1746 DIY Room Heater From An Old Sock

[@bignuggy2958]

Thanks a lot, Robert, I've accidentally amputated both my legs AND arms because of the sharp edges, but at least I'm warm

[@kevinleebailey]

Thanks! And bless your little cotton socks! 👍 😁

[@dmaher2007]

Made one from your design for my tent, but I didnt put a handle on it, I use the top for cooking, Heating and cooking all in one, Works great. Cheers Robert.

[@mrfitz96]

Open flame heaters in a tent, what could possibly go wrong?

[@pacman4568]

Dave, if you fail to set the tent on fire, you could always slash your wrists with the edge of the cans.

[@ashyslashy5818]

@@mrfitz96 being a grown man noting goes wrong.but you would know nothing about that a GIMP

[@ashyslashy5818]

Dave i agree. i cant believe your comments men/child comes to mind wow.

[@ChannonWW2214]

Despite all the bad rap about what you were using your heater for in a tent I'm sure you're an adult understand fire and flame burn things and you use extreme caution cuz I know I would I'm not a child grown man and know exactly what I'm doing when I'm doing it thanks for the comments All

[@shannonjensen3855]

I love that your recent videos are about how to get warm! Our prayers are with Europe right now as the cold moves over the region! You could be saving lives with these videos! I have no doubt I’m not the first to call you an International treasure! I’m planning on joining the channel. You are worth it!

[@dadof41000]

I never would have thought I would have enjoyed a channel about rocket stoves and heaters, but i really look forward to watching your videos. Thanks for the great content

[@ronmartin7253]

Its about 58 other categories also! Scroll back... theres nothing he can't figure out. 'Specially in the members section. Best of the Web in this solar system

[@Jimbo878]

another inspiring video Rob 🙂, may I politely suggest to anyone who may be in doubt if they have "an ordinary sock" in their possession, a pair of *jeans (denims) with a tubular section or strip cut off makes a good replacement. *cotton denim (twill), not that lycra stretchy stuff.

[@mikebond6328]

That’s a good idea. I tried a cheap cotton washcloth but the thread was too lose and it burned up instantly.

[@johanmaertens9681]

Hi Robert, thanks ever so much for all your videos... Much appreciated. I've made a bit of an upgrade to mine. In the interest of safety and stability, I've epoxy glued a few magnets to the bottom of the fuel can so that when it rests on the base plate it actually keeps it from falling over when accidentally bumped. My bottom plate it rests on is made of solid steel, so that provides a nice connection, and some weight as well. Thought I'd share that.

[@Warriorking.1963]

I like this, it sounds like an excellent idea, and one I could easily steal when I make mine. Fantastic idea mate.

[@copernicofelinis]

Wouldn't the magnet degrade when heated? The structure is metallic and it will conduct heat to the base easily.

[@povvercrazy]

@@copernicofelinis yes two fold, magnets will degrade if it gets too hot so will the epoxy, I think in the region of 200 deg C might be wrong BUT surely magnets would negate the need for epoxy, metal can and metal base plate ?? unless either isnt ferrous

[@johanmaertens9681]

@@copernicofelinis good point, but so far it's doing wonderfully. no issues whatsoever. The bottom of the can doesn't get hot at all due to the wicking effect of the carbon felt I've got rolled up in there I guess. can easily be touched when burning. temp goes up around midway towards the top of the can

[@johanmaertens9681]

@@povvercrazy the epoxy is just to keep them from sliding around the base when moving the can and to make it easier to remove the can without the magnets making up their own mind whether they choose the base or the can to stick to. This way they stay in place in the spaced out arrangement I've chosen on the can

[@NextGenerationHealth]

In America that carbon felt can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowes or Menards. It's in the plumbing section.

[@illbeitiamititis4693]

@@NextGenerationHealth Thank You.

[@stanfahlman3160]

Made one a couple weeks ago. Turns out the pure carbon felt was not ‘pure’, and although it started great , it suspiciously smelled like burning plastic ( after 10-20 minutes). Wouldn’t light second fill and when disassembled the felt fell apart 😖. I ordered another carbon felt - this time a welding blanket rated 1400 ‘ F. No worries- works like a charm. Brilliant!!! I tip my to you Mr Smith

[@sammydogruby]

Many thanks. I thought I was doing something wrong when I had this same problem and was disappointed. The felt I used looked the part but became shorter and slowly disappeared down the gap and stuck to the sides of the tin and gauze. I was sure I had bought the right felt as Robert suggested,

[@janicelangle3891]

Yeah, I ran into the same deal. I did look ALL OVER the package for it to say 100% carbon fiber but nothing was said.

