Photo by Michael Lomas
Kayaker’s coffee can stove is fast, easy and super-cheap By Michael Lomas
THIS 0.4 KG (1 LB.) STOVE uses readily available twigs and bark as fuel. It eliminates the need to carry hazardous petroleum-based fuel and worry about failure-prone commercial stoves. The cost? How does $0.00 sound? Create this stove in less than half an hour using two coffee cans, a coat hanger, tin cutters, pliers, a large nail, measuring tape and a hammer.
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3 7. Place a small cooking pot on
1. Get two coffee cans. Use 1.36 kg (3 lbs.) size or similar sizes. Keep plastic lids to serve as top/bottom covers during travel. Open the cans, and put the coffee elsewhere. 2. Punch a ribbon of nail holes just above and around the base of the tin. (See diagrams). 3. Punch four holes, north, south, east and west around the tin about 6 cm (2.5”) up from base. Then cut two lengths of wire from a coat hangar (cut them long to reach across
6 the diameter of the can to the outside) and bend the wire ends on the outside to hold them in position. 4. Trim about 1/8 to 1/4 inch around the outer edge of the top lid, and cut four triangular wedges on the lid edge. (See diagram) 5. Drop the cut lid into the tin so it serves as a fire platform, with air space below. 6. From your second coffee can, make an internal fire chamber tunnel, which is about 7.6 cm (3”) tall. Make one vertical cut lengthwise in the
7 coffee can from top to bottom so you can squeeze it into a smaller diameter than the original can, allowing the metal to overlap. You may have to experiment with the height of this fire chamber band to suit the height of your cooking pots. It should not be higher than the outer edge of the stove, but at least several centimeters lower. The fire chamber slides inside the stove like a tunnel, and rests on the fire platform. (See diagram)
– Michael Lomas is an avid camper and outdoorsman. He uses this stove when going on extended kayaking trips when space is at a premium.
TAKE YOUR NEXT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION experience required OUTDOORS IN A SEA KAYAK, CANOE OR SAILBOAT (No previous – training will be provided)
For further info and registr. contact:
Ruth Sirman CanMediate Consulting
Tel: 613-256-3852 / Fax: 613-256-1472
Email: rsirman@canmediate.com
www.canmediate.com www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
COURSE: An Alligator by the Tail – Surviving Conflict Management As a JOB A 1-day workshop for managers, mediators, union reps, HR professionals and others on the challenges of working in the field of conflict management and strategies. Date: June 13/05 Location: Ottawa area
COURSE: I’m OK – It’s The Others Who Need Help! A 1-day workshop in Sea Kayaks on the dynamics of workplace relationships and what makes them tick… or not! Date: June 18/05 Location: Ottawa area
OTTAWAOUTDOORS SPRING/SUMMER 2005
All photos by Lance Lee Photography
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the fire chamber, ensuring there is an adequate ventilation gap around the pot for excess smoke and flames to escape. 8. Make a cloth storage bag for this oven to prevent soot or ash rubbing off on other gear. To minimize soot build-up on your cookware, apply a thin coat of liquid dishwasher detergent to the outside of utensils prior to use. Also, store the stove and cookware in well-sealed bags during travel. You can also use the stove to store dry twigs, along with tablets of commercially available firestarters.
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