Jump to content

Build a camp stove from a beer can


aris
 Share

Recommended Posts

I use them for when we go out walking, take a little drop of Meths and you soon have boiling water for a brew!

 

There are so many different designs around that once you start making them you can make small changes to increase the efficiency of the burn.

 

I usually make them at work from any cans that I have emptied in the previous few days, funnilly enough Stella cans seem to be my favourite at the moment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lots of designs here:

 

http://zenstoves.net/

 

I believe if you add more of those small pin-***** holes around the side of this design, it allows more oxygen in and burns faster/hotter.

 

Tightchoke - what fuel do you use? Standard blue meths? I'm told you need at least 95% (preferably more) spirit for this to work. Lots of meths/alcohol out there is 70%.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes I use the regular Meths and transfer it in to a small plastic bottle that you would use to take shampoo on an airliner.

 

The trick with the holes is size and quantity, too many and too large does not give much gain with regard to heat emited and quick boiling time but will use more fuel and more quickly. Trial and error is fun though.

 

I'll photograph my set up next time it's in use and post a picture!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just made one. Very good exactly the same principle as my Trangia burner. I forgot to put the air hole in the top and it didn't seem to burn any different from the video. I can see why it would need the air hole.

Does it suck the oxygen through one of the 'jets'? Thinking about it there might have been one jet not burning but that could have been how I crimped it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just made one. Very good exactly the same principle as my Trangia burner. I forgot to put the air hole in the top and it didn't seem to burn any different from the video. I can see why it would need the air hole.

Does it suck the oxygen through one of the 'jets'? Thinking about it there might have been one jet not burning but that could have been how I crimped it.

 

Did you sit a pot on top of it and boil water?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think they are meant to be used with alcohol. I thought meths was a form of alcohol? May be wrong in that.

 

I have only ever used meths in my Trangia and both burners are the same principle. The house didn't burn down in a large fireball so I'd say it's as safe as lighting a homemade camp stove in your sitting room can be.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The original versions of what you have built have a filling hole in the top that is then used to ignite the liquid fuel. Once burning well and warming the fuel vapour this hole is then covered with an old American penny coin hence they are often referred to as PENNY STOVES. In this design the pot itself seals off the filling hole.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok, I had a go. Not as good as the one in the video, but I think with some practice I could get better.

 

These can be quite dangerous - if they spill over, you will have a nice alcohol fire to deal with.

 

It gets quite hot quite quickly too. I used isopropanol (it is all i had) which left a bit of soot on the pan, and a funny smell, but it worked ok for the test. I think Meths might be better.

 

xodBsIJ.jpg

 

tJh2yLR.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Isopropyl contains substances that are bad for your health, don't use it.

 

I don't think it's a problem to cook with it as a fuel - just consuming it.

 

I put surgical spirit in mine, is that okay?

 

I don't see why not - that is what they used in the video.

 

Good outline of fuels here:

 

http://zenstoves.net/Fuels.htm

 

I'm going to get some good old fashioned purple methylated spirits and give that a go.

Edited by aris
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

I don't think it's a problem to cook with it as a fuel - just consuming it.

 

 

 

 

The trouble comes from burning the stuff in a confined space, with plenty of ventilation it shouldn't be a problem.

Of course the best thing to build is a wood gas stove.

 

It burns sticks and pine cones so you don't have to carry fuel, burns very hot with a clean flame and is very efficient.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...