If it's a vacuum model, just to be safe: Fill up the sink or bath with water, put the flask on an old towel to stop it slipping and put on gloves, just in case then pierce it with an awl/centrepunch (ideally). Arse kissing aside, this is probably my favourite vid of yours Sean. The best hobo stove vid/configuration I've seen yet. Really works.
Very nice set up Everything fist together so nicely! No loosing anything or having to dig around for everything when at camp. Very innovative idea. Now all I have to do is find a flash such as this to build my own. Thanks for the inspiration.
You´re a genious....!! I was actually going to throw out my old thermos tomorrow.. It can´t keep the heat any longer.. But then I, by pure luck, saw your video and now I think that I just might keep it... Thanks for sharing... Excellent mate...! Greetings from Denmark :-D
I enjoy experimenting and making things. I had seen other types of stoves in the shops and on UA-cam and looked for something to make one from. I was going to through the flask out, so thought I'd cut it open on see if it would work. I am really impressed with its performance and efficiency.
You can find paper sized Fresnel lenses at office supply stores, and if the stove is cooking while in the sunlight focus the light on your sst mug to speed up the process. Very cool project. Thank you for teaching us how to do this.
Two weeks ago I've got a stainless thermos from our auction for free. Looks just like your modified one so I will do the trick to it too. Thanks for sharing your idea.
Sean, I am sure it will help others, as I said I was asking for any possible newbies to bushcraft that might be too timid to do so themselves. God Job all around Sean.
Thank you Sean so much for such an educational video! You've really done an excellent job of making your hobo stove extremely efficient in the way you've managed to pack everything inside. I like to go camping, but I'm also an herbalist, and wildcrafter. I often go out in the woods, and forage edibles, and herbs that grow wild. When the zombie apocalypse happens, this hobo stove will really come in handy.. lmao. I'm totally kidding about the zombie apocalypse.. lol
Jwilson, that's the point he probably would have thrown away the old thermos bottle without a seal. Great vid. Thanks for the idea. I new I was holding on to my old thermos bottles for a reason. I could probably improvise another o'ring but since I have a replacement I might get better use for a hobo stove/cookware that would be compact enough for my emergency kit.
Excellent design! I've seen similar designs that use either Sterno fuel or "burner buddies" (small cat food or tuna cans with coils of corregated cardboard and wax melted over it) for the fuel.
to increase temperature at higher mug you need to construct a mug to fit to lower container by itself (adding a ring) instead of losing considerable amount of heat through that small lid... very nice job...thanks for sharing it
That's very clever! You could also use a small alcohol burner and use the stove as a windscreen. I like the fact that it's steel! I get so tired of aluminum and titanuim. Well done! 5/5
Excellent video man! I have an old thermos in the cupboard that hasn't been used in years. Hope it has a metal liner not glass. Thanks for the vid! Ruben Potpants
Sean, Thanks for the video/info! I have a couple of hobos in the works, the grandaddy of which is a 5liter Hene keg. I have a stainless thermos(vac bottle)under the sink that i now know what to do with! Enjoy!
Yes I use it all the time. In the sabercat it goes in the right hnd side pocket that I added the rain gaiter too, to accomodate it. And in the Sitka it fits in the side pocket. .
i have a good alchol stove i made out of aluminum beer bottle boils water in bout 4 minutes but i really like your idea of multiple fuel sources and compckness i have all stainless bottles needed i think i will try , nice video some good thought went into it
Thanks for comment. I have been away for four days with this stove. It is extrememly efficicent. 500ml of water boiled with approx 12 to 15 finger thick dry sticks 6 to 8 inches long. Only 1 teaspoon of ash left over. Sean
Here goes. Its made from an old stainless steel flask. The burner is now 165mm high, 95mm wide. I cut it with a hack saw and a small grinder. A drill for the holes. I made it 1 afternoon in 2 1/2 hours. As it was one I already had I dont consider it cost me anything, but new it was about £15.00. Hope that helps. Sean
I had made several out of food cans and found that they burnt through with the heat. The flask was an old one that the seal had gone and I was going to throw it out. So before I did I chose to cut it open and try and make the hobo stove. I do not spend a fortune on my kit apart from my Maxpedition packs. But even these are for a new project I have in mind and will be modified.
