How to Make Your Own Alcohol Fuel Cans
With a little bit of material, you can make an alcohol fuel can that can be used to cook with or used as a camp heater. They can be made inexpensively so that they can be disposable or used again and again. Some people use two soda or beer cans while others use the more durable vegetable cans. Which type you choose does not matter, although the beverage cans are easier to assemble.
Things You'll Need
- 2 empty aluminum soda cans
- 1 full can soda
- Marker
- Knife or razor blade
- Scissors
- Drill
- 3/16 inch drill bit
- Aluminum tape
- Denatured alcohol
Instructions
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1
Use the marker to make a mark completely around the outside of the first can at 1 ½ inches from the bottom of the can. You will be using this mark as a guide to cut all the way around the can so make sure your hand is steady when making the mark.
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2
Use the knife or razor blade to cut the can about one inch above the mark you made earlier. Use the scissors to cut all the way around the can. It will now be easier to cut around the mark you made with the marker. Use the scissors and cut along that mark all the way around the can. This section will be the "top" of your fuel can.
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3
Repeat the previous step with the second can except make the mark ½ inch higher than the first one. This section will be the bottom of the fuel can.
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4
Insert the bottom of the full can of soda into the cut can that will serve as the bottom of the fuel can. This will widen it and allow you to compress the top section to the bottom section. Set the top section of the fuel can into the bottom section and squeeze gently until you can't move them any further.
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5
Secure the top and bottom together using aluminum tape pressed tightly against where the two edges of the sections meet. This will reduce the chances of getting cut when handling the fuel cans.
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6
Drill three 3/16 inch holes in the top section of the fuel can. This will be where you place the alcohol for fuel when the fuel can is ready.
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7
Drill 16 holes around the edges of the can just above the line where the aluminum tape is. These holes should be as evenly spaced apart as possible. This will be where the jet flames will come through.
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8
Pour one ounce of denatured alcohol into the top section of the can and let it drip into the can. When all the alcohol has drained from the top, your fuel can is ready for use.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not fill the fuel can until you are ready to use it as it could spill the fuel and cause an accidental fire. Do not use indoors or around flammable materials.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
