I think they have support groups for that kind of addiction........

Maybe BPL should have a support forum.

Travis, Yes that is a SP 450 in the picture. Sorry to be confusing about the pot stand. No you don't need a pot stand it sits right on top of the stove. The only thing you have to worry about is knocking the pot over. The stove is not wide so it doesn't take much to make it fall over.

Ben is correct that the jets come out the sides which tends to reduce efficiency as pot diameter shrinks...as in a SP 450. The gram weeny still works reasonably well because the stove diameter is so small bringing the jets closer to the center of the pot. Again this makes the setup easier to knock over.

Things I like about the stove.

* no need for pot stand
* no need for fuel measuring cup...the stove holds only .5 oz when full
* stove is sturdy, it is made from thick aluminum bottles
* small and light weight
* its cheap

Limitations
* easy to knock over
* it will not boil much over 1.5 cups of wate without refueling
* it is limited to small pots only, a big pot wont balance on it
* may be less efficient on fuel, Ben's point about a side burner and a small pot.

Once you try it out, let us know how it works.

Jamie

Edited by jshortt on 02/06/2010 10:55:35 MST.

@ Travis - thanks for the order. Here's a pic of the GW w/ a Firelite 500 pot.





Flame creep is minimal to non existant.That was the original inspiration - to build a stove that would work w/ a small diameter pot.

@Jamie - thanks for the positive words.

@Ben - I'm bettin' your number's a little low. I won't tell Jason the stove police are comin' - I ain't no snitch :P.

Edited by hammer-one on 02/06/2010 10:58:30 MST.

Thanks Jamie

As you know, the SP 450 doesn't hold too much more than 12 oz anyways, and that's all I ever need to boil. In your experience, will the Gram Weenie boil cold water from a mountain stream? How's its use in winter?

Truth be told, I really don't even need it to boil. Just hot enough to make instant coffee and a few freeze dried things. I always filter my water, so I'm never worried about sterilizing my drinking water.

Y'all have been great! Good info!

A picture says a thousand words. Looks like a winner there!

Hi George, great picture!

Since you've noticed this post, I'll extend my cold water/weather question that was in my previous post, to you.

Travis, my use of the GW has been limited to warm weather SUL trips, including a 4 day in Maine where it was my only stove, and was used for 2 meals a day.

That being said, I have received numerous reports from those who have used it during winter, but that was primarily just for heating tea water, etc. B/c of it's small size it is very sensitive to temperature, so it's important to keep the stove and fuel warm before use and use a windscreen (resonably tight to keep the stove warm while it's lit), although that's SOP with any alky stove. Conversely,in summer a looser windscreen is better to prevent flaring.

Maybe some brave sole out there who's used one in winter can chime in?

Edited by hammer-one on 02/06/2010 11:53:16 MST.

Thanks George, I'll keep those tips in mind. I'm pretty sure I'll be outside in the cold and snow, doing some tests quite soon!

A good part of the allure to buying gear from cottage manufacturers is the ability to easily talk to the maker. Too bad all commerce isn't this great!

Similar topic - I have a GW pro - any qualms using it with a BPL Trapper's mug? I've been looking for a KISS mug setup.

Travis,
The tea light stove is just about perfect for the 450. Simple, light, and since you're boiling a smaller volume, you won't have to worry about fuel running our. If you want something more durable that works the same, get a travel sized bottle of shaving cream, empty the contents, and cut it down to size. That makes for a tea light stove on steroids.

-Jason

Thanks Jason.

BTW, what IS your alky stove count? Ben2World and I were hypothesizing....

So, the tea light needs a stand, no?

Hardware cloth is what its called. I stole this screenshot from one of Jason's videos.

Edited by T.L. on 02/06/2010 13:27:14 MST.

I'll NEVER tell. If the true numbers were revealed, it would get me locked up forever.

HAHAAHAHA!!

test:


in the field:

Matt, I don't have a Trappers mug, but my guess is there would be a good bit of flame creep with the PRO. It would do the job, but probably not very efficiently.

BTW, the stove in the pic above (thanks John) is the elusive Super Gram Weenie, and I'm pretty certain that would have no issue boiling a Trappers Mug or 450 pot full of water.

Edited by hammer-one on 02/06/2010 13:46:42 MST.

George,
Is the SGW not made? Limited production? What are its specs compared to the GW?

So now, it's 'super' gram weenie, eh?

Travis, methinks you will be quite impressed with the tea light stove using denatured alcohol. I gave up mine because the 1/2 oz max capacity sometimes fails to bring 16oz. of water to a rolling boil -- and it's a royal pain to add fuel midway. But with your smaller pot and water requirement, the tea light should work like a charm. And NOTHING can match the tea light in weight.

EDIT: I should add that the gram weenie does have more sex appeal -- although there's a lot to be said about the tea light's DIY charm.

Edited by ben2world on 02/06/2010 14:37:37 MST.

Travis, I generally make the SGW by request. It holds 3/4 ounce of fuel, so it is more than able to boil 16oz of water in a narrow pot. It's also a little taller which makes it a little more tippy. With this stove attention to detail is important (level surface, well centered pot). I think John Kay will attest to it's abilities - he was one of the 1st to get one and has some experience with it. If you'd like that model better I can make that happen. It's your call.

Edited by hammer-one on 02/06/2010 14:41:57 MST.