Ok, so I've got the parts assembled pretty much. What I'm thinking is making the paint can stove as described earlier but instead of using it strictly as a wood stove, I'm gonna make an alcohol stove insert to drop into it. Hopefully the paint can will become a pot stand/windscreen that will also allow me to use it as a wood stove if needed/wanted.

I'm going to use the can I got today which is currently holding some sliced black olives, once I eat the olives I'll convert it into the burner. Thought about using a tuna can but found out they won't fit down into the opening of the paint can. Another possibility is a small soup can which I also purchased earlier today.

I want to try and make up the type of alcohol burner that uses fiberglass insulation as a wick, soak it in alcohol and put some sort of screen on top to hold the wick in.

Off to finish making supper and then to the drill press!!

JohnE

That video with the axe makes me very nervous, and it takes a lot to make me nervous.

"Usually a good couple of thumps from a rock will suffice."

Had a boyfriend like that, once.

"I'm going to use the can I got today which is currently holding some sliced black olives ... Thought about using a tuna can ... Another possibility is a small soup can which I also purchased earlier today."

The number of people from all the survival sites who buy stuff just for the container is probably what is maintaining the economy.

Sue

LOL!!!

You have a very good point Susan, about the rock as well as the cans...;^)

The experiment continues, still figuring out the best way to make the can/burner work in the larger can...

JohnE

Yup, I have several bags of charcoal for the barbecue, and sometimes I need to park vehicles where they can not be plugged in.

If I could stuff your can stove with charcoal, light it and put the lid on it, then it might be fine for thawing out a cold engine.
It could be prepacked and ready to light.

Just so long as it does not get too hot.
More like one of those handwarmers where you light the charcoal stick and close it.
Yup, like a large size handwarmer for my truck's motor.
Shove it under the oil pan and hopefully an hour later vroom, vroom, vroom.

I must build one and test it out.
I really don't want to be setting my truck on fire if your little stove turns out to be a raging inferno.

"...video with the axe makes me very nervous..."

I have been splitting kindling that way with an axe or hatchet my entire life, and altho I always wear leather gloves, I have never cut myself. Practice and good hand/eye coordination is all it takes...

I'm not that good with one, I'd have three fingers laying on the ground trying to do that.

When the piece of lumber was larger, is it just a matter of hitting away from your fingers. Once (the wood, not your fingers) are in smaller pieces, you place the edge of the blade where you want it, then lift both axe/hatchet and wood together, then bring them both down with enough force to imped the blade in the wood. Next whack, fingers are out of the way, wood gets split. You can do it when the wood is larger, altho it is not as easy then. Gloves and eye protection a real good idea too...

Used this technique for years as well. Don't know if I developed it on my own or picked it up someplace, but only one small knick.

However, I won't do it if I'm the slightest bit dingy. Over tired, dehydrated, sick, anything that dulls the brain rules this out pretty quick. I know I'm a klutz.