Thanks, it is a bit heavier than a lightweight pan for sure, but that can be an advantage too in spreading and holding heat.  Anyway, it's much lighter than cast iron.
I found the handle at a thrift shop.  It works like a pliers when you grip it, it grips the pan.  Any pot gripper would probably work, though this one is larger than most. I like the larger size as it seems to go well with the larger pan size.

Arnesr: DAMN impressive!  I like everything about it, except maybe the weight...  Very curious about the handle.  I like the large size.  I assume from the photos that it's detachable.  Did you make that as well, and if not, where did you get that?

Also suffering big time from pan envy...  I think you might have a new career option here...

prouboy

Here is my version frying hamburgers on Basswood in October.  Will also hold 4 large ribeyes or a double batch of hamburger helper. It was a Sunbeam but I don't remember the model #.  The coil was also very hard to get off and it took several hours with a chisel, angle grinder and an air powered muffler cutter.  This model is aluminum with a stainless steel cooking surface, so no seasoning needed.  Got a Coughlan's pot lifter handle and it worked great.  Unfortunately there were no walleyes on this trip but I have used it on the gas range at home and it will hold a big mess of bluegill fillets.

Thanks arnesr for the project and pics!

A note of warning about this project....

I bought an electric skillet from eBay because of this post. I purchased a model made by GE.

The heating coil was much more well made than the coil made by sunbeam. I used a chisel, air compressor, sawsall with metal blades, two grinders and finally got it done with a concrete saw.

It took me two hours to cut it out.

I'm glad I did it and I love the result. Just be careful selecting the electric frying Pan to start with....

Very nice.  I am always looking for a cheap and useful project and I always enjoy my gear more after making or modding it.  Thanks for the post.
Josh

So I guess you won't be plugging it in any more to grill up something at home 


Ho-ray for a creative alternative to the round pans.  Just need to catch a batch of walleyes...

Just a quick update.   I weighed my pan and it came in at 2lbs, the optional lid was 1lb and the handle I am using is 8oz.  The model of my pan for reference is a Sunbeam 425-A.  Browsing through ebay I’ve noticed that Sunbeam made quite a few models over the years that were very similar.  I have also seen similar pans manufactured by West Bend.  Some pans have a Teflon coating on them, but I’m concerned the Teflon might not hold up under camping conditions/extreme heat.  
Fish Fry Trial
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Fries
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Seasoning over the fire with a coating of vegetable oil.
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Freshly seasoned – note a few light brown gooey spots of vegetable oil I need to scrub off.
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Seasoned Pan & Clean
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Nicely done! I had my doubts early on but you pulled it off.

solotripper wrote on Jun 30^th, 2010 at 5:14pm:


I'm impressed too. But now I want one just like it - is this a case of "pans envy"? 

That’s great. I may need to keep a eye out for one of those.