I made it as an experiment and yes it is extremely practicle. As for open fires, in the UK Woods they are not allowed unless you are in private woods with the owners permission. So this stove is something I use regularly.
I hadnt thought about the hexi blocks being toxic. It is something I'll reconsider. Thanks. As for the make of the flask I think it was 'Alladin' but I can tbe sure.
This stove will burn anything. I have used hexamine fuel tablets, sticks, pine cones, wood shavings. Tinders to get it going I like vaseline on cotton wool, but any tiber would do the job. Just make sure the sticks are matchstick thin to start and then pencil thick once its going. Sean
It works with all fuels. The foods I tend to cook in it are cuppa soups, rice, dried mash potato, boil in the bag meals, wild teas. By using a flat pan on the top you can even fry up meat of make bannock on it. Use your imagination and see what you can think of.
It was an old flask that I had. The seals had gone and it used to get hot on the outside. I was going to throw it out but decided to cut it open first. It was then I saw the potential for the hobo stove.
Stainless is really hard to cut. I used a mini cutter after giving up on the hacksaw. Good luck with yours. Read the other comments because there are some other great features that I have copied on to mine in them.
We had run out of milk and I couldnt face black tea. About 8 years ago now. So I just had hot water and really enjoyed it. Now if I drink caffine the room starts spinning - like when you drink to much alcohol and lay down. So now I only drink water hot or cold or fruit juices. I sleep less and have more energy as well. I do not follow any religious belief as such, just my own take on faith and spiritualism. Thanks for the question.
Some good ideas Sean - Russian Dolls set-up. I'm working on a stove set-up made from an Ikea drainer (they are a good base for a stove) at the moment - vid to come maybe. It's just a matter of finding stuff that fits like billy's or cups.
Okay so the solution is clear, if you placed the water portion in the bottom, water being very conductive of heat would draw the heat like a double boiler and in effect stabilize hose hot the TOP portion got before heavier/meatier foods in the top could burn or overcook. Everything could be ready at the same time. You could have an even WIDER outer water pot around the base of the stove itself when in storage but used to heat water to a warm level to wash up everything afterwards.
i watched your tarp videos sean man thanks tarp design four was a great idea i was useing a 58 pattern sleeping bag in really haevy rain and it kept me all dry and comfi well except my feet but thats due to my own stupidty
you said its like a game of russian dolls i agree and i think that this whole stove is too heavy and that this stove is a bit big aswell. If you went family camping it would be better but when you go family camping normally you go for a week or 2 and you have proper cookers. If you where going survival camping it is much too large and heavy to be knocking around in your pack this goes the same for ultralight backpacking. and seriously who calls you the silver fox. but i must admit good idea : )
That wood stove is tall. Wind could blow it over spilling your meal. Pot is very small good for hot water but to small to cook. I usualy use a Esbit stove which is to small to cook with. I have a Coleman double burner stove for picnics. Esbit, denatured alcohol and Coleman fuel all cost money. Wood is free but will make pots black and sooty.
As long as you let it boil and then cool it tastes great. If you dont bring it to a boil tap water tastes really chemically. This may sound strange but I prefer the texture and taste of boiled water. Also drinking fliuds at body temperature makes it more readliy abosorbed into the body. Or so I have been told!
Great stove, one of the best I've seen. Don't suppose you can remember what make/model of flask and mug you used? Also, when its packed, is there no concern with storing the hexi burner inside the mug, due to the toxic nature of the hexi blocks?
great vid! I like it, but the ultra lighters probably think it weighs too much. Now I have to head to the thrift stores to track down a good ole fashion thermos. Have you thought about including a tube to manually blown air through the bottom to get it going like a forge. I do that with mine and it increases boil times. Thanks for sharing.
Good Job, very straightforward and concise. How about some measurements? height, width, weight, etc. What was the approximate cost? What tools were required? How long did the project take?
I am not sure what make the cup is. I found it in a gift shop may several years ago. The second lid is the metal top from the cardboard container that whisky comes in. Sorry I cannot be of more help. If I see a nother cup similar to mine I'l make a note of it and post it on here. Sean the Silver Fox
It was just a stainless steel flask. I do not know if it was a vacum model or not. I do not see why it would not work. I'd be careful with the first cut to release the vacum but after that it should be fine. Like me experiment and have a go. Let me kow the results. Sean the Silver Fox
@randylimas I tried with a hacksaw but stainless is too hard. I used a mini disc cutter. As for the sizes I just guessed. I will measure it and contact you.
