Hello,
I just came across a great video tutorial on how to create a small stove from a couple of cans - I am sure there are many tutorials on BCUK, but the accompanying video made it very clear for me. Looks like making this will take about 5 minutes at most.
I have written out the instructions below for those who can't see the video or as a useful set for printing out.
You need the following tools and materials:
1 pair of pliers
2 beer cans clear of any dents or bumps on the bottoms
1 sheet of fine sandpaper - about 400 grit
1 razor utility blade
1 thumb tack
1 coat hanger
1 small handful of fiberglass insulation
1 ounce of naptha gas
1 hardback book
To begin, wrap the sandpaper around one of the unopened cans and rotate it in your hand to remove the paint. Now, open the can and pour out the contents and drink it.
Now, insert the utility blade halfway into the pages of a book which is laying down on a workspace, so that the blade is horizontal, about an inch off the ground.
Using the book as a jig, press the can against the blade and rotate the can, thus cutting off the bottom inch depth of the empty can.
Using the sandpaper, smooth the rough edges of the can bottom.
Now, insert the second full can into the cut section so that this expands in diameter slightly, by slipping the lip of the cut section over the can. Now that the bottom section has expanded slightly, remove it from the second full can and lightly pack it with fiberglass insulation, using just enough to fill it.
Make the top of the stove the same way, except do not expand the diameter of the section, as in the previous step.
Before assembling the 2 pieces, use the thumbtack to poke 5 closely spaced small holes in the top of the center dimple of the top section - this is the filling region into which you will need to pour the naptha gas.
Now, carefully insert the top half into the bottom half so as to make an enclosure. If you are having problems getting it to fit, utilize a small section of cut aluminum from a discarded section of can to make a shim in order to lever the sections together.
Once you have it lined up, squeeze the 2 sections together as tightly as you can so that they fit together.
Now, using the thumbtack, poke about 16 to 20 evenly space holes all around the outer section of the rim, about 3 millimeters from the walls of the assembly. These are the jets from which the flames will emerge.
You will want to cut and bend the coathanger in order to make a pot stand which will allow you to place a pot or cup over the stove. You could use a pot hanger, but a stand is probably best.
Now, pour a couple of capfuls worth of naptha through the pour-holes to fill the reservoir. It helps to pre-heat the tin in order to vapourise the fuel. Use a match briefly to heat the underside.
Now, place a flame above the fuel-jets and your stove should light.
Cheers,
Mungo
I just came across a great video tutorial on how to create a small stove from a couple of cans - I am sure there are many tutorials on BCUK, but the accompanying video made it very clear for me. Looks like making this will take about 5 minutes at most.
I have written out the instructions below for those who can't see the video or as a useful set for printing out.
You need the following tools and materials:
1 pair of pliers
2 beer cans clear of any dents or bumps on the bottoms
1 sheet of fine sandpaper - about 400 grit
1 razor utility blade
1 thumb tack
1 coat hanger
1 small handful of fiberglass insulation
1 ounce of naptha gas
1 hardback book
To begin, wrap the sandpaper around one of the unopened cans and rotate it in your hand to remove the paint. Now, open the can and pour out the contents and drink it.
Now, insert the utility blade halfway into the pages of a book which is laying down on a workspace, so that the blade is horizontal, about an inch off the ground.
Using the book as a jig, press the can against the blade and rotate the can, thus cutting off the bottom inch depth of the empty can.
Using the sandpaper, smooth the rough edges of the can bottom.
Now, insert the second full can into the cut section so that this expands in diameter slightly, by slipping the lip of the cut section over the can. Now that the bottom section has expanded slightly, remove it from the second full can and lightly pack it with fiberglass insulation, using just enough to fill it.
Make the top of the stove the same way, except do not expand the diameter of the section, as in the previous step.
Before assembling the 2 pieces, use the thumbtack to poke 5 closely spaced small holes in the top of the center dimple of the top section - this is the filling region into which you will need to pour the naptha gas.
Now, carefully insert the top half into the bottom half so as to make an enclosure. If you are having problems getting it to fit, utilize a small section of cut aluminum from a discarded section of can to make a shim in order to lever the sections together.
Once you have it lined up, squeeze the 2 sections together as tightly as you can so that they fit together.
Now, using the thumbtack, poke about 16 to 20 evenly space holes all around the outer section of the rim, about 3 millimeters from the walls of the assembly. These are the jets from which the flames will emerge.
You will want to cut and bend the coathanger in order to make a pot stand which will allow you to place a pot or cup over the stove. You could use a pot hanger, but a stand is probably best.
Now, pour a couple of capfuls worth of naptha through the pour-holes to fill the reservoir. It helps to pre-heat the tin in order to vapourise the fuel. Use a match briefly to heat the underside.
Now, place a flame above the fuel-jets and your stove should light.
Cheers,
Mungo
