Soda Can Stove

A simple and effective stove can be made out of an aluminium soda can. The following is a step-by-step process for making the stove. The design is extremely simple, and easily made, even while on the trail. The design also limits the use of power tools so constuction can easily be done anywhere by any scouts.

Stove Creation

Stove Specifications:

• Made from one can
• Can use most any liquid fuel. We use denatured alcohol which can easily be purchased from hardware stores. It burns clean and hot. WARNING: Flames from denatured alcohol are almost invisible -- be VERY careful when using the stove in day light !!!
• Will heat 1 liter of water to boiling (212° F) in 12 minutes
• Extremely light weight
• Simple design to reduce malfuntions while in the back country
• CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP

Stove Creation

	Remove the top of the can with a can opener. Leave the bottom intact.
	Mark a ring around the soda can with a permanent marker. Make this mark (about 2 to 3 inches) from the bottom and top I use a block of wood to rest my marker on, then just turn the can. The middle dotted line (with the scissors) is drawn here only to show where I make the initial cut with a razor blade or knife. I don't normally mark this line.
	Cut down to the marked lines on both halves. This is best done by rotating the can as you cut closer to the line, in a spiral motion. Eventually you will get down to the marked and make your way 360 degrees around the can.
	Crimp the bottom piece. This can be done with a simple pair of duct crimpers. Some folks use a pair of pliers with a twisting motion, but I have a little problem getting it right each time, so for scouts we use the crimpers.
	Place the top part of the can OVER the crimped bottom. Slowly slide them together being sure to not buckle or rip the sides. Press your fingers around the inside of the stove to "smooth" the crimped insdie. This will reduce messes when adding and removing fuel.

Soda Can Stove Use

	There are three items needed: Stove - Made above Supports - Made from corrugated masonry wall ties Fuel - denatured alcohol which can easily be purchased from hardware stores. It burns clean and hot. WARNING: Flames from denatured alcohol are almost invisible -- be VERY careful when using the stove in day light !!! I made the supports out of masonry wall tie because a pack of 25 was only about $3, and they are easy to fold in half and use three per scout. It keeps the cost down.
	Simply place the three supports, made from corrugated masonry wall ties, up in a TeePee fashion. Place them in three even locations around the stove.
	Light the stove (be careful, this can be tricky for new scouts).
	Place your pot of water on the supports and wait for the boil to start (covering it with a lid to reduce boiling time). When you are done cooking, carefully remove the hot supports and place your pot over the can to smother the fire. Let the stove cool down before handling and pouring out the excess fuel. Once all the fuel is removed there will be a little left. Light the stove again and to burn off the remaining fuel.