Simple Ultralight Alcohol Stove

Step 3 Step 3 - Stretching the Stove Bottom

In order for the stove to work well, there needs to be a tight fit between the bottom and the top. It doesn't matter which piece of can you use for the bottom, just designate one and mark it somehow so you won't get them mixed up. Take the full can of Foster's and use it to stretch your newly designated bottom piece of stove. It doesn't take long, maybe just a minute to fit the bottom of the full can into your empty can. This will ensure you can get the pieces together without using a shim, but still have a snug fit.

Comments

[wdwdash]

After drinking the two cans of Fosters and even oiling the can being stretched, I was unable to get the cans apart. I ended up destroying both cans in attempting to separate them. My buzz just added to my rage!

[verticalfuzz]

before doing this step, put some water in the bottom can, or you will have a very difficult time removing it!

when the bottom can is sufficiently stretched empty (drink?) the full can, and place the two-can unit on a hot surface (Stove). when the water in the bottom can starts to evaporate, the expanding gasses will force the cans apart!

warning the 'explosion' from this can launch the cans pretty far, pretty fast. when I did it, the top can shot right into a recessed light fixture, and demolished the light!

[rancheroburrito]

Hmmmm..... interesting..... Using a full can to stretch the bottom of the stove should make an easier job of it. You can use a bit more force with a full can of beer than you can with an empty one....that being said, I didn't really need to stretch more than the lip of the bottom can...so I didn't really need to use enough force to get them stuck together. If you do get them stuck together you can put a small hole in the center of the stove bottom with a thumbtack and then you should be able to get them apart, hopefully, with out blowing anything up, losing an eye, or destroying any light fixtures....but of course doing it the other way is probably more fun!