Timberline 850 gets a Covid project, Folding Shelf, on Steroids!

Thanks for replying in the other thread to the insulation portion of this. Reposting original from other thread for context. Expecting shelf replies here.

"Hello! Just joining/catching up on the conversation from southern California. My Timberline 1300 was just delivered a few days ago. I owned a Pro 34 for 3 years prior. I have been scouring the internet for an example of a shelf mod (since before the grill arrived, having previously had the folding shelf on my Pro 34) and finally found yours today. That lead me to this insulation thread, which I find fascinating and am eager to try (especially before ever ruining the paint for the FIRST time). I have several questions and am glad to see such an active and current thread at the time of my curiosity. I am also glad to see that the smart controller is able to adjust to a different design to keep the temps where we want them and to know my 2yo and 4yo children will be safer, as the grill is on the patio where they often play (yes, we remind them often that grills are hot). Is there any risk of fibers from the insulation getting into the food? Anything you might do different on a shelf or insulation mod if you had to do it again? (I can start a second thread in the shelf section if you feel that more appropriate). I have access to a metal fabricator and was thinking of making a stainless steel shelf instead of wood - any thoughts on that? (I am a proficient woodworker, so I could more easily make a wood shelf, but thought stainless might fit in better with the look of the grill). Thank you in advance."
I am chronicling my insulation and modding of a 1300 in the Traeger Mods catrgory as well.
 
That's a great looking set up - well done! I just got a 885 century in which they do not make a front shelf for yet and not sure that they will given it's a Costco model? Not sure what to do, I may have to make something like yours? Anyway, look great!
This is an older post, but the Pro 34 shelf fits the Century 885. Installs in about 4 minutes. But it looks 1/10th as nice as RemE’s mod...
 
I have had my Gen2 for just about a year now and have grown to love it, except for the beautifully crafted POSER for a front shelf, Traeger? Seriously??

I looked at what others had done and decided to make a folding cutting board shelf attached to my own custom mount. I wanted the new shelf to take the same shape as the stock front shelf to allow the grill cover to still fit. This meant removing the stainless shelf completely, and I didn't want to mod the grill itself if possible.

Mount, I used a nice kiln dried 2 x 8 prime piece of redwood plank to span the face of the grill. It picks up the two mounting holes on the left and two of the 4 holes on the pellet hopper. As luck would have it, the right side needed spacing out from the pellet hopper which turned out to be 3" or two extra bits of the plank. So minimal cutting, just some careful measuring and drilling the holes. 2" 1/4-20 bolts on the left and 5" 1/4-20 bolts on the right, I used all stainless hardware.

Since the mount is close to the mouth of the grill, I skinned the inside face of the mount with some 1/16" aluminum to deflect the heat a bit. I've had the grill to 500F and there is no problem. The heft of this mount allows for a solid base for a big folding shelf, I played around with measurements and decided that a 36" wide by 18" deep shelf would allow me to pull and wrap a full brisket with room to spare and still be able to work around the grill.

Shelf, I spent a fortune on this vista cruiser of a grill so I looked for a special shelf. I searched Amazon and found a beautiful walnut cutting board countertop 24" x 36" x 1½” by John Boos & Co. It was over the top so to speak at over $200 but then I noticed that they had an option on a refurb/return for around $175 still pricey, but I love walnut! I figured it would have some defects which was fine for this use. I ordered it and it was lost for some time due to the riots, I mean peaceful protests, but eventually made it. It was damaged on one side and on the corners, but since I needed to rip it to 18”, I was able to end up with a perfect top in the end. I used a strip of 1/16” x 1½” aluminum to cover the edge of the top that faces the grill to deflect some heat.
Link to shelf;
https://www.amazon.com/John-Boos-WA..._wg=vWwj1&pf_rd_p=e20a7044-dca9-4b2c-8da8-05b

