I have plans to move a large Kamado Joe Big Joe Series 1 this weekend. We all know those casters on the nest for these kamados are way to small and make for a very rough and nerve racking ride on all but the smoothest surfaces. So I need to remove the Big Joe from the nest before I can move it across the lawn and into the back of my pick up. I have seen these online before and after moving a few Kamados in my day, I decided it was time to make one.
(FYI, You can buy them, premade from the Ceramic Grill Store.)
Materials Needed.
1-8' 2x4
1-6' 2x6
1-6'-3/8" threaded rod stock
8- 3/8 Nuts
8- 3/8 Washers
22" Weber Kettle lid or sting compass.
HD Construction Screws
Cut List
2- 4' 2x4
2-3' 2x6
Cradle curve
2-3' threaded rod stock
2x4 Handles
Cut the 2x4s in half to create two handles. Stack the cut 2x4s on top of each other and drill your holes for the threaded rod to slide through. I went a few inches from the end of the 2x4. You want these to be the same to I just stacked the 2x4s and clamped them together, then drilled the holes.
Cutting the 2x6s for the cradle.
I chose to use a 22" Weber Kettle lid to get the correct curve to cut the 2x6's. This will accommodate the curve of the 24" Big Joe. This will allow for the pieces to hold the Big Joe just below the rib at the top of the base. To do this, I placed the 2x6 boards on my work bench with enough spacers in between them so I had enough space to accommodate the whole lid. I left 1" from the edge of the lid to the edge of each 2x6. Then I traced the shape of the lid onto the spacers and 2x6's. I removed the spacers and was left with perfect curves on my 2x6s. This was my template for me to cut along with my jig saw. (Sorry no pics)
After cutting along the traced line with my jig saw, then I placed these curved pieces on my 4'-2x4 pieces. Once I had the cradle pieces where I wanted them, I clamped them to the handle pieces and I secured the cradle pieces with some framing screws I had on hand. I tried to get them as close to the middle as I could. It does not have to be exact, you just want to make sure that you leave enough room on each end to the rods and your hands and they are equal. I went a foot from one end. That seemed to work well.
Rods
Cut the 6' rod into 2-3' pieces. These will keep our cradle tight against the body of the Kamado. Once they are cut, thread a set of washers and nuts on the inside and outside of the handles. Thread one end through your holes and add your washers and nuts. This also makes it adjustable. So you can lift a large BGE or KJ classic. (18").
That is about it! Really easy. This took me about 20 mins to build and a few minutes to assemble. The great thing is that it is adjustable and you can take it apart for storage.. It cost me about $25 to build this. Well worth it, in my eyes.
I will post some pictures of it being used when I move the Kamado Joe on Friday. Let me know if you have questions. I am no professional, but you don't have to be. If my directions suck, LMK, and I can clarify for you.
Thanks for reading. Keep the Smoke Rollin'!
-John
(FYI, You can buy them, premade from the Ceramic Grill Store.)
Materials Needed.
1-8' 2x4
1-6' 2x6
1-6'-3/8" threaded rod stock
8- 3/8 Nuts
8- 3/8 Washers
22" Weber Kettle lid or sting compass.
HD Construction Screws
Cut List
2- 4' 2x4
2-3' 2x6
Cradle curve
2-3' threaded rod stock
2x4 Handles
Cut the 2x4s in half to create two handles. Stack the cut 2x4s on top of each other and drill your holes for the threaded rod to slide through. I went a few inches from the end of the 2x4. You want these to be the same to I just stacked the 2x4s and clamped them together, then drilled the holes.
Cutting the 2x6s for the cradle.
I chose to use a 22" Weber Kettle lid to get the correct curve to cut the 2x6's. This will accommodate the curve of the 24" Big Joe. This will allow for the pieces to hold the Big Joe just below the rib at the top of the base. To do this, I placed the 2x6 boards on my work bench with enough spacers in between them so I had enough space to accommodate the whole lid. I left 1" from the edge of the lid to the edge of each 2x6. Then I traced the shape of the lid onto the spacers and 2x6's. I removed the spacers and was left with perfect curves on my 2x6s. This was my template for me to cut along with my jig saw. (Sorry no pics)
After cutting along the traced line with my jig saw, then I placed these curved pieces on my 4'-2x4 pieces. Once I had the cradle pieces where I wanted them, I clamped them to the handle pieces and I secured the cradle pieces with some framing screws I had on hand. I tried to get them as close to the middle as I could. It does not have to be exact, you just want to make sure that you leave enough room on each end to the rods and your hands and they are equal. I went a foot from one end. That seemed to work well.
Rods
Cut the 6' rod into 2-3' pieces. These will keep our cradle tight against the body of the Kamado. Once they are cut, thread a set of washers and nuts on the inside and outside of the handles. Thread one end through your holes and add your washers and nuts. This also makes it adjustable. So you can lift a large BGE or KJ classic. (18").
That is about it! Really easy. This took me about 20 mins to build and a few minutes to assemble. The great thing is that it is adjustable and you can take it apart for storage.. It cost me about $25 to build this. Well worth it, in my eyes.
I will post some pictures of it being used when I move the Kamado Joe on Friday. Let me know if you have questions. I am no professional, but you don't have to be. If my directions suck, LMK, and I can clarify for you.
Thanks for reading. Keep the Smoke Rollin'!
-John
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