[@tonymeachini5454]

I get alot of pleasure and amusement out of your videos. You seem to have a great gift. Your creations are wonderful. Keep up the good work.👍

[@simongross3122]

Brilliant as always! For those people who have already made their heaters using carbon felt but who want to partake of the "old sock" atmosphere, I recommend sprinkling a little parmesian cheese over the assembly before lighting :)

[@funigurl72]

Use LImburger, and you don't even need heat, lol.

[@simongross3122]

@@funigurl72 Or Gorgonzola :)

[@stewartpalmer2456]

On top of old smoky, all covered with cheese. I cooked me some bacon, and eggs over ea-sy.

[@simongross3122]

@@stewartpalmer2456 LOL

[@jmills1549]

Like a modern day blue Peter survival show..... Much needed in these tough times Rob.... Thanks for the show., tip... When filling pour into a can first so you don't overfill....

[@cDog8766]

I like you for the simple fact that you call out the idiots for being idiots. The info in the videos are also enjoyable and interesting.

[@artytomparis]

Built one and it's great but the smoke from the sock I used was terrible. The wick is so important. Tried a few different materials but not cotton yet.

[@kreynolds1123]

Great work. Just one more thing. One should consider incorporating a way to put out the flame for when the room is warm enough.

[@cDog8766]

I agree. I would like to see a slightly more complex version where the height of the flame could be controlled or easily put out as well

[@peterjohnston4472]

Yea just made the sock version..how do I put it out before I light it here to text 🤔

[@kreynolds1123]

@@peterjohnston4472 I had only thought being able to put it out would be a good idea. As to how, maybe someone might present a better idea but my first thought would be to use another can that is taller than the mantle, like maybe a hair spray can or lysol can. The can must also be able to somewhat loosly slide over the mantle. Not too tight nor too loose. And remember the mantal will have expanded a little while it's hot. If you can't find a suitable diameter can then you might use two cans. To do so you'll need to 1) know the circumfrence of the mantle, maybe using a string. And add a milimeter or two. 2) Then divide that by four to get 1/4th the circumference. 3) Then take two round steel hair spray cans or lysol steel cans and cut down the length of each can to get two curled sheet from the cans. 4) Now first mark the center of the curve in the can top and bottom. 5) Then measure out 1/4 the circumfrence from before on each side of your sheets, and make a new mark on each side of your first mark from top to bottom of each sheet. 6) Then take two block of wood longer than each sheet is tall and place them together with the steel sheet in between such that the outside marked lines from before line up with the pieces of wood going from the bottom mark to the top mark. 7) Screw the pieces of wood together and use it as a metal break used to put clean sharp bends in the sheet metal from the cans, and put an 90 degree outward bend from the sheet's curl on each side of both sheets. 8) Then you can bring the two curled sheets with the outside bent tabs together forming a circle inside, and use vise grips to hold the tabs so that you may drill two holes on each outward bent tab, and secure each side with 2 short bolts and nuts.

[@helengren9349]

@@kreynolds1123 Use cooking oil instead and other materials as fireproof bricks.. Simple tl handle and easier to put out.. 👍

[@kreynolds1123]

@@helengren9349 In my experence cooking oils, especially those with a high smoke temp, tends to burn sooty. With a small space heater like these, extra care must be taken to ensure all the fuel is burnt. And if its not waste vegetable oil, the fuel is expensive. And waste vegetable oils tend to be high smoke temp oils that burn sooty.

[@Larsen1200XL]

Love the comment regarding the sharp edge 🤣🤣🤣, you make a big difference to all people you get in touch with in these videos. And regarding extra free socks I have also several loners, since I always seem to have 1 extra sock who doesn’t have a mate after meeting with my washing machine😂

[@winstonsmith935]

Why do I also have loner socks?

[@glynn2023]

Yep those lonely ones at the bottom of your sock drawer that can never find their match! Sad actually!

[@breaking_bear]

What an absolutely fantastic video, thank you Robert! Ya know, if carbon felt is made from wool or cotton, then perhaps it can be made in a similar fashion to making char cloth, a classic bushcraft skill. I don't know about the other folks who can't find carbon felt, but I'd find it exceptionally empowering to learn how to make the stuff and learn about it's various uses.

