how to make a hobo woodgas stove out of some cans

[chad]

it's spring break here, and the kids and i needed a project for today. so, we made a woodgas stove. thought i'd share the process. this stove works great for boiling water, cooking potatoes, meat, etc.

step 1: assemble 3 cans. you'l need a paint can with a handle ($3 or $4 at a hardware store), and empty #10 steel can (coffee, beans, whatever) and a can that will fit inside of a #10 can. i used a 28 ounce oatmeal can. small coffee work as well.

[chad]

step 2: take the #10 can, and using an old style can opener, punch a set of triangle holes around the bottom of the can.

[chad]

step 3: there will be a thick steel ring along the top of the can. use a hacksaw to cut a notch through this ring and get in to "the can."

[chad]

step 4: use a tinsnips to cut a door about 1.5 to 2 inches high. cut where you made the notches in step 3.

[chad]

step 5: drill 3/8 inch holes around open end of the can about an inch up (the end where the door is). i drill about 12 of them.

[chad]

step 6: remove the lid and handle from the paint can. save them.

[chad]

step 7: using the can opener again, pop 8 or 9 vent holes in the bottom of the paint can. when you're done, the paint can goes on top of the #10 can.

[chad]

step 8: take your small can, drill two holes across from each on the top of the can, and affix the handle from the paint can.

[chad]

step 9: nest them. the #10 can goes on the ground, you've put the paint can on top of the #10, and the little can with the holder is lowered in to the paint can.

[chad]

that's it. how to use it:

1. take the #10 can, fill it with paper, small twigs, etc, and get a fire going in it. the holes you drilled in the #10 can will serve as air intake jets. the triangles you punched at the top with jet the heat upwards in to the paint can, or "the stove." the door you cut out can be used to load more fuel in as the fire burns.

2. the holes you punched in the paint can will serve to fuel more air in and increase temperature in the stove. get a good fire going in the #10 can, then throw some potatoes, meat, etc. wrapped in foil in the paint can, put the paint can lid on, and cook a good meal. very simple.

3. to boil water, take the little can with the handle, fill with water, put the lid back on (or cover with tinfoil if you don't have a lid), and lower in to the paint can. this will boil water in 10 minutes or so. you can also use the little can to make soup, chowder, etc.

i'l cook some meals with it tomorrow or friday and post recipes.

[chad]

recipe review will be awhile. all of the stick fuel i was planing on using is now covered by 12 inches of snow.