Womble type tech alcohol stove

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Hi all,

Got fed up of staring at the same four walls today so walked to Wilkinsons to blow away the cobwebs & buy some methylated spirit (not to drink) to make a penny stove (http://www.jureystudio.com/pennystove/index.html) style burner from some old coke cans.

As I need something to make a brew when at AR11 I was looking on ebay while I didn't sleep a wink last night (6 weeks since a knee op & still hurts like a good un) and spotted a you tube vid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj7PIhjPLxA&feature=player_detailpage) while surfing.

I didn't follow the instructions to the letter as I didn't have all the bits but instead made something similar.

Just had a nice cup o' black coffee made from it (needed it after that walk as my knee has swollen up as I expected).
I think I'm going to tinker and make a better/different one as it was well windy and without x6 bricks as a shield, it wouldn't light.

When it got going it wasn't too bad but I think I'll need to make a primer pan and a stand to get the optimal hight.

Anyone ever tried/had any success with a d.i.y. camping alcohol burner?

p.s. Sorry for the lack of exciting pics (i.e. 6ft flaming jets or You've been framed type fiery spillages) and sorry for the knee pic (feeling sorry for myself :-({|=).

I would have took some of the boil but I needed to get in the house & sat down.
Typically it's begun to rain just now so I've had to drag in the washing etc. but I might post some pics later if the rain holds off & my leg holds up ;)

[Bluepete]

Hmmmm, I feel a tinker coming on!

That knee brings back bad memories of my wonky knee. What did you do to it?

Pete ;)

[Bibio]

fruity m8 you must be board lol.

that knee looks bloody sore. here have a hug :grouphug:

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Hmmmm, I feel a tinker coming on!

That knee brings back bad memories of my wonky knee. What did you do to it?

Pete ;)

Ages ago (15yrs) I had reconstructive surgery but Jan 11 I had some sharp pain followed by lot's of swelling.
I had a chunk of cartilage fished out 6wks ago & so far I don't think it's sorted. Waiting to see the consultant again next wk but tbh I'm totally fed up....hence the tinker.

The one I made was really easy although I can see this becoming an obsession, at least until I get back to work which can't be soon enough,

How about your wonkyness?

[tactcom7]

I once tried to make napalm out of petrol siphoned from my mums car and the polystyrene balls from my sisters red bean bag. Just ended up with a load of sticky flammable stuff that looked like that pink goo from ghostbusters...

[Dave Mac]

im going to try and teach that to my lads at work, i hope they work with hexie blocks

[Bluepete]

How about your wonkyness?


Ruptured my anterior cruciate ligament chasing a drink driver after a pursuit in Salford.

Fixed afterb an op.

Pete ;)

[Dave20046]

phwoar LEGS

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Ruptured my anterior cruciate ligament
Snap (literally) ACL, damage to my medial and a meniscus tear but mine was chasing after a basketball ;)

phwoar LEGS
You love it Dave.

Speaking of legs, I think I'll make some for the burner and perhaps a shield......hmmmmm.

Just stopped raining but until I've done my injured house husband duties, I'll not get chance to go outside and test (mess about) with the prototype.

[Dave Mac]

i would be really interested to hear how the trials go, and how you go about building a wind shield, also what is the best fuel to use?

[Dave20046]

Indeed I do,
and when I pop over to your tent on the AR I expect to see your stove ablaze, lanterns (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtfybwDkQp8&feature=related) alit and complete with ashtrays (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYqB_iK04WU) for the smokers and hats (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tya03osPI88&feature=related) for the idiots. :)
Oh and accessories (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJv_e-cJ43I&feature=related) for the females/fudgily inclined.

If you have that much free time/beer it could be pretty impressive!