[@daborv]

Thank you so much for all your effort making us freeze a bit less. I made one yesterday and i works great. Today i did put my heat powered stove fan on it and that made the hot air to circulate all over the room :)

[@mikebond6328]

I ordered a square of carbon felt from you. I live in the US and it was still a good deal considering the stuff I had bought from other places turned out to be nothing but plastic.

[@docink6175]

I like the new mesh design, Not all socks are pure cotton so you may want to clarify that.. I have a 100% cotton washcloth I'll be using to make a burner or 2. Lots of stuff works as wicks, plain paper towel, fiberglass mat, exhaust wrap, blue shop towels, cotton towel, cotton balls

[@debmunsell1720]

I just salvaged a piece of old carbon felt to use for a wick, thank you for teaching us great ways to to stay warm🙏

[@Pawel663346]

The most awesome part is that seeing your video I can easily tell that you have fun doing it. It is great.

[@johnmcalpine6754]

What you should have in your workshop is a sign that says 'CAUTION! this sign has sharp edges' For the hard of thinking! Good videos!

[@FranklinNewhart]

I built one and used lamp wick which I was able to buy by the yard. I cut it to length and set it in side by side around the can. Works fantastic.

[@jimplantinga6288]

I absolutely love your channel! You remind me of my late Great Uncle Pete. I've so many good memories of him in the Garage (more like a Laboratory )working on things I didn't understand...LOL You however, definitely are a good teacher! 👍 👍 Thanks so much for the informative and heartwarming videos (no pun intended)🙂🤣

[@8ank3r]

I love this heater. I made one but I used NO WICK. I simply put a smaller can with no top in the outside can. A little fuel in the small can gets lit and as the little can floats on the fuel in the big can it heats/gassifies the fuel in the large can, which passes out the gap between the cans and burns. Hope you like the super easy no wick version. It's almost like a penny stove.

[@ThinkingandTinkering]

I do like it mate - nice one

[@davidjacobs828]

@@ThinkingandTinkering Hi Robert, I'm looking at building this as a room heater , will fibre glass insulation work as a wick ? As I'm not keen on breathing in burnt sock . If fibreglass isn't suitable ,I'd very much appreciate a link to the correct type of carbon felt as I really want to build your original carbon felt version .I look forward to your reply. Thanks for the great videos .

[@slrs3908]

Trying to picture this.... So 2 cans. The outside larger can has the top removed only. The smaller inside can also has only the top removed and floats on the liquid -at a constant level. I am assuming the mesh (what size mesh is everyone using) is attached to the inside floating can. Maybe safety wire would work if wound it around tightly. The fuel is always in contact with the mesh and wicks up the mesh which is between the 2 cans. Correct? If so, does the fuel wick up high enough when the fuel is low in the outside can and the inside can is floating low?

[@8ank3r]

@@slrs3908 yes and it stays hot and in turn heats the fuel in the large can. The mesh is on the outside of the larger can so that the inner can is free to move up and down with the fuel level. A little fuel is put into the inner can and lit to get the gassification of the main fuel in the larger started. No wicking only gassification of the fuel in the bigger can which floats up the space between the two cans and ignites

[@nickreagin9585]

@@davidjacobs828 Just be sure to use a 100% cotton sock and use the part below the elastic bits.

[@joshrowe9653]

You'll want to burn away the inner plastic coating of the cans before you expose them to heat, or they can release some pretty noxious fumes.

[@CallMeMrChainmail]

I think only aluminium cans have a plastic coating and tinplate doesn't. That being said though, you're going to set it on fire anyway.

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

@@CallMeMrChainmail The steel (not aluminium) tins I used had a plastic inside coating, I was quite surprised.

[@colleenforrest7936]

@@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN it's a protective coating to keep the metal reacting with the food. It may or may not be bpa free, so something else to check on with your food, if that's a personal call to arms :)

[@CallMeMrChainmail]

@@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN Gross. Tinplate doesn't need a coating. I wonder if they're just using normal steel and coating it with plastic.

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

@@CallMeMrChainmail The cans had a little rust on the outside, they had been sitting in a moist environment. I'd say you are correct about normal steel with a coating, who knows what we're consuming. Tinned food was good for a long time, I'm not so sure about that now. Not all tins on tinned food is equal, that's for sure.

[@leefury7]

I would add some of the carbon felt beneath the top cake pan. That would aid in accidental touching and getting burnt and also aid in keeping the handle cool.. However, if you don't put a handle on the top and you make a sturdy burner, you could use the top of cake pan a place to sit a pot. If you invert the top cake pan and attach the aluminum to the outside, you could put water in it to make a steam heat/humidifier. LOTS of options.

