The biggest benefit of using a Heineken can that I see is the cool factor, because it looks nice. For performance I have not seen a benefit to the flared-out ribs on the Heineken can. I also like it because it comes full of beer and does not have paint around the bottom.

The best way I have found to cut the can is to score it with a utility knife blade. I also tried an Exacto - hobby blade but it was more difficult to get a nice deep score. It is easier to hold the blade and rotate the can. I read on a web site (sorry, no link) about holding the blade inside a book with both the book and the can on a table. I used a block of wood.

Once you have a good score around the can it will tear very cleanly all the way around. It makes a very smooth (but still sharp) edge. You can also cut thru the can with the razor but I could not get as smooth a cut that way.

I have found that can of beer.. and made my first stove.

I used a small pair of cissors out of my toilet kit, my Leatherman PST + a power drill with 3 sizes of bits (and a few band-aids, to patch my thumb, when I broke the 1/16" drill bit and stick it in my thumb... <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> )

I erroneously translated the instructions about the "burner" part, so I had to do it a second time. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I used 2 cans of beer and one of soda (a red and white brand...)
And it works .... <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Now, I need to find wire strong enough for the pedestal and I will just have to time how long it takes to boil my pot of water....


Thanks for the link !

I made one last night. It went together nicely, but I think I may have some gas leaking around the edge is a few places. A bit of JB Weld last PM, can't wait to try it again tonight.

I don't have JB Weld here... and I don't know what to use instead of it ...

anyway, my stove doesn't show too many leaks....

Alain, any high strength two part epoxy should do the same job. If you can't find that use high temp silicone, which is used on exhaust systems for cars. Autoparts stores carry it on this side of the world. Haven't built one of the penny stoves yet, still looking for someone to empty a few beer cans for me, but i have built a couple of the photon style stoves and used automotive silicone and have not had any problems.

Thanks.
Will look for this silicone compound...

Still no pot support, nor windscreen.

But for indoors tests, it was not necessary : I just used that stove inside the oven of my gas cooker... <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Ideal conditions : no wind, air temp = 25?C (77?F), initial tap water temp = 21?C (70?F), combustible = "alcool ? br?ler ? 90?" (ethyl alcool, denatured, 90%)
Pot = an alu cup, capacity 1/2 liter, but only 25cl (about 0.066 US gal) of water was used. (that's what is needed for most dehydrated meals I can find here in France).
I loaded my penny stove, with 5cl (0.013 US gal) of ethyl alcool.
Using a boyscout flint, I lighted the stove.
The pot was a bit less than 1 inch above the stove.
The water was boiling after 5 minutes (flames all around the pot ...).
I then added the simmer ring and kept the water boiling for another 45 minutes !!!!!! <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I needed less than 10 minutes to get 50cl of water to a boiling point, using a Trangia rectangular mess tin (the little one - 11cm or 4.33 inches length)

They are so great (and fun to build - except when the drilling bit is planted in the thumb - see previous post... <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />), I bought a 6 pack of beer, to make a few other stoves...... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

... and for non-English members :
a penny weighs 3.56 grams and has a diameter of 20.32 mm...
...that's 0.1256 ounce and 0.8 inch

A Euro 10 cents coin is about the same diameter (19,75 mm) but a bit heavier (4.10 grams).

I guess it's OK to use a 10 cents coin.... a bit more pressure inside the stove maybe...

Hmm, mine runs good, but I can't get water to boil. About 190 and that's it. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Some of the sites that show how to make a stove mention the wind screen is as important as anything else. Big temperature difference with vs without. Doesn't have to be fancy, just something to keep the hot gases in contact with the pot as long as possible.

Edit:
Oh... and I discovered the burner hole size, number and placement are fussy and critical. Too many, low pressure. Too few, low pressure. Too big, low pressure.

I've made, I dunno, 10? of these so far. Two work really well.