The other day Yeti posted a little video and instructions on how to make a lightweight, alcohol-fueled backpacking stove out of an aluminum can. According to Yeti’s testing, it is a pretty delicate device but handy nonetheless. More than inspire me to build a stove, this post reminded me that I probably have 101 of these little things that would make great posts through my never-ending search for content.
You will need:
Beeswax
Some cardboard (a flap or two off of a cardboard box will probably be plenty)
Empty Copenhagen tin (can be substituted for a Skoal tin if you live in Oklahoma, or actually any small can or tin like from canned tuna, or dog or cat food.)
Ghetto instructions to make your ghetto firestarter:
1. Get that wax melting. I’ll spare you the details of using a double-broiler to melt wax without scorching it. You’ll need enough wax to fill the tin about 3/4 of the way up, but since you are going to go through the trouble of melting wax for this you might as well make a half-dozen of them.
2. Cut some long strips of cardboard about 1″ thick, assuming that your tin/can is about 1″ deep.
I frequently use Fancy Feast cat food tins which are closer to 1.25″ deep, so my cardboard strips are closer to 1.25″ wide.
3. Roll the cardboard strip into a roll almost as large as the tin. Basically, you will want to be able to place the rolled cardboard down inside of the can or tin. The tighter the squeeze, the better.
4. Fill the cardboard-filled tin with melted wax, almost to the top. You will still want a little exposed cardboard.
5. Let it all dry and cool, put the lid back on (the nice part about using a dipping tobacco tin), and throw it in your pack or glovebox.
I think I learned this in Hunter Safety class. Essentially you have just made a short, fat candle with a giant wick. I’ve also heard that instead of cardboard you can just use a concoction of beeswax and sawdust, which is basically what any store-bought firestarter is anyway. I’ll admit that this version isn’t quite as lightweight as some store-bought versions, but it’s great for the roadside emergency kit that you should be keeping in the back of your vehicle.
One other consideration to make is the waste. Copenhagen tins will burn down to almost-nothing, but still leave behind a few small pieces of aluminum. Dog/cat food cans will often leave behind a whole can. Don’t forget to dig your non-biodegradable trash out of your firepit before you leave your campsite.