[Fruity-ya-ya]

i would be really interested to hear how the trials go, and how you go about building a wind shield, also what is the best fuel to use?
Definitely NOT parasene.
1st test blackened the burner and didn't jet from the ports I drilled.
I think it's because parasene (like paraffin) has a higher vapour temp and the jets rely on the vapour.
Meths worked a treat and I remeber as a kid I used it in a wick burner without much of a problem.
As I'm skint I'll probably stick to that but perhaps others might build/post?

I'll definitely post some pics when I get the tools out ;)

[Dave Mac]

im going to try and give it a try, im wondering how long meths will burn for though, if i dont do it as a sealed unit im wondering if a solid fuel like hexi blocks will work, ill build one and let you know

[dizzyblonde]

Why would you wanna go to the trouble of that when if you ask nicely, the men in the bunkhouse might let you use their kettle?

I'm working on tea and coffee provisions for the AR full stop, so keep an eye on the threads.
When you meet Peg, I'll get him to show you his if you show him yours ;) looks like a sharks taken a bite out of his knee and calf muscle....some nice bit of plastic surgery going on!

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Why would you wanna go to the trouble of that when if you ask nicely, the men in the bunkhouse might let you use their kettle?

Now I didn't think about that, I'll practice my nicest asking voice.

As a AR virgin, I'm getting very giddy :smt026.
In fact I've not been camping off the back of a bike before so double giddy :smt026:smt026.
I've never made a burner before or used one to make hot chocolate for me, Sarah & the neighbours but I did last night!

I think, once I've vacuumed and done my jobs for the day, I'm going to have a bash at one of the more complicated ones just to see if i can.
Got some tins thanks to next door coming over and helping me empty some.

[Dave Mac]

solid hexi blocks dont work, however i now have a few lads trying to outdo each other at work, going to try again tomoz with meths as a fuel

[Fruity-ya-ya]

solid hexi blocks dont work, however i now have a few lads trying to outdo each other at work, going to try again tomoz with meths as a fuel

Lol, thanks for the heads up.

Maybe you can take some pics of their efforts if they have any success.

I think I'm going to try the open top Trangia style burner next using a trial-sized can for the internal wall with a few drilled weep holes in it's base. If I do I'll take some snaps.

[andrewsmith]

Fruity how you make that?

Fancy a laugh one night this week

[DavieSV]

Anyone ever tried/had any success with a d.i.y. camping alcohol burner?


I made one and took it to the ARTNW a few weeks back.

SEE HERE! (http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=165629&page=4)

I was very impressed with how well it worked and how wind resistant it was.

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Sweet, so from your post on the thread linked below you'd rate one over a solid fuel stove.
This is the style I plan to make today if all goes well.
Not sure how to make a stand that will be adjustable and stable so I'm thinking of making a fixed hight folding one from some small gauge steel bar I have knocking about.
Making x2 U shapes & hinging them somehow (poss washers so it's completely collapsable) so they make a V from above.

BEER...

For drinking and eating, and a brew in the morning :grin: ...

I made this tonight out of two Stella cans,

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/1984/wales031.jpg (http://img856.imageshack.us/i/wales031.jpg/)

I found out how to make it here (http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/gear-features/make-your-own-meths-burner/6227.html)

I'm very impressed with how well it works.

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3396/wales035.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/i/wales035.jpg/)

It uses Meths for the fuel, takes a little time to prime it self but puts out quite a bit of heat.

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/2335/wales038.jpg (http://img705.imageshack.us/i/wales038.jpg/)

It took 10 mins to boil 0.5 litres of water.
It is working here, but the camera didn't pick up the flames, it looks just like a gas hob burning away.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/229/wales028.jpg (http://img4.imageshack.us/i/wales028.jpg/)

It works better than the parafin tablets I normally use.
So at least I can have my coffee first thing in the morning :grin: and maybe a tin of all day breakfast.


Agent Smith, my first effort is a penny stove (http://www.jureystudio.com/pennystove/index.html) (no internal cylinder) but I think the type that DavieSV has made is the one for me.
I didn't use loft insulation (cotton wool instead) and didn't have any silicone gasket to hand but might have a rummage in the outhouse as I might have half a tube somewhere ;)

Fruity how you make that?

