I built my own alcohol stove following web instructions. The instructions say you can set a pot directly on the stove without snuffing out the flame.
Everytime I try it - the flame goes out. Do I have to use a pot holder? Not that I mind - just wondered.
Brutus
Try a coat hanger. Thats what I use. There are directions to make one on www.pcthiker.com in the gear section. There are also some good stove ideas there too. I use a V8 can version of the Pepsi can stove.
Thinair
The you surf the web, there are several variations for a pot support. Coat hangers is one. Hardware cloth is another. Some use 3 tent pegs or small rocks.
Peaks
TRy using the anti-gravity gear stove. you can place the pot right on the stove, there is no need for any kind of stand. you can make one from this page here:
good luck!
Casey
Here is what I am doing for a pot holder - I was actually working on it tonight. Buy a MSR stove windscreen. Cut it in half at the center point. Fold it into thirds, and then make a ring that fits around your popcan stove. Leave about one inch of space between the can and the foil, and fold the foil so the pot rests about 1/2 inch above the top of the popcan. In the sides of the foil, drill 2 offset rows of holes 1/4 inch diameter every inch…this allows for increased air flow.
The foil ring will support well of 20 pounds of weight. Since these directions are confusing you may want to e-mail me if you are interested.
Andy Brown
If you’re going to go to the trouble of making another stove, check this out: http://trailjournals.com/gear.cfm?trailname=1296 Let me know if you want instructions on how to make one. Have fun!
-S-
Skittles
Andy - thanks!
I know exactly what you are talking about - I have a old MSR Whisperlite and just converted it’s foil windscreen. Works like a champ!!
Brutus
Brutus - I had the same trouble that you did in keeping the fire going after setting my pot directly on top of my homemade alcohol stove. I patterned mine off of the anti-gravity gear stove like Casey mentioned. Try punching about 4 evenly spaced holes around the top to give it more air. I did this and the flames jetted out of those first and then lit the smaller holes around the middle. Works great now.
Peep
Peep - I see what you are suggesting - but it seems by using some type of stand you benefit from having a flame from the punched holes AND from the main stove opening in the center of the can.
Or is the idea to NOT have a flame coming out of the center opening and just from the punched holes?
Brutus