[@ProlificInvention]

I'm going to be testing "pig mat" or AKA oil drying mats commonly used in industry and automotive environments as a wick using one of your project designs, I'd imagine it may work well but need to try.

[@copernicofelinis]

How about adding a concrete base, to lower the center of mass, so that it would be almost untoppable? Also, instead on a single aluminum sheet as reflector, make them two an inch apart, add lateral surfaces and fill the innards with sand to store heat for when the flame is gone.

[@cDog8766]

the fuel can has space for rocks or bolts or what ever to be added in if thats a concern. But then again, it should be placed smartly to begin with and not having people playing around near it.

[@jensodotnet]

Another way could be to use a pipe filled with sand with holes in the bottom letting the fuel inside and the sand wicks the fuel up to where you light it, or just replace the sock with sand and smaller holes. Have not built it my self, but should work. Sand lasts forever too. Sand wicks water up a few cm or more, not sure how it responds to the viscosity of the fuel, maybe something to experiment with Rob?

[@jensodotnet]

i believe vermiculite also should work, but not sure

[@sixoffive]

Maybe perlite?

[@CallMeMrChainmail]

This works like the old lanterns with tubular wicks. It has to be a tube so it can't be filled with sand. You could use a pipe within a pipe, which would be fine, but you run the risk of one pipe moving and changing the thickness of the wick.

[@cheech-7-7-7]

Hi Robert, that´s really a lovely heater. I was trying to order some of those carbon felt in your store but unluckyly everything is sold out... so I will try it with some old socks too. The heater looks brilliant, thanks for sharing those nice skills

[@EHOinExile]

Thanks, Robert, I've made one of these with a few re-designs. Having the inner tin open used the fuel too quickly so I've got closed mushy pea tin with a small hole. It was too tight a fit in a baked bean tin so have used a tinned potato tin and works a treat. I put the burner inside an old pedal bin cut in half as the radiator. I use it to heat the greenhouse with a clay pot on top for a bit of capacitance and on top of a clay pot so the heat radiates better. Total cost, £6.95 for the gauze as opposed to over £20 for the cheapest greenhouse heater off Amazon!

[@orla556]

How do you refill it if the hole is only small ? I found the same, burned too quickly with even a tuppance size hole - I will stuff the hole with foil next time.

[@standfortruth4568]

@@orla556 in one of robs videos he suggest putting a coin over the center hole or just have holes at the sides.

[@orla556]

@@standfortruth4568 Thanks- I did try it with the coin but the fuel was burning up through the centre whole as well as sides- burned through fuel too quickly. But with a small hole you can't refill without taking the thing apart which is nigh impossible cos very tight fit...maybe a smaller inner can would be easier to remove for refuelling.

[@standfortruth4568]

@@orla556 yes a smaller inner can without a top hole works better.

[@EHOinExile]

@@orla556 I use a hypodermic needle. I've repurposed the one I used to refill ink cartridges. It takes a while but it works!

[@ChannonWW2214]

Thanks Robert excellent video excellent series on self DIY heating. I've been experimenting myself with different versions of this and I'm getting ready to use old jeans material blue jeans in fact flattened and rolled to use as the wick and I'm also experimenting with tapered cans those such as like beer cans that have the aluminum tapering it makes a awesome flame and it swirls automatically.. keep up the great work stay warm..🤔👍🇺🇸

[@joshuapoulin4909]

Here in the States, we have heat shields for wall protection while soldering copper pipes in plumbing. They are carbon fiber. Good stuff. Tool/welding departments in big box hardware/home improvement stores may have them. Peace!

[@jaytc3218]

I can't speak for people in other countries, but the carbon felt showed up immediately on Amazon when I looked for it. It's now in my two cans. I haven't lit mine yet. I now have two different kinds of mantles to try out. The first one is the same as Robert used in the first video. The second mantle I made is a little bit thicker--almost like a small expanded metal grating. I'm thinking that one will take longer to heat up than Robert's wire mesh.

[@charlesgraham9954]

i live month to month like a lot of Americans. i took four 1" wicks and fixture that fit on jars. with an old 6" stove pipe about 6" long tapered down into a foot long 4" pipe, at the top of the 4" pipe i made a stainless mesh 6" long with a cap at the top. i live in a metal on metal trailer, anyone that lives in one knows, they are very drafty. i can heat a 144sq room when the temp is down to 20 (-4c) P.S. i also have a 5 gal clay pot at the top, old bricks work, a bolder works.. lol.. love your videos sir,, keep them coming. wishing everyone a warm and cozy winter with love ones. yes its tall but im warm.. lol

[@chrisstevens2]

That flame looks very soothing. Gets me thinking about Christmas around the corner!