From watching this lad on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj7PIhjPLxA&feature=player_detailpage).

[DavieSV]

Sweet, so from your post on the thread linked below you'd rate one over a solid fuel stove.


Loads better :D
The solid fuel only gives off one flame, where this gives off 16.
It's easier to light than solid fuel and is fairly wind resistant.

Not sure how to make a stand that will be adjustable and stable so I'm thinking of making a fixed hight folding one from some small gauge steel bar I have knocking about.
Making x2 U shapes & hinging them somehow (poss washers so it's completely collapsable) so they make a V from above.


That sounds good, nice and flat when folded and light.
I used a hexi stove to support the pan and it gives a bit of wind protection.

[andrewsmith]

I can see myself being blown up :smt080

[Dave Mac]

http://http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10150250051163689&set=a.18657528688.13512.745508688&type=1&theater

my effort at work

cant get the picture to work soz

[Fruity-ya-ya]

http://http://www.facebook.com/#%21/photo.php?fbid=10150250051163689&set=a.18657528688.13512.745508688&type=1&theater

my effort at work

cant get the picture to work soz
Gutted, I was looking forward to seeing some.

I'll post todays efforts but haven't tested it yet.
I'm waiting for it to go dark before I light it up!

[Fruity-ya-ya]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/5710464444_0f7a599b56.jpg

Todays creation.

I've created a flickr account and added some pics of me making it as per your request.

I'll post some more when its gone dark (FIRE).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62747346@N04/sets/72157626573031125/

[Dave Mac]

http://http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab3/davenumbers/can.jpg?t=1305129939

hope this works

[Dave Mac]

i worked it out yey
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab3/davenumbers/can.jpg

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Third time lucky, nice work!

[Dave Mac]

im thinking of making a brazier type device around it, that way i can "prime" it under control, because at the moment its not viable for exercise

[Bluefish]

How much fuel do you need for these, obviously they don't hold a lot, so does one fill up last for one brew up or is there loads left after putting the kettle on? Another point though, you have to carry a bottle of meths around with you, guess you would need one of those aluminium bottles for this yes?.

[Dave Mac]

apparently 2 fluid oz lasts 30 min

[Specialone]

I seen daviesv's one at the ARTNW weekend and I was pretty impressed, it made all his brews all weekend no probs.

[Fruity-ya-ya]

apparently 2 fluid oz lasts 30 min

Just tested my new one with 1fl oz which lasted almost 18 mins, boiled up a pint in around 8 mins.

Much easier to light and will hold a lot more fuel than the penny stove.

Seemed to handle the breeze better although I still used the bricks as a stand/shield.

Just found some old alu hard drive covers I squirreled away so I might re-think the pot stand ideas.

When I can pry the laptop from the Mrs I'll post some pics.

[blue curvy jester]

buy a Trangia its far less hastle

[Fruity-ya-ya]

buy a Trangia its far less hastle
Very true but I'm a skin flint.

If I can't make this work how I want it, I've already got my eye on a Tatonka (http://www.naturessecretlarder.co.uk/bushcraft-equipment-reviews/tatonka-alcohol-burner-review.htm) burner which is almost the same but cheaper.

The latest open top burner works in the same way barring the screw cap, which I'm still thinking about trying to replicate and I just need to fettle a stand up.

So far (excluding the fuel) it's cost me £0.00 as I dug the cans out from my recycling bin, the sand paper and wire wool were 'donated' by my Dad and the loft insulation (tiny amount) from the loft.

Plus I'm off sick (still) from work so I needed something to stop my mind from rotting and something that would get me outside the house.

