Make Your Own Hobo Stove

[cerbera147]

After seeing J's hobo stove on another thread it sparked my interest, excuse the pun  

http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=940.0

If nothing it gives extra heat where an open fire is either prohibited or just not a good idea

I found several how to guides on the interweb but thought this was the easiest

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73329&

Good video here as well http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDsnbt40rq8

At its simplest it's just an Ikea drainer at £2.85. I'm sure there are other bits to add but so far I'm happy with my work   Something to lift it up of the ground would be good but I'm sure 'nature' would provide something  

The link above has plenty of pics but here's some of mine. It was really only an experiment but it worked well and did boil up water a treat.





Ikea is literally around the corner from Decathlon so what are you waiting for? Just don't bring the missus   I think Poundstretcher do something similiar for a similiar price

[RedLeader]

Awesome, now you're ready to cook. As long as you keep the wood really small and don't let it burn low it works quite well.

We generally get a firelog and break it into small chunks and bring it along with the hobo stove to summit camps. One firelog will burn for a couple of hours if it's not too windy. Also you can get a disposable turkey tray and wrap it round 3/4 of the stove it will reflect heat out the front and makes it burn slower. Similarly you can put a bit of tray across the top to also reflect heat towards you which also makes it burn much slower.

[VMCC]

I love this, and I have an Ikea cutlery holder already. So what do you cut the hole in the side with?

[RedLeader]

I used a dremel but I'm sure there are other ways. However, I'm not convinced the hole is necessary. Generally the stove needs plenty of fuel so it doesn't go out and for me, the fuel tends to be higher than the opening meaning you can't use it to put stuff in but stuff will fall out. Personally, I'd leave the opening altogether. With all the holes already there there's plenty of air getting in.

I love this, and I have an Ikea cutlery holder already. So what do you cut the hole in the side with?

[Kayakgirl]

Planning a trip to Ikea tomorrow..

[cerbera147]

I love this, and I have an Ikea cutlery holder already. So what do you cut the hole in the side with?

I actually managed it with pliers; my Leatherman

It's quite easy to get through, just give it a good file down when you're done.

I used a dremel but I'm sure there are other ways. However, I'm not convinced the hole is necessary. Generally the stove needs plenty of fuel so it doesn't go out and for me, the fuel tends to be higher than the opening meaning you can't use it to put stuff in but stuff will fall out. Personally, I'd leave the opening altogether. With all the holes already there there's plenty of air getting in.

TBH I just followed the crowd with the hole in the side. I imagine if you're using a tin can then definitely but this is one holy  holey drainer so perhaps it is overkill.
From what I read some like to feed fuel through the opening whilst the pot is on top.

[ChuckMcB]

ps. a couple of tweaks I've seen people do include using 3/4 bolts on the bottom to make feet to increase air flow....and/or also a couple of bolts on the inside at the top to support a cup that is smaller than the stove's diameter.

[Matthew]

I think I will give one of these a go today

Matthew

[cerbera147]

ps. a couple of tweaks I've seen people do include using 3/4 bolts on the bottom to make feet to increase air flow....and/or also a couple of bolts on the inside at the top to support a cup that is smaller than the stove's diameter.

Couple of old tent pegs work a treat as well 

Something to raise it would be great; might need to get my Dad involved 

[Matthew]

Rite my turn, I got a strainer from pound stretcher for £1.50 earlier and set about cutting it up.

Tools used

•   Hole saw
•   hand drill
•   angle grinder

Steps

1.   cut a 60mm diameter hole in the bottom to allow ash to fall out of
2.   center punch and drill holes for the M4 bolts to fit in
3.   use angle grinder to cut out the front opening
4.   screw in feet
5.   Smooth edges with grinder.

[RedLeader]

I knew you'd pimp yours

[cerbera147]

Looks great

Two questions

• How did do the feet?
• What are you burning?

[Matthew]

I knew you'd pimp yours

Am I that predictable?

To be fair the cutout in the middle is not needed, I think V2 will just have some random 15 mm holes bored into it.

Looks great

Two questions

• How did do the feet?
• What are you burning?

I used a machine screw and put a nut in the end, screwing it down 5mm to account for the material. I pushed it through the hole and added another nut on the inside so the steel container was held between the two nuts.
I was burning an old bit of whitewood, which came from an old bed slat. To start with there was just a bit of sawdust.

[cerbera147]

Thanks; might try adding some feet

[Matthew]

I am not sure they do very much. I might make a central spike with holes around that for the ash to fall out of.