I've never made a rolled fire ring, but I'd like to. Do you roll these in a roller? Is there any issue getting a "smooth" roll, once material is cut out? I'd expect them to bend easier where more material has been cut out, and be harder to bend where there's more material along the bend line.
Motoguy, Fire rings are my top seller. I built a roller years ago using 3 or 4" heavy-wall tubing, C-channel, 4 bolt flange bearings, and a gearmotor. Ill try to snap some pics. Its incredibly crude, yet very effective. you are correct about overbending where material has been removed. That may be due to the slight flex to my machine... or just the nature of the beast. I always prefer to slightly OVERbend all of my rings, and force open while welding. its easier than the alternative. I TIG fusion weld the seam for a nice unnoticeable weld. I also use an L-shaped stand roughly 4' tall that I hang the ring on wile welding. This allows me to apply more or less pressure opposite the weld to force into a nice round finished ring.
Overbending seems to be an issue, it's just less and more pressure by feel.
I had a fire pit crack through the weld seam after a few years of use so I now gap and get a 100% penetration weld.
yep the big thing is to take your time with them don't try to roll all in one go I weld both sides and grind outside smooth and leave the inside bead never had one crack or break they are good sellers I sell to a lot of RV campgrounds and cottage rental places large orders between 10-100 at a time. good money in doing custom rings.
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