Time to time I experiment with all kinds of stuff to make stoves
Yesterday, I bought a metal mesh memo holder from office supplies store and I will be trying to use it as an esbit stove.



But I have read in a few places that stuff which is NOT made for high temp may release toxic fumes or vapors, may be from the welding or metal alloys. Stuff like cadmium has been mentioned sometimes.

It is understood that in a survival situation you will use whatever you can find to survive. But in non-survival situation, how safe are these metal "non-stoves" ???

I will pre-burn it a couple of times in the backyard fire before actually using it for cooking or boiling water. Meanwhile, I would appreciate your thoughts on the safety of these make-shift stoves.

Thanks

Is that steel, aluminum or "metal"? Let us know at what temperature it melts.

The basic idea is sound but I suspect that memo holder won't last very long because the mesh is too thin. You can use almost anything for a hobo stove, a large can works fine. Something like this would be even better in the long run, pretty thick gauge stainless steel and works well (been there, done that):
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-An-Ikea-Wood-Burning-Hobo-Stove/

That said, I primarily use it as a wood stove. A folding sheet metal esbit stove is much better for hexamine fuel tabs, just the right size and height plus it takes less room when folded.

Is it painted or enameled?

Jeanette Isabelle

Have you taken a look at http://zenstoves.net/ ? Lots of interesting ideas there.

Unfortunately this site has a lot of dead links.

For the TC - there are 2 ways the mesh is usually attached to the frame - soldering and welding. The later could be of different types as well (i.e. point weld, bead weld). So, definitely try pre-burning it gently. If it will survive - it's usable. And I doubt it may emit any fumes after pre-burning.

That mesh note holder seems way to high for a pot holder.

If you want cheap and light, just take a small flat metal esbit holder (can be anything from a tin lid to just thick foil) and use tent stakes, thick bend metal wire to form a metal pot holder or use the metal mesh of a disposable BBQ (keep the foil tray too and cut it in to a windscreen) and make a circle.

Examples what type holder I have made in the past for my DIY alcohol stoves.

Three artfully arranged rocks will get the job done, if you are in a fix. Almost any tin can can be made to work with a little effort.

+2, there are many ways to improvise if you are burning wood. A hole in the ground, 2 thicker pieces of wood, a tin can. All you need is something to keep your cooking container a little bit up off of the fire.

No clue, whatsoever