My mother, as I've mentioned before, grew up in pre-WWII Germany. Our Depression was largess compared to what the German people suffered. I well remember her washing out the sandwich bags she used to pack our school lunches. Saving every bit of tinfoil. Going back to the grocery store with the same grocery bags she had been using for months, long before it was fashionable. She really was something else. My dad was not far behind, having grown up in just post-Depression Kansas, in a farmhouse with 12 siblings, on a dirt floor. I understand the sentiment, and try to live it every day myself. I take great pride in keeping stuff going that others would toss.

That said, most of the stuff I "keep going" I inherited from my dad. It was made to be treated that way. It was expected that everything was repairable, several times. Times have changed. Most of today's consumer goods are simply not repairable, and were never meant to be. They have made it very difficult, if not impossible, for us "fixers" to keep it going.

I've had many items that were my dad's finally give up, after many rebuilds. Mostly things like power tools and the like. Finally no parts available, like when I've turned the commutator down far enough to finally need a replacement - situations like that. So I have to buy a whole new drill motor, or skill saw, or whatever. The new replacements have never held up, not like my dad's, and no parts are available. I hate it...

maybe I at least cook them a steak while the truck loaded with the 'Q

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291147924.jpg



and yes, the digital thermopen does state it is 24F outside.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1291147132.jpg




oh burp-hell, just go to the post to check out my normal meals.......lotsa pics


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/577887-well-i-just-cooked-steak-propane-grill-2.html

I became tired of the "stainless" steel grills rusting and falling apart. I bought a cheap ($89) Home Depot special which is made of cast aluminum. Yes, after 2 years I had to replace the burner and grates, for $60. I don't bother with an igniter, I use a $2 long nose butane lighter.

I prefer using my Ceramic kamado grill, but the gas grill is great for a quick steak or hamburger.

Well, here's a good advertisement for Weber. I'd had (quite) a few drinks last night when I cooked some steaks on the Weber, then forgot to turn it off. This morning when I came out I thought I'd put the cover on it WTF :eek: It was sitting perfectly at 400 AND gas still in the cylinder after being left on for 12 hours.

Not sure about OP’s neighborhood but anywhere I’ve lived, when I’ve put an old crap $70 grill way past it’s prime out by the curb It was gone in less than an hour. People seem to like grabbing them for free and refurbishing them to use. Sounds like OP’s would probably make someone very happy to get for free

If it’s a money thing then I would return it and get something better. I stick with Weber products. Parts do need replacing every few years but overall they are very durable

I recently upgraded grills. I got the old one about 12 years ago and its gas igniter switch died within a year. I just used manual lighters thereafter. But eventually it got to looking so worn and haggard, it was time to toss it. It wasn't like it was some well-built piece from a bygone era, meant to last forever and worthy of refurbishment.

This reminded me of an old, old thread.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/918313-utter-waste-time.html

And THAT is my grill. A new burner every 2 years, new heat deflector and a new grid, maybe an hour of time, and it's good to go.