Folding Brackets, I found a great set of stainless brackets that are rated at 440lbs (doubtful) and have extended release levers for easy reach to fold the shelf. They work as advertised and the shelf is very solid, locks with a satisfying “click” so you know it’s ready.
Link to brackets;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JK7W4GF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Gas Struts? Since we are going all out here, I was concerned about the weight of the slab of walnut, probably 30lbs. I looked for some gas struts, found a set of three pairs in different strengths, 23lbs, 34lbs, and 45lbs with brackets all for $18 so why not! They were the shortest I could find and have a 3” stroke. I had to extend them down a bit below the mount for them to fit, using some 1/8” x 1” aluminum angle stock. It turns out that the middle, 34lb pair are perfect! You just start to lift the shelf and it then self-glides into position. Then you just lift it a bit more to hear the locks click into place. This was so worth the $18 bucks for the cool factor.
Link to struts;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZPXLBWZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was able to get the aluminum strips and stainless hardware at my local ACE Hardware, it’s also my local Traeger store, lucky me. I just used basic tools to do this project and now I really love the grill as it should have been. I smoked up our first brisket yesterday and the shelf was perfect.

Thanks to those who sparked the idea, hope this helps.

The only thing the grill still needs is a functional probe temp alert over WiFire, it currently is horrible. It displays the alert which is completely useless. It needs to have a configurable audible alert that MAKES NOISE on your phone, that doesn't stop until you silence it!
This was a FANTASTIC idea - and thanks for all the specific info. Just finished mine - and it looks GREAT! One more detail I can add is there is a great on-line store where you can buy ANYTHING wood - so you can get exactly what you want for the shelf. By the inch, foot, finished anyway you want. www.hardwood-lumber.com It took about 4 weeks - but worth the wait.
I really appreciate your help. (I also did the insulation project on my T 850. Also worth the effort).
 

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This was a FANTASTIC idea - and thanks for all the specific info. Just finished mine - and it looks GREAT! One more detail I can add is there is a great on-line store where you can buy ANYTHING wood - so you can get exactly what you want for the shelf. By the inch, foot, finished anyway you want. www.hardwood-lumber.com It took about 4 weeks - but worth the wait.
I really appreciate your help. (I also did the insulation project on my T 850. Also worth the effort).
Ya Baby! Looks great!
 
This was a FANTASTIC idea - and thanks for all the specific info. Just finished mine - and it looks GREAT! One more detail I can add is there is a great on-line store where you can buy ANYTHING wood - so you can get exactly what you want for the shelf. By the inch, foot, finished anyway you want. www.hardwood-lumber.com It took about 4 weeks - but worth the wait.
I really appreciate your help. (I also did the insulation project on my T 850. Also worth the effort).
Nice. SE PA minds think alike. I (my contractor) used them for my basement countertops and I just received my top from them this week. I am going to my metal fabricator in Kennett Square tomorrow to get a flat piece of stainless for back support. Hoping I can finish up my shelf this weekend.

EDIT: I ended up going with 46-1/2" x 12" piece of 1/8" aluminum. If it flex's too much I add some angle aluminum pieces. Now it just needs to stop raining and get some free time.
 
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Great idea. My folding brackets arrived on Sunday. My first shelf will be made with a 12' x 24" Aluminum tread plate. if I don't like the tread plate, I will then migrate to a hardwood table top.
 
this thread has provided much inspiration. thank you and great looking tables all around, well done.
 
Oh no you didn't just ask that? 😆
You do know that could lead to empty wallet syndrome......
HAHAHA
The only reason I ask, is a am looking for a stainless roll around table about 24"x 36 to 48" for meat prep. I'm use a plastic table right now that doubles for serving and eating.
 
Cool! Thanks!
Nope, I am not clicking on that....lol 🙈

Not sure if your area has a restaurant surplus store, you can always check for used ones if you have a store like that around.
I have to stay out of those stores, so many things want to come home with me
 
Nope, I am not clicking on that....lol 🙈

Not sure if your area has a restaurant surplus store, you can always check for used ones if you have a store like that around.
I have to stay out of those stores, so many things want to come home with me
I'll check it out! Good idea!
 

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