Introduction: The PT Ministove

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i've been wanting to make a small stove that can be taken backpacking or camping. my requirements were good ventillation, a pot stand, durability, and wind guarding capabilities. while i was out browsing for hardware on a different project, i came across this pressure transmitter. the gentleman at habitat restore cut me a deal on it, and at a whopping $10, i had a project on my hands.

Step 1:

with a little imagination, it fit the bill perfectly of what i envisioned. it was easily taken apart and cleaned up. the video shows in detail how it was broken down, using very few tools. since it's machined with such precision, i expected a more difficult process of removing the inner workings of it.

Step 2:

using a 3/8" bit and a 5/8" bit, i created more interior ventillation. the drilling was the most time-consuming, with sanding it down in a close second. start to finish, the project took approximately five hours. but i'm a perfectionist, and there are shortcuts to this going much faster, i'm sure.

Step 3:

the end result? a dream. it's got a healthy amount of air coming in to fuel the flame, and the stove retains heat long after the flame is out. it's heavier than i would take backpacking, probably, but the trade off is an amazingly handsome, functional little stove. i can fuel it with wetfire blocks, but it seems to burn thick twigs like a champ, with a little bark and dry material to get it going. the woodburning factor, to me, makes up for its weight. alcohol stoves are fine, and they're compact, but a fuel cell of alcohol is a heavyweight in its own right, and has the likelihood of running out. and since both ends screw off, it can easily be dumped of ash and wet & smouldered if i'm in a hurry. i was surprised by the results. i found a pin that fits down through the mouth of the wood stoke, and am in the process of looking for a cap to fit it. thanks for taking a peek :)

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