If it's a vacuum model, just to be safe: Fill up the sink or bath with water, put the flask on an old towel to stop it slipping and put on gloves, just in case then pierce it with an awl/centrepunch (ideally).
Arse kissing aside, this is probably my favourite vid of yours Sean.
The best hobo stove vid/configuration I've seen yet. Really works.
Of all the small woodburning stoves, this is the best I've seen! Can't wait to make one myself.
This is by far the best stove I've seen, very nice looking, looks professional.
Very nice set up Everything fist together so nicely! No loosing anything or having to dig around for everything when at camp. Very innovative idea. Now all I have to do is find a flash such as this to build my own. Thanks for the inspiration.
I don't know that hobos are this inventive! Really a good device, small and efficient.
You´re a genious....!! I was actually going to throw out my old thermos tomorrow.. It can´t keep the heat any longer.. But then I, by pure luck, saw your video and now I think that I just might keep it... Thanks for sharing... Excellent mate...! Greetings from Denmark :-D
Congratulations Sean! Your video is the first thing shown when you Google "hobo stove". That is something to be proud of! 5 *'s, mate!
I enjoy experimenting and making things. I had seen other types of stoves in the shops and on UA-cam and looked for something to make one from. I was going to through the flask out, so thought I'd cut it open on see if it would work.
I am really impressed with its performance
and efficiency.
BLEEDING GENIUS !!!!! ive been mucking about for years in the woods/canoeing etc. and that is one cool bit of kit ....well done sean
You can find paper sized Fresnel lenses at office supply stores, and if the stove is cooking while in the sunlight focus the light on your sst mug to speed up the process. Very cool project. Thank you for teaching us how to do this.
outstanding, compact, multi-fuel, the whole deal and cheap, keep it up Sean
Two weeks ago I've got a stainless thermos from our auction for free. Looks just like your modified one so I will do the trick to it too. Thanks for sharing your idea.
Sean, I am sure it will help others, as I said I was asking for any possible newbies to bushcraft that might be too timid to do so themselves. God Job all around Sean.
Great video, great stove. Maximum density and versatility in a small package.
Thank you Sean so much for such an educational video! You've really done an excellent job of making your hobo stove extremely efficient in the way you've managed to pack everything inside. I like to go camping, but I'm also an herbalist, and wildcrafter. I often go out in the woods, and forage edibles, and herbs that grow wild. When the zombie apocalypse happens, this hobo stove will really come in handy.. lmao. I'm totally kidding about the zombie apocalypse.. lol
Made one of these ! No problems, did a few of my own adjustments . Great Video Silver Fox
I am pleased you are happy with yours. Great job for having a go at making your own.
hey sean nice work its nice of you to share your little experiment with us
very nice video and very nice construction for a bush stove. I'm always amazed with the imagination people have to solve a problem.
Thanks for the video. I plan on making one soon. Being a minimalist camper this should work great for me.
Jwilson, that's the point he probably would have thrown away the old thermos bottle without a seal.
Great vid. Thanks for the idea. I new I was holding on to my old thermos bottles for a reason. I could probably improvise another o'ring but since I have a replacement I might get better use for a hobo stove/cookware that would be compact enough for my emergency kit.
Excellent idea, great way to 'salvage' a stainless steel thermos if you loose the plug, instead of just throwing it out!
made this a couple years ago and took it out camping. made spruce tea with it and it worked great. thanks silver fox
Excellent design! I've seen similar designs that use either Sterno fuel or "burner buddies" (small cat food or tuna cans with coils of corregated cardboard and wax melted over it) for the fuel.
to increase temperature at higher mug you need to construct a mug to fit to lower container by itself (adding a ring) instead of losing considerable amount of heat through that small lid...
very nice job...thanks for sharing it
That's very clever! You could also use a small alcohol burner and use the stove as a windscreen. I like the fact that it's steel! I get so tired of aluminum and titanuim. Well done! 5/5
Excellent video man! I have an old thermos in the cupboard that hasn't been used in years. Hope it has a metal liner not glass. Thanks for the vid!
Ruben Potpants
5stars upload! thank you from germany
Great video. You really put a lot of thought into that idea. Very cool.
