Vagabond Stove

Vagabond Stovemakes 1 stove

A Vagabond Stove is an economical, backpacker-type stove easily made from a discarded gallon-size #10 can.
#10 tin can (gallon size)
Pair of tin snips, for door
Leather gloves, for protecting hands
Roll-type can opener
Punch-style can opener
Hammer

If the can is unopened, remove lid from tin can using roll-type can opener. This open end will be the bottom of your stove.

Cut a door in stove. Wearing gloves, take the tin snips and cut from the open end two slits three-inches apart and three-inches long. Bend this piece of tin back into can and hammer it flat. This door is to provide easy access to your fuel.

Punch with the punch opener two or three small holes at the top and bottom of the can on the side opposite the door. These are your air holes and serve as a chimney.

To use the Vagabond Stove:
Find a level spot for the stove so food will not run over the side. If stove is not level, put a twig under the low edge. Press the stove in the dirt so that it makes a ring. Then put it aside. Make a small fire of twigs in the ring, or use charcoal. Keep fire small but steady. You can also use a Buddy Burner or a can of sterno.

Put the stove over the fire, coals, or Buddy Burner. The stove will get very hot so do not touch it. The first time you use your stove you will have to wipe the finish off the tin can after the stove has heated up. Hold stove with a pot holder and wipe off with a paper towel.

When the stove is ready, use it for frying directly on, such as pancakes or eggs, for heating foil-wrapped sandwiches, or for heating small pots of water or food.