How to Make a Trail Wood Stove
A trail wood stove is a small wood-burning stove compact enough to fit into a small bag. This style of wood stove is the right size for backpackers, campers and trail riders. Able to cook as efficiently as an expensive propane stove, this wood stove can be homemade with little cost and a few tools. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tin snips
- 24-oz. aluminum can
- Can opener
- Center punch or drill
- Metal file
- Safety glasses
- Kindling materials
- Brick or rock
- Permanent marker
- Small cooking pot or skillet
- Lighter or matches
Instructions
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1
Open and remove contents of the can. Wash out the can thoroughly and take off the lid carefully. Remove the label and stickers.
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2
Locate the middle face of the can. Draw a 4-inch-long triangle on this spot, the top pointing up. This is the guide for cutting the exhaust hole for the trail stove.
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3
Carefully cut out the triangle with tin snips. Follow the guide line as exactly as you can. File the edge of the triangle with a metal file to remove rugged edges. Pay particular attention to the corners of the triangle, as this is where the metal is the roughest.
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4
Use a can opener to puncture five holes around the bottom side of the can. Place these holes as close to the bottom as you can. File any rough edges around the holes.
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5
Put the can on a brick or rock as a platform. Place dry twigs, pinecones, leaves or any other kindling material in the can. Carefully light the kindling material. Place a small cooking pot or pan on top of the can. The stove is now ready for cooking.
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Tips & Warnings
Run a small tube through one of the air holes in the back of the can. Blow gently through the tube to encourage a bigger fire.
Do not add too much kindling to the can, as it will cause an overabundance of smoke.
Always wear safety glasses when working with metal.
Keep all body parts and clothing away from the can when lighting the fire.
Do not light the fire if the area is dry or very windy.
Put the fire out completely before moving the can.
References
Resources
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