Sean, Thanks for the video/info! I have a couple of hobos in the works, the grandaddy of which is a 5liter Hene keg. I have a stainless thermos(vac bottle)under the sink that i now know what to do with! Enjoy!
Yes I use it all the time. In the sabercat it goes in the right hnd side pocket that I added the rain gaiter too, to accomodate it. And in the Sitka it fits in the side pocket. .
Great idea. I regret giving my old steel thermos away now.
i have a good alchol stove i made out of aluminum beer bottle boils water in bout 4 minutes but i really like your idea of multiple fuel sources and compckness i have all stainless bottles needed i think i will try , nice video some good thought went into it
you are brilliant! a master of minimalism! i very much wish to meet you.
awesome idea, I like it its very compact and would be easy to carry. multiple uses also.
замечательная идея! купил термос и сделал. спасибо!!!
great stove / cook kit -- thank you for showing that
You are absolutely right. Both the vid and the stove are inspiring!
Thanks for comment. I have been away for four days with this stove. It is extrememly efficicent. 500ml of water boiled with approx 12 to 15 finger thick dry sticks 6 to 8 inches long. Only 1 teaspoon of ash left over.
Sean
This is the way to go !!!! Thanks Sean Keep the Vids Coming !!!
Thanks friend for those comments. I wasnt sure about cutting into a vacum flask so thanks for the advice.
Sean
Fascinating, Great job on that build man, very kool indeed big thumbs up!!
this is cool. I watched the first video and liked it but did not know how to make it!!
GREAT SEAN, i MADE ONE AND IT WORKS GREAT.. THANKS KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!!
Here goes. Its made from an old stainless steel flask. The burner is now 165mm high, 95mm wide. I cut it with a hack saw and a small grinder. A drill for the holes. I made it 1 afternoon in 2 1/2 hours. As it was one I already had I dont consider it cost me anything, but new it was about £15.00.
Hope that helps.
Sean
GREAT JOB SEAN!! I MADE ONE AND IT WORKS GREAT.
ty
very inspiring and creative, thx for sharing
That is fantastic. I have got to make one.
Great vid.
brilliant mate absolutely brilliant
Very good Idea.I have a flask just like yours.I guess it's not going to be a flask for much longer!
I had made several out of food cans and found that they burnt through with the heat. The flask was an old one that the seal had gone and I was going to throw it out. So before I did I chose to cut it open and try and make the hobo stove. I do not spend a fortune on my kit apart from my Maxpedition packs. But even these are for a new project I have in mind and will be modified.
I made it as an experiment and yes it is extremely practicle. As for open fires, in the UK Woods they are not allowed unless you are in private woods with the owners permission. So this stove is something I use regularly.
If you are in the UK try Matalan. They do coffee containers that fit the Ikea drainer I believe.
I hadnt thought about the hexi blocks being toxic. It is something I'll reconsider. Thanks. As for the make of the flask I think it was 'Alladin' but I can tbe sure.
This stove will burn anything. I have used hexamine fuel tablets, sticks, pine cones, wood shavings. Tinders to get it going I like vaseline on cotton wool, but any tiber would do the job. Just make sure the sticks are matchstick thin to start and then pencil thick once its going.
Sean
as soon as u start explaining the holes and the metal sticks i fuckin yelled brilliant!!! 5 stars!
It works with all fuels. The foods I tend to cook in it are cuppa soups, rice, dried mash potato, boil in the bag meals, wild teas. By using a flat pan on the top you can even fry up meat of make bannock on it. Use your imagination and see what you can think of.
It was an old flask that I had. The seals had gone and it used to get hot on the outside. I was going to throw it out but decided to cut it open first. It was then I saw the potential for the hobo stove.
Your welcome.
Thanks and kep watching
Sean
very well done. quite creative
Stainless is really hard to cut. I used a mini cutter after giving up on the hacksaw. Good luck with yours. Read the other comments because there are some other great features that I have copied on to mine in them.
wow, very nice! Thanks for sharing!
@OliviaSST
That is a brillaint idea. Thank you.
Awesome stove very cool
We had run out of milk and I couldnt face black tea. About 8 years ago now. So I just had hot water and really enjoyed it. Now if I drink caffine the room starts spinning - like when you drink to much alcohol and lay down. So now I only drink water hot or cold or fruit juices. I sleep less and have more energy as well. I do not follow any religious belief as such, just my own take on faith and spiritualism. Thanks for the question.
