Buddy BurnerA Buddy burner is fuel source and can be used with a vagabond stove. It is also good emergency fuel to have on hand if your stove at home is unavailable. You can use it in a driveway or an indoor fireplace or when you cannot have an open fire. The smoke is very black so do not use it in an unventilated room.
A shallow tin can (such as tuna)
Corrugated cardboard, cut in strips just a little narrower than depth of can
Paraffin, in a tin can for melting
Candlewick, optional
Lid from a larger can, for putting out burner
Pot of water on stove, for melting paraffin
Roll cardboard into a coil that fits loosely into the can. Place optional wick in center on tin. This is optional, but will make it easier to light
Melt the paraffin. Paraffin should always be melted in a tin can set in a pot of water on the stove. Use low heat, and melt small amounts at a time. The vapor given off by the melting paraffin might start to burn, so have a lid from a larger tin can on hand to smother any fire.
When parrafin is melted, fill shallow can almost to the top, being careful to not spill.
Let the paraffin harden before using. Now you have made a Buddy burner.
Note: You can also make a Buddy burner using sawdust or wood chips instead of cardboard. Fill the tin can and pour in paraffin. This might be slightly harder to light, so be sure to add a wick.
To use a Buddy burner:
Light the top of the Buddy burner with a match. Never cook directly on the Buddy burner because the smoke is black and sooty. Place the vagabond stove over the Buddy burner and you're ready to cook.
Put the fire out by first lifting the stove off using a pot holder, or knock the stove over with a stick. Smothering the Buddy burner flame with a larger tin can lid or any flat surface larger than the burner. Be careful! The paraffin will be hot and liquid, so wait until it hardens and cools before you pick it up.