Quick question about 'billys'

[Silverhill]

I've been overwhelmingly impressed by the knowledge of you fellas on this site , and in my frenzy of soaking up all the knowledge like a sponge in the hope of creating a small 'hobo' type stove, I could do with a little info about the billys.

I've read through most of the exhausted pro's and cons of Zebra vs Tatonka billys, but I'm interested (for design purposes) of finding the true overall diamater of the 12 cm versions of both (including bale holders). The reason being is that I'm currently hoping I can modify a Wilko S/Steel biscuit tin ( with a 13.47 mm internal diameter) to fit everything in. I've seen some dimensions for the larger Tatonka billys/pots on the Sailgb website, but that's about all!

 

[kai055]

for a billy you can also use a tea/coffee tin from a £store or 99p shop, thats how i did my first one. only thing bad about them it has a half sphere top, so can be replaced with a homemade steel top
will try and get some pics to show

 

[JonathanD]

If you do a search, you should find loads of threads from people who have done exactly what you are doing. Should be alot of useful help out there somewhere.

 

[Stuart69]

The 12cm Zebra will be a tight fit if it goes in at all. I measure mine at 13.5 OD. I have replaced the bale arm with wire though so one will be wider still with the bale arm on.

HTH,
Stuart

 

[JonathanD]

Heres a list of some good info threads...

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/search.php?searchid=1876861

 

[zarkwon]

My 12 cm Zebra billy looks to be 14cm at it's widest point (lugs on handle) by 14cm high according to my ruler.

 

[Silverhill]

Thanks for the rapid responses Guys. i've had a look through the posts you receommended JohnathanD, very useful indeed. I never thought of searching for 'wilkinsons' or 'biscuits'.

New question: Do they still make Bulldog Billys? (Assuming Bulldog as a brand is still operating) If so, does anyone know of a source? I've just done a quick web search, but with no positive results so far. Plenty of cheaper nesting sets on the 'bay and amazon, but mainly aluminium.