Wanna build a MIDGE gasifier camp stove? Now is your chance.

The MIDGE is the simplest, cheapest gasifier campstove you can make.
It's name means "Modified Inverted Downdraft Gasifier Experiment"

Arthur Knoll (the inventor of this stove I assume?) came up with a .PDF explaining how to build it:
http://stoves.bioenergylists.org/stovesdoc/midge/THE_COMPLETE_MIDGE.pdf

I was very impressed with it after building one.
This could have been built 50+ years ago and would have been a revolution in campstoves.
Literally *anyone* can build one.
3 tin cans and (10x) #10/32 inch screws are all that's needed.

I decided to take these plans and make detailed YouTube build instruction videos.

Build the MIDGE
MIDGE Woodgas Stove Build - 01 - YouTube - http://youtu.be/0N2wwSSg-Sk

How to prepare the wood fuel
MIDGE Woodgas Stove Build - 02 - YouTube - http://youtu.be/Peo2gZAULUI

Night burn demo (using wood, dogfood etc.)
MIDGE Woodgas Stove Build - 03 - YouTube - http://youtu.be/6GDzK1pQLfY

These videos show you far more than most videos out there.
Most neglect to show how to *properly* prepare the wood for best performance from these stoves.

When around "home base" or car camping, I fuel my MIDGE with hardwood pellets exclusively.

A MIDGE will run 25 minutes on a 3/4 can load of wood pellets.
I've cooked rice for 4 people and cheeseburgers in a large frying pan with my MIDGE.

I rarely use my MSR XGK all fuel expedition stove anymore since building a MIDGE.

Step 1: MIDGE Sketchup Model

I've done the first 3D Trimble Sketchup model of the MIDGE:

MIDGE Gasifier Campstove by KK - 3D Warehouse - http://is.gd/WVdy5E

It's an exact scale 3D model of the cans.
Transparent X-Ray view shows the inner alignment of the cans.

I've changed the design slightly (6 main airholes and 6 support screws with nuts)

Main screws are 10-32 x 1 1/2"
Pot standoff screws are 10-32 x 3/4"

Step 2: US and Metric Tin Can Sizes

In the US the following cans are used:

Outer Can: 55 oz Bush Beans can, or similar.

Gas Cowling Can: Large 10oz. Tuna or 10 - 12 oz Chicken can (12oz. Chicken works best)

Inner Burn Can: 16 oz. Tomato or Soup can

The matching European can sizes are not known yet.
I did make a Metric measurement .JPG picture of my cans for those outside the US:

http://flic.kr/p/dj5d9i Click "Actions" and "View All Sizes". You can download the full size pic there.

Will update this Instructible with proper Metric/ISO common can sizes when someone from outside the US builds a MIDGE.
Let me know the equivalent sizes.

Step 3: MIDGE Pot Standoffs

I just added some very simple pot standoffs for the MIDGE.
Makes it much more wind resistant.
Pot standoffs should be 2" or 50mm tall above the burn opening.
This allows the tall flame of the MIDGE to work properly.
Too low and the flame gets choked off.

Take note of the warning in second picture.
Make the center burn hole in the top of the MIDGE only 2" or 50mm

The overhang of the metal allows more burnable gases to mingle.

Note the inner cans are recessed lower. I put them 1/2" or 12mm down from the outer can lip.
This gives space for the pot standoff bolts.

The pot standoff bolts also hold the inner cans in tight. Makes the stove rattle free.

Size of machine screws used was 10-32 x 3/4"

Step 4: The Future of the MIDGE

Biolite makes a self powered, fan driven version of a MIDGE:

http://biolitestove.com/campstove/camp-overview/features/

It's internal thermoelectric generator powers the fan and can charge items off the external USB jack.
No batteries and only one moving part (the fan).

Fan equipped forced air gasifier stoves burn super clean and don't blacken your cooking pots.
Another bonus is that a fan powered MIDGE stove flame won't go out in high winds.

A regular 3 tin can MIDGE burns using the same principles as a fan forced model.
Only difference is the somewhat tarry flame.
So, if you want to learn how these stoves work, make a tin can MIDGE right away.
Buy a commercial fan powered model later for clean operation.

A great addon to a Biolite stove would be a USB rechargeable flashlight:

Going Gear - Klarus RS11 Dual Switch Rechargeable 620 Lumen LED Flashlight - http://bit.ly/MBohoC

The KIarus RS11 is a multi battery type professional flashlight with internal charger.
It can charge from house power, auto 12v socket (with USB adapter), and any 5v USB port.

You can now have heat, power, and a flashlight for an indefinite period anywhere.
Just pack a knife and firestarter.

Ain't the future great?