How to Make a Hobo Stove

If you like to go hiking or camping or just would like to have a little fun with the kids in the back yard, you could make a Trail Stove. They are lightweight, and fun to use.

Things You'll Need

• Empty paint can
• Drill
• u-brackets
• heavy metal wire coat hanger

Instructions

1. 

   1. Use an empty, thoroughly cleaned gallon paint can.
   2. Cut both the bottom and the top from the can.
   3. Make 5-6 equally spaced, 1" diameter holes around both the top and the bottom of the can.
   4. Attach 4 u-brackets in 4 "corners" of the can.
   5. Cut a heavy metal wire coat hanger into 4 - 8" pieces.
   6. Bend one end of the wire to form a hook that will fit into the u-brackets. The other end will be forced into the ground just enough to make the stove steady.
   7. Make a fire in under with wood. Have a plentiful supply on hand.
   8. Place a pan (one you don't care about getting carbon deposits from the fire on to) on top, and heat your meal, water, or coffee pot.

   If you don't want to place the pot directly on the top of the can, you can use an old baking or cookie sheet on the top and place your pan in the center.

2. 

   If you want to make something larger and more substantial, use an old oven shelf and attach metal fence posts about 8-10" long, with screws. This can be placed directly over a larger fire and enable you to cook several things at one time.
   Another alternative is to use an old grate and attach metal legs to make an ever larger surface to cook on. If anyone does a lot of camping, these would be easy to make and fun to use.

3. 

   All of these are easy enough to make and use. Let the kids help, with adult supervision, of course.
   The trail stoves would be fun for an impromptu picnic in the backyard, or to take along on a hiking trip.

   You can experiment with the size of the can and the size of the holes. If there is a strong wind, the flame is really drawn to the top.
   If it is pulling too much heat, block some of the holes in the bottom, or block the fire from the wind.

Tips & Warnings

• This would be a great little project just to roast a few marshmallows or to make smores on a cool fall day.

• These would be very easy to carry along on a hike for a stop half way through the hike for a cup of coffee.

• Be sure to thoroughly extinguish the fire; cover with dirt or sand, and pour water over it before leaving.

• Check with the fire authorities for regulations of having fires in your backyard. Usually there is no problem if they are self contained and watched.

Resources

• How to Make a Fire Pit - It's Easy to Do!
• How to Dress up a Hobo Stew