Ecellent. Guess what I'm doing today then. Thank you for the tip.
Sean
Some good ideas Sean - Russian Dolls set-up.
I'm working on a stove set-up made from an Ikea drainer (they are a good base for a stove) at the moment - vid to come maybe.
It's just a matter of finding stuff that fits like billy's or cups.
5/5 for zooming your digital camara in and out with a remote control, while crafting a hobo stove from junk. That really made me laugh hard.
Thanks, they impress me too with their effinciency.
I want to go camping to my backyard now.
Okay so the solution is clear, if you placed the water portion in the bottom, water being very conductive of heat would draw the heat like a double boiler and in effect stabilize hose hot the TOP portion got before heavier/meatier foods in the top could burn or overcook. Everything could be ready at the same time. You could have an even WIDER outer water pot around the base of the stove itself when in storage but used to heat water to a warm level to wash up everything afterwards.
That is a great stove!
very nice, i have been working on set. keep up the vids
I carry a wooden spoo which fits dwon the outside of most of my packs. I guess a metal set would fit inside but they would have to be very straight.
With a thermos!! Awsome!!
i watched your tarp videos sean man thanks tarp design four was a great idea i was useing a 58 pattern sleeping bag in really haevy rain and it kept me all dry and comfi well except my feet but thats due to my own stupidty
I used a dremmel with a cutting disc. I do not know who makes the cup. It was one I have had for many years.
you said its like a game of russian dolls i agree and i think that this whole stove is too heavy and that this stove is a bit big aswell. If you went family camping it would be better but when you go family camping normally you go for a week or 2 and you have proper cookers. If you where going survival camping it is much too large and heavy to be knocking around in your pack this goes the same for ultralight backpacking. and seriously who calls you the silver fox. but i must admit good idea : )
That wood stove is tall. Wind could blow it over spilling your meal. Pot is very small good for hot water but to small to cook. I usualy use a Esbit stove which is to small to cook with. I have a Coleman double burner stove for picnics. Esbit, denatured alcohol and Coleman fuel all cost money. Wood is free but will make pots black and sooty.
Great idea!
As long as you let it boil and then cool it tastes great. If you dont bring it to a boil tap water tastes really chemically. This may sound strange but I prefer the texture and taste of boiled water. Also drinking fliuds at body temperature makes it more readliy abosorbed into the body. Or so I have been told!
Pretty much the exact same thing happened to me. I get jitters if I have coffee or tea now and also I seem to be doing better healthwise since.
Excellent workshop, move on!
Brilliant well done
Thankyou
Sean
very nice idea
Great piece of gear! I must make one now!!!! :-)
Great stove, one of the best I've seen.
Don't suppose you can remember what make/model of flask and mug you used?
Also, when its packed, is there no concern with storing the hexi burner inside the mug, due to the toxic nature of the hexi blocks?
I used a mini cutter (Dremmel) and a dril and a file.
Welldone.
great vid! I like it, but the ultra lighters probably think it weighs too much. Now I have to head to the thrift stores to track down a good ole fashion thermos.
Have you thought about including a tube to manually blown air through the bottom to get it going like a forge. I do that with mine and it increases boil times.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Alot Man ! Keep it UP !!
that's great, thanks for sharing
@llollercoaster It can be used to boil hobos, or you can use dried hobos as fuel.
Good Job, very straightforward and concise. How about some measurements? height, width, weight, etc. What was the approximate cost? What tools were required? How long did the project take?
I used a mini disc cutter. Stainless was too hard for my hacksaws.
I am not sure what make the cup is. I found it in a gift shop may several years ago. The second lid is the metal top from the cardboard container that whisky comes in.
Sorry I cannot be of more help. If I see a nother cup similar to mine I'l make a note of it and post it on here.
Sean the Silver Fox
I wouldnt describe them as a fishy smell. They are basically fire lighters, like you would use on a BBQ.
It was just a stainless steel flask. I do not know if it was a vacum model or not. I do not see why it would not work. I'd be careful with the first cut to release the vacum but after that it should be fine. Like me experiment and have a go. Let me kow the results.
Sean the Silver Fox
@randylimas I tried with a hacksaw but stainless is too hard. I used a mini disc cutter. As for the sizes I just guessed. I will measure it and contact you.