Tate High Ag Student Completes 54-Hour Custom Fire Pit Build By Hand

March 25, 2026

Tate High School senior Ian Stinnett recently completed a custom hanging fire pit, finishing the 54-hour project entirely by hand in the school’s agricultural mechanics shop.

While many modern shop projects utilize the Torchmate CNC machine for automated precision, this specific design required manual fabrication. Working under the supervision of Ag Mechanics teacher and FFA advisor Travis Ackerson, Stinnett used a plasma cutter, MIG welder, and angle grinder to cut and join every component.

The project required manual measurements and steady-hand cutting for each piece. Stinnett also had to manually level the pit using a chain system to ensure the finished product hung evenly.

The project highlighted the technical problem-solving and manual craftsmanship taught within the Tate agricultural program, particularly when automated equipment is not an option for a specific build.

Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

10 Responses to “Tate High Ag Student Completes 54-Hour Custom Fire Pit Build By Hand”

  1. Ensley Miss on March 26th, 2026 11:31 am

    Great job. And a valuable skill.

  2. Retired Navy Welder and Class of 80 ‘Tater on March 26th, 2026 10:41 am

    As a retired coded U.S. Navy Welder and a Navy weld instructor for 7 yrs while active duty, that is one VERY professional and esthetically pleasing fire pit!! Great imagination, fabrication and finish!! Makes me proud to see this coming from an Aggie!

  3. BigJim on March 25th, 2026 1:12 pm

    That looks very nice! Want one for my yard!

  4. Molino Dan Paq on March 25th, 2026 10:12 am

    What a great project !
    Glad to see Tate (and other HS) offering real world/marketable technical skills.
    I bet this design allows for optimum fireside heating, vs inefficient traditional in-ground pit.
    Nice.

  5. Bigblock345 on March 25th, 2026 10:08 am

    So, when can I expect mine? Well done young man.

  6. Cb on March 25th, 2026 9:38 am

    Id love to come talk to the kids about the welding trade if thats something theyre interested in getting into out of high-school

  7. Rusty Shakleford on March 25th, 2026 8:32 am

    Cool….

  8. rd on March 25th, 2026 8:19 am

    Great work and skillset.

  9. Honest John on March 25th, 2026 7:30 am

    A lot of thought and planning was involved in this fire pit. Ian you did an amazing job. Congratulations to you !

  10. JTV on March 25th, 2026 5:23 am

    Great job Ian, This is the type of education over half of the school needs to have.





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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News