but I had to make field cuts to make it flush with the edges.

Your Chimnea should be taking shape now. Go back and weld beads on all of the joints to strengthen the structure. I ran beads inside and outside of the structure. If you’re new to welding, the welded do not need to be clean. We’ll clean this up in a few steps.

Use a flap disc on your angle grinder to clean up the welds and spatter on the outside of the chimnea. Run the disc on any rust or scale to remove.

This may be the most important step which will make your project unique. Get the chiminea top piece and find an angle that you like. Make sure the opening is big enough to allow you to put logs and wood. Once you have found angle to your liking, use some clamps, or a helper to hold it in place, while you trace the lines for cutting. Once you have traced your lines, cut the pieces to size with your grinder and cut off wheel, then switch to you flap disc to clean the edges to prepare for welding. Now tack the top into place. Once secure weld beads on both sides.

Your chiminea is now ready to be painted if you choose to do so. Some people like the natural rusted look. I decided to finish mine to have a matte black finish. I used mineral spirits to wipe down the chiminea. Once that dried I sprayed on some Rustoleum High heat Matte black paint. This gave it a nice modern look.

Follow the paint manufacturer's directions for proper dry times. Once the paint is completely dry, light it up and enjoy the fireworks!