[@modelnutty6503]

the bright orange infrared fireball at the top puts out a lot of warmth.

[@mrpants8976]

Don't recall if in any of your other videos you mentioned it, but it would be great if you were to do a timeframe/ do a time lapse of how long a volume of the methanol or whatever used lasted, like how much time would 100 ml would run for

[@wedgelewis7903]

This is my main concern as well.

[@emariaenterprises]

So test it try different socks. Try different materials. Try hemp cloth.

[@SuperMIKevin]

Your technique is awesome. I wish I could see you coming up with those ideas.

[@rayg436]

I would offer a suggestion to put a magnet in the bottom of the burner with the fuel to make it a little less likely to tip over if it gets bumped

[@ruthmcvitty6026]

Mr. Murray I'm in the process of collecting all the bits and pieces for making a meth heater. Because I'm shocked at the price of baking trays in Ireland 7/ 8 euros up to 16/17 and the cost of knobs and handles I've come up with the idea of a lantren. At 50 euros it is all encompassing with a door ect. I'm so looking forward to see how it works out. Thank you for your inspiration and knowledge. P.s. the carbon felt is a godsend as I need some for my dehumidifier and I didn't know what it was and the makers wanted 40 Stirling for 4× 8 ins. Now I've just purchased a lifetime supply for 20. Thank you, Ruth.

[@gameplayervlogs2289]

Cooking meth and making heat is not the same😮lol

[@toml.8210]

In the USA, Carbon felt blankets are sold in plumbing departments, and are used when you solder by flame, to keep the wood or the wall behind it from igniting.

[@ogi22]

Nice tip, thank you!

[@toml.8210]

@@ogi22 Those blankets are only the size of a sheet of paper...

[@ogi22]

@@toml.8210 fold it once, fold it twice... Thickness goes up exponentially ;)

[@toml.8210]

@@ogi22 I've the plumbers use it. you only need the one layer, since it burns at 2500C

[@ogi22]

@@toml.8210 sure, as a heat resistant protection, one layer would be fine. But a paper thin wick is not that perfect. It needs more surface for liquid to climb up. That's why i said about folding it. It's about creating as many micro-channels as possible for the fuel to go up.

[@koogle612]

What a clever little project. Love this sort of thing.

[@elvagabundo4607]

One quick question, do I need to remove the googly eyes from my sock puppet before putting it in the can. I will be down one "actor" but I will be staging much warmer puppet shows through the winter....always a trade-off ;) Thanks

[@NoahNobody]

Very cool. It's great how we have all the things to make this at hand.

[@MrMatthewPR]

Considering this is about making it more budget, I thought I'd add that the funnel to refuel it doesn't need to be an actual funnel. I certainly wouldn't want to be using a fuel funnel for food after the fact, not that it'd probably do much harm, but still. You can just cut the bottom off a suitablably shaped bottle, and it'll work just as well for this purpose. Shampoo or soap dispensers are a good option.

[@freeholdtacticalmed]

Carbon Felt is in the plumbing section at Lowes and Home Depot…impressive and well done!

[@1wolfpup]

These are great heaters. Thank you, for sharing the instructions.

[@salaciouscreations4323]

I am just not seeing these 6 hour burn times for fuel. 45min is a whole can. So I am either doing something wrong or the burn times are wrong. At 45min it's as expensive as just putting the central heating on for the whole house so I am at a bit of a loss. Or is that why in the original it was a pin hole to prevent the flame from lighting inside the can?

[@judii4370]

i ordered the felt from your store on the 3rd and i received it today the 15th, about two weeks shipping from the UK to Michigan in the US,

[@colinsmith4540]

Hi Robert, love the infrared heater, but iv only managed 45 min burn time on full can. I haven’t used the carbon fibre wick yet as still waiting delivery. Used kitchen paper, usual wick from Parafin stove & both get a good burn but not the 4 hour burn you mentioned. Any help appreciated 😀🙏if it burnt longer it would be perfect answer to not turning the gas boils on 👌 Best wishes Love the channel 👍👍👍👍

[@THEGLASSMANSWORLD]

I'm finally working on one now! I'm using a Shammy cloth material which is super absorbent. I need to build the burner holder still and then will upload a video on how it works!

[@ScoreGuru123]

Carbon felt is readily available on ebay, approx £7 for a piece 12" x 8". Just waiting for my aluminium sