Scoutcraft DIY

Sometimes you want to use a dutch oven, but there is no fire pit or other suitable place.  People have welded together all sorts of contraptions to address this issue.  I wanted to devise something that was inexpensive, lightweight and fairly easy to make.  Something that each patrol could utilize.  Something that would keep them from burning holes in the grass when they have a camporee in a big open field.  Materials 12" pizza pan (< $1 at Walmart) 13" 1 gallon livestock feedpan (< $3 at Tractor Supply) 48" x 1.5" x 1/8" aluminum ruler (< $5 at Harbor Freight) You can get 2 assemblies out of one ruler.  If you want to make an even number of these platforms, they will cost about $6.50 each.  Cut 2 12" pieces of the ruler.  Drill a 3/16" hole centered both length and width wise.  Cut a slot down to the hole.  Bevel the corners to fit the pizza pan.  Clean up rough edges with a file or belt sander. Now assemble ...

Dutch ovens can be a bit messy.  They can get grease and soot on your other gear.  Here is how to build a sturdy, inexpensive box to keep it in.  This box is made of OSB (oriented strand board).  OSB  is inexpensive compared to plywood.  You can even find enough scraps of it left over at construction sites to make this project.  (Ask permission first.) I made this box to fit a 12" diameter, deep dutch oven, plus accessories.  You can scale this project to meet your needs. Materials: 7/16" OSB 2x4" stud 1.25" deck or drywall screws (16) 2" deck screws (4) fender washers (4) Tools: table saw drill 1" spade bit wood rasp Cut list: 8.5" x 15" x 7/16" OSB (sides) 14.5" x 14.5" x 7/16" OSB (top) 15.5" x 15.5" x 7/16" OSB (bottom) (or 1/2" treated plywood) 1.5" x 1.5" x 8" cut down from a 2x4 (internal frame) Use the 1" spade bit to cut a series of holes in 2 of the s...