The Mini Stove in a Can

by sallost

6.8K1021

Intro: The Mini Stove in a Can

The title explains a big part of the Instructable. I was bored this evening so I began thinking to do something with the tons of empty cans I produce every day. It's damn cold out here so I though to make a little stove with it. It's small, easy to make, takes 5 minutes or so,handy when you go camping and just fun to make

STEP 1: Materials

Things you'll need:
- a soda can
-exacto-knive
-nail or other sharp object

STEP 2: Prepare the Can

Here i marked the cutting lines. Just cut the upper side of,1inche beneath the top. Keep it, you'll need it a bit later. You could use some sandpaper to get of the ink.

STEP 3: Prepare the Top

Put some holes in the top piece.This will ensure good air circulation. This part of the can is the toughest so watch out!

STEP 4: Puting It Together

Put the upper piece in the bottom piece. Careful with sharp edges kids! You can use a screwdriver or a stick to push it halfway into the can.

STEP 5: Finish+fill

Finish the stove by bending the sharp edges inside with pliers. Make some holes for air circulation in the bottom(under the piece of can you put in there)

Ad some wood and yay !!! Warm ,lighty fire.
Be safe! I didn't yet test how long the aluminum can stand the warmth or the toxicity of the ink-fumes, never leave it unattended and keep a fire extinguisher near.
I'll update the durability of the can after some test.
Update: *First tests show that it can hold pretty long, the can still is fine and it burned for a while
  • bylerfamily had the idea the replace the wood by cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly

21 Comments

askeladden 12 years ago

I made something similar once, kept it going with wood. It was mostly to have a small fire. It was pouring rain, and didn't want to make a big fire just for myself. This is mostly a fire for improvising, so don't think people should overdo it.

tuckerton296 14 years ago

it will defently catch fire. use a can opener on the top, then stuff it with a old cotten rag. it is important that it is cotten. then use rubing alchahol on it or denatured, or heet or red heet. then, its a pennystove just like a can of sterno but funnner

mr. clean 14 years ago

a steel can should be used for sure because the aluminum will burn up at a high enough temp giving off deadly fumes. aluminum is best used in alcohol stoves.

NathanWilliams 15 years ago

Nice idea, but I am a bit worried about the use of an aluminum can. Burning aluminum gives off toxic gasses. Perhaps a steel can would be safer (and would possible deal with the heat better).

tigerboy 14 years ago

macman burning aluminum...hmm i dont think you can...(how do you pull that off) but burning paint will...

LaxLuvr 15 years ago

if it wernt for the be nice policy I would say bad things to you!! I rated this 0.5! to be constructive I'll say that this needs a LOT of work.

lemonie 15 years ago

It's been updated L

LaxLuvr 15 years ago

Okay, rating removed, but It still gives a horrible description of how it works.

bylerfamily 15 years ago

Mine worked great!Thanks.Rated best ever.

lemonie 15 years ago

I can't see how this works - where does the air enter, where do you add fuel, can you show it in action? L

SKYNET 2.0 15 years ago

i think all it is, is a container for burning wood.

lemonie 15 years ago

It's not shown very well. The crosses are marked, but the holes aren't shown. Even without lighting it, some wood or paper could have been added for the final photo L

sallost 15 years ago

better I hope ?

lemonie 15 years ago

Oh yeah - you've modified the nail-holes into slots? looks like a bit of a re-design -but the wood is burning OK. L
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