Ok Ladies a Gents – just about everyone likes grilling and BBQ. And making that job easier is a $1Bn business with all kinds of items, things, tools, apps and whatnot. But what if you could change your grill life for ever with only one thing? Well this BBQ Pigtail Turner is just the thing. A BBQ Pigtail Turner is easy to use for flipping, turning, and arranging meats and veggies on your grill. It can easily turn steak, chicken, sausage, corn, potatoes, zucchini, and pretty much anything else. This is so easy to make and use you will be giving them out for Christmas, Birthday, and even 4th of July.
Tools & Materials
The first thing you will need to get is a BBQ Pigtail kit. I recommend the one form Woodcraft (link below). It’s pretty inexpensive, made of stainless steel, and very durable. Next you need some wood for the handle. Easiest is to go out to a wood pile and snag a 1-1/4” diameter branch about 6” to 7” long. I’m using a lathe the turn my handle from an Ironwood branch. If you don’t have a lathe you can use a block plane, be sure it is sharp, and few files and some sandpaper. You also need a drill to drill a hole at one end for the threaded insert that comes with the kit.
Layout
Sorry all, no drawings or sketches for this project because it is so simple and quick. Writing this Blog is taking longer than the buildout.
Start with a piece about 8 inches long 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2 square (You can use a branch too) and grab a center finder tool. A link to a good one is at the bottom. Next, mark several lines on each end and mark the center. You will need to do it several times because the branch is probably not round.
Once you have marked the center, drill a hole to fit your threaded insert on one end. On the other end you may need to predrill for your drive center.
You may have to measure the root diameter of the insert to get a good fit. To do that, use a set of digital electronic calipers. You owe it to yourself to buy a good set – they will last a lifetime. I have a set of Mitutoyo Digital Calipers. Don’t buy cheap ones – they suck. Link at the bottom for a good set.
TURNING
Now you can chuck your piece. I used a 4-spur drive center and a 60-degree live center. Rough out your BBQ Pigtail handle to your liking.
With the handle roughed grab a fingernail gouge and start shaping. The initial shape will be whatever you want but consider having a fatter central portion that is easy to grab and possibly a bell at the front end to keep your hand from slipping.
SANDING.
Once you have the shape then sand down through the grits to at least 400 – I went down to 600 grit.
FINISHING
Choose your finish and apply. For this one I used an oil based varnish and just dipped and wiped. But I’ve used HUT friction polish before but that seems to no longer be available so I’m switching to Mylands Friction Polish. (Link below)
If using a friction polish, once you are done with your finishing, part off your new handle and sand and finish the ends. I used a Robert Sorby 1/16” Thin Kerf Parting tool and boy does that work well.
ASSEMBLY
Time to epoxy in the insert into the BBQ Pigtail. Mix a small amount of “5 Minute” epoxy and smear it on the threads (OUTSIDE THREADS). Screw in the insert and be sure you wipe off any excess epoxy.
Assembly note: DON NOT USE THE PIGTAIL TO THREAD THE INSERT IN. It may get epoxy on it and you will never get it out.
Give it about 10-15 minutes to cure and then spray WD40 on to the Pigtail Threads and screw it in
Congratulations
Wahoo – you are done!!
Thanks for reading and until next time Good Making!
Bill
DIY BBQ Grill Pigtail Turner Video https://youtu.be/IJzpStkVqVU
DIY Custom Cocktail Muddler Video https://youtu.be/L4wDmxv6Nh4
Barrel Stave Whiskey Shelf Blog https://30minutewoodshop.com/barrel-stave-whiskey-shelf-you-can-make/
Tools & Material you may need
MT2 60 Degree Live Centrer https://amzn.to/3Sj0sIQ
5 Minute Epoxy https://amzn.to/3R6H5kx
Woodcraft Pigtail Kit https://www.woodcraft.com/products/10-stainless-steel-bbq-pig-tail-flipper-turning-kit
Mitutoyo Digital Calipers https://amzn.to/3dErI5d
Robert Sorby 1/16” Thin Kerf Parting tool https://amzn.to/3ScH3cm
Mylands Friction Polish https://amzn.to/3SrZDNX
BBQ Dry Rub
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons coarse Kosher salt
1 teaspoon smoked salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon powdered turmeric
1/4 teaspoon powdered chipotle pepper
In a pan set to Medium-Low add all ingredients except sugar. Heat for 10-15 minutes until fragrant stirring often. Remove from heat decant into a glass jar and cool. Add sugar, seal and shake vigorously. Store up to 90 days in a cool dry place.
