Cool Little Miniature Stove!

Step 3: Cut the cans

You need to cut the bottom inch or so off of the first can.

The cut needs to be almost perfectly even, so use a book to hold the blade while you press the can up against it and spin. You can also nail the blade to a block of wood.

Spin the can slowly while pressing against the blade, making sure not to dent the can in the process. It will take about 10 to 20 turns to cut through it enough to peel the two parts apart.

Then use the sandpaper to smooth out the cut edge.

Once you are satisfied with the result, use the second can to gently stretch the lip of the bottom of your stove. This will make it easier to put the halves together. Finally, put some fiberglass in the bottom half only.

Once the bottom is complete, make the top of the can the exact same way, but do not stretch the lip.

The fiberglass is optional, but important. It will prevent the fuel from leaking out while moving it around or while it's in use. It will also preserve unused fuel. Cotton balls will also work, so long as the inside of the can doesn't get hot enough to burn them - a possible concern during stove use or preheating.

Comments

[PyroMaster007]

yeahh, this is confusing. I think you need to rewrite part of this. Is the Fiberglass needed?

[Danthesoccer]

Anything that can serve as a wick.

[ironLes4]

you dont have to put any absorbent material inside the stove because i dont put anything like fiberglass or cotton in my stove but the fule and it works just fine you just have to heat the stove up first.

[knowlj]

I guess I'll be the first to say that cutting an aluminum can with a razor blade is a pain. I made the 20 rotations patiently with the razor blade and only managed to etch the can. I then took a dremel to it and in 1 pass the can was cut. I'm trying to figure out how to make a cleaner cut.

[Danthesoccer]

I usually make an ugly cut in the can with a razor blade about a cm above my line for my final cut. And then I do the rest of the actual cut with a simple scissor.

[sbrown]

No, you use the blade to score the can. You jab the blade through in one spot, and squeeze the top of the can and it will tear along the line

[NK5]

"I'm trying to figure out how to make a cleaner cut." Why, with a razor blade and some patience, grasshopper! :-)

[ezarate]

what I did is used the razor blade to make a clean line for the cut the carefully cut it out with scissors hey it worked, oh and is it possible to use anything els other than fiberglass? like maybe cotton?

[bylerfamily]

You could use cotton.He even mentioned it as an idea.

[RhysMo]

The book tip is a great way to get the parts the same hight The fibreglass is to soak up the fuel - cotton wool or something like that is also good. Think of the padding in a zippo type lighter.

[blakeredfield]

SNAP. Nice one. I've been trying to figure out what the fiberglass/cotton is doing in there. I have a zippo lighter - should of made the connection earlier! Thanks