Backyard Block Pit

[92xj]

Always needed/wanted another one since moving out here.  I have 46 bucks into this thing.  Only need to fab up a lid of some sort and it will be done. 

[jaymark6655]

I just found one of these online yesterday.  I was curious on how to bbq a whole pig.  Pictures I saw, the guy was using a giant piece of cardboard.  Article said a piece of plywood would work too for the lid.

[92xj]

I've used all sorts of things for the lid in the past from plywood to foil wrapped around fencing to cardboard.  This time around I am hoping to make something a little nicer looking.

[270Flat]

Let me know when the pigs done!! I'll bring the bibs 😎

[Kc_Kracker]

you have the perfect makings for double usage as a cold smoke house  dont forget to add a entry to get to the fire while the pigs on 

[Whitpirate]

Was just going to ask what the plan was to access the fire when you have it going.  I've always build temp ones that had aluminum foil across the first layer both horizontal and vertical to reflect heat.

[92xj]

I have a block on the first level on the side towards the yard that slides out.  I will shovel in coals/wood when adding to the fire.

[92xj]

[h20hunter]

Thats awesome....looking forward to seeing that baby in action.

[Fishstiq]

Do you have a link or anything on building one of those?  A little "pig in the ground" pit would be awesome!

The holes on the end, where you are using the paver to cover it, is that the hole to regulate temperature like a UDS uses?

[92xj]

A link?  You're already in the thread 
There is really nothing you really need to research.
Just determine your cooking surface size by the size of grating you can get.  Mine just happened to be 3 foot by 4 foot ish.  Placed the blocks in the appropriate size shape and layer up. 
The open square you see is for air intake and is regulated by the block, sliding it to open or close.  I also have a second opening on the back side. 
I am going to make a cover out of untreated wood and let nature and the smoke and sun and moisture open it up and crack it for exhuast vents. 
There is not much to it and you forsure dont need to over think it at all. 

[Kc_Kracker]

A link?  You're already in the thread 

[Fishstiq]

A link?  You're already in the thread 

Damnit, I had that coming!         

I tend to overthink things.  I usually want a plan, measurements, to know how it all works....  Keep it simple, stupid.  Got it!

[92xj]

Here's your plan....seriously....
First things first.  Find grating that you want to use.  Honestly it can be any shape, square, rectangle, triangle, circle, etc.  Once you have that.  Get whatever kind of block you want to use.  Whatever you think looks the best and seals up nicely with itself.  I would make your grating sit at least halfway in the block so the row above the grating holds it firmly in place.  My grating has zero support besides the top row of cinder blocks.  I can stand in the middle of my grating, for whatever its worth.
In the bottom row or whatever block you use, make a few gaps that you can cover or uncover for air intake. 
Other than that, there is not much to it.  Once you have it made you will play around with coal/wood amount to regulate temperatures and then you will use your airflow intake vents to fine tune the temps. 
Clear as mud?

[Jingles]

Having made several "Pig cookers" in the past I would recommend adding some form of support in the middle either lengthwise or evenly spaced on the width to avoid the weight of the pig on the grate from lifting the blocks holding the grate in place and adding rigidity to the grate. A piece of 1" x 1" angle iron would work with one side of the angle iron in the space between the blocks.
Otherwise a nice looking pig cooker