Basic Alcohol Stove Construction

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Burner Construction

Step 1 - Jets

Note:  If you are making a Chimney or Low Pressure Sideburner stove, go to Step 2c.

 

Note - if you are planning on stretching and fitting the top stove section over the bottom section, (this looks better but is slightly more difficult to do and you are more likely to shove epoxy or RTV into your jets), you might want to cut your can down and stretch it prior to drilling holes as it is less likely to become stuck and/or crushed in the stretching process if there are no holes in your top section (skip to Step 3 - Trimming and through the stretching process of Step 4 and return here).

 

As far as jet size goes, there is a lot of variability and debate as far as jet size and configuration goes.  If you really interested in determining the difference in various configurations, peruse though the list of stoves Links and visit supplies page dealing with jets.  Here are some debatable generalizations.-

• the smaller the hole the higher the pressure and possibly better the air fuel mixture (better efficiency and performance) but the easier it is put out the flame (either by a little wind or by a self induced blow-out from an excessively powerful jet).  Jets made with a #74 drill or needle are popular for pressurized stoves such as Don Johnston's Photon Stove.  Using extremely small  jet holes, such as those made with a #80 drill, may require a special configuration that enables relighting, or just a greater number of jets so that they are close enough to relight each other..

• the larger the hole - possibly the poorer the efficiency, but better the dependability of the flame and the better it is at lighting/relighting jets adjacent to it.  Holes made with a #57 drill or push pin or larger are also a better choice if you choose to burn rubbing alcohol, poor quality fuel or in inclement weather where everything gets drenched.

 

As far as jet height for sideburner stoves goes-

• jet height becomes very important for sideburner stoves. Sideburner stoves either need enough ventilation to work as an open flame stove or be able to counter the cooling effect of your pot and keep the stove at operating temperatures.

• the lower the jets are on the side of the stove, the hotter the stove will be as the flames will heat the sides of the stove above the jets.

• the higher the jets are on the side of the stove, the greater the full capacity of the stove, but less reliable the flame.

• A good start point of jet position is around 15mm (5/8") from the top of the stove.
  

Determine how many and how you would like to configure your jets.  A template can help you evenly space your holes.

 

Jets can also be angled in or out or even placed on the side of the can (15mm or more below the top of the stove will allow you to use the stove as a pot stand once the side jets fire up).

 

Anywhere from 24 to 32 evenly spaced holes should work.  If you don't have your own magic number, a pattern of 24 evenly spaced holes angled straight up in a circle around the outer rim is a good one to start with (picture on left above).

 

 

To drill or punch the holes, you have many options (see Hole Making Tools).  Make sure that you use eye protection and drill, hammer, or push away. 

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• Hobby Drill Method - Use drills (bits) from a hobby store with a pin vise or Dremel tool.  If you are using a pin vise, adding a few drops of lubricating oil will make drilling a breeze.

 

 

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• Push Method - Securely grab a needle (or something small and sharp) with a pair of pliers, vise grips, etc.  You will only want a small portion of the needle to protrude from your gripper to decrease the chance of it breaking.  Slowly puncture your can.

 

 

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• Hammer Method - Secure your needle (or something small and sharp) with a pair of pliers, vise grips, etc or even stick it in a piece of cork so that only a small portion of the needle is protruding.  Use a hammer (or something comparable) and tap away.

 

 

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• Thumb Method - Use a pushpin or thumbtack and your thumb.  If you want smaller jets, don't push in all the way.

 

 

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• Knife Method - Use a knife tip or sharp awl to make small holes.

 

 

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• Power Drill Method - You may use small bits or needles to drill your holes.  Go slow and wear eye protection as the needles like to fracture and become projectiles.

 

 

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• Drill Press Method - Don't hurt yourself.

Proceed to Step 2 - Fuel Port

Drill Size Chart

Sewing Needle Size Chart

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