Bushwalk Australia

I've been thinking a lot about making my own "Bush Buddy" style wood stove recently

My wife bought this great aluminium "thing" from Ikea the other day. About $3. Weight ~130g. 10cm wide, 13cm high.

Haven't thought it all through yet, but it looks a good base to work from.

?Any thoughts.

Andrew A

Sorry - picture wasn't added

hi

i am pretty sure i have seen this item successfully turned in to a cool little stove with only a pair of tin snips - check it out on youtube

look forward to seeing your interpretation

Ikea hobo stove videos on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ikea+hobo+stove&aq=f

I am sure I read a forum thread or an article about doing this with an Ikea cutlery drainer on BPL or somewhere like that as well.

Cheers,
Michael.

Looks like the answer is "yes"! How well does a simple wood burning stove work compared to one of the wood vapour ones like the bush-buddy? Is it worth fluffing around trying to make one like a BB?

Andrew A

Honestly the reward isn't worth the effort; a HOBO stove using an A10 can is quicker, burns almost as well and has an integral windshield and costs almost nothing

andrewa wrote:Is it worth fluffing around trying to make one like a BB?

Andrew A

You can try it if you want. Check this video out:

Those BushBuddy type stoves are not that difficult to make and can be done cheaply with a couple of cans.

The problem is , and I suppose this is what moondog is alluding too, that the standard tin can will rust pretty fast after a few uses and all you gain over the Hobo/Ikea versions is the pleasure of watcking those flames shoot inwards and maybe less smoke and ashes because of a more complete burn.
I like the idea of the foldable types like the Nimblewill Nomad (http://zenstoves.net/Wood.htm)
There are a few commercial versions availiable, like the Vargo Hexagonhttp://www.vargooutdoors.com and the Emberlit http://www.emberlit.com
But try the Ikea. Add a windscreen about 2-3 cm wider than the burner. You could use that to wrap around the burner in storage/transport. It may not work for you...
Franco

Hi Franco
you are right in that they rust out but I usually get about 3 months from a tin can and I do get them for nothing, I have seen some really nice wood burners made from those IKEA cutlery holders.
I have never made one of those gasification stoves but I believe they burn cleaner.

Where I usually walk there is plenty of small wood and lots of charcoal.
One of the main factors i have found in the efficiency of these hobo stove types is getting the right cooking vessel to go with the cooker.
if there isn't enough clearance between the wall of the stove and the billy all you get is smoke and if there is too much clearance it takes too long to boil a billy, about 12 15mm seems to be right.