A couple more pics as promised. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62747346@N04/5713074167/in/set-72157626573031125/)

[Dave Mac]

i cant wait for piccies

[Fruity-ya-ya]

A couple more pics as promised. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62747346@N04/5713074167/in/set-72157626573031125/)

i cant wait for piccies

Click the link Dave, not that exciting I'm afraid but I'm much happier with this type.

[Dave Mac]

looking good, why have you made it open though?

[Fruity-ya-ya]

If you've ever used one, it's like a Trangia.
Seems to be more stable in a breeze although not as intense a jet as the pressure is less.
I'll find the link & post it for you.
I did it a little differently by using a trail sized can rather than using the body of a normal can & making a tube.
A big bonus is it's much easier to light, no need to warm the burner, quicker to fuel up and feels a stronger finished product as it's made of x3 walls.

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Here you are Dave, Zen Alcohol Stoves (http://zenstoves.net/BasicTopBurner.htm).
This site I found the other night has loads of different designs.

Instead of making a tube, i wondered if the trail sized can would fit snug if I trimmed the top off leaving the smaller diameter neck.
I have a 4yr old so we had some in the fridge but I suppose a red bull type can would perhaps be the same diameter.

It worked a treat & found that by cutting to size, then crimping the bottom of the trail sized can, I could make the weep holes (see the link for details) as well as getting a nice tight fit in the base.

I also made my jets further away from the top lip just in case I got too near to the inner wall but in hind sight I think I could have been braver.
I might have another go but that depends on whether or not Sony get the PSN (http://uk.playstation.com/home/news/articles/detail/item369506/PlayStation-Network-Restoration-Update/) back up some time this year.

[Dave Mac]

so all you have to do is light the fuel in the middle and it works fine albeit the jets are smaller

[andrewsmith]

the red bull one looks interesting
going to try and make one tomorrow

[Fruity-ya-ya]

so all you have to do is light the fuel in the middle and it works fine albeit the jets are smaller

Yep, well good.
Once I've figured out a decent pot stand I just need to figure out how to make some sort of screw top and gasket then I'll be totally happy (see a Trangia).

I haven't been able to find that half used tube of engine gasket I know I had somewhere so until I've refined my design I'm not buying any to seal the body, although the second one I made seems super strong/secure.

The first one I made (penny stove) POPPED open and the top came off last night.
I made the top half bigger than the bottom just in case this happened to help prevent any spills as well as using some cotton pads to soak up the fuel.
The flame disappeared inside & the penny didn't lift (maybe needed a bigger penny hole) so I'm glad I've spent the extra effort and made the open top burner.
I suppose that's why it's sealed in the video I watched.

the red bull one looks interesting
going to try and make one tomorrow

Good luck, enjoy & remember safety at all times agent Smith.

[andrewsmith]

the test fuel is going to be petrol with a starter of chain cleaner

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Oh dear, I take 0% responsibility.

http://www.hauntedillinois.com/2005screamfest/makeup_d21b.jpg

Seriously, just be careful, I pooped my self doing it the right way ;)

[andrewsmith]

mate probs just walk to the hardware store and get some meths

[Fruity-ya-ya]

mate probs just walk to the hardware store and get some meths
Very wise :cool:

[andrewsmith]

did you gasket your first one?
Just want to try it for the minute. Going to do a couple properly for AR

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Nope, couldn't find the used tube in the outhouse.

The video I watched/inspired me shows the base being stretched/dilated using a full can.
I decided to make the top the bigger part just in case of any poppage as it seemed to be safer/less chance of flaming fuel spillage.

I also thought that I could drill the top before pushing the full can into it to stretch so it would come apart without any suction.

Take you time and be gentle as the can can dent easily.
Also, after every cut, use a file to remove burs and then sand (even before a test fit) as the edges are like knives.
I had a small round file & a standard flat to help fix my wonky cuts.

Take your time scoring and don't just cut the can as it is harder in the long run.

[andrewsmith]

cheers mate!

[andrewsmith]

vive le Zombie

Tried one of these tonight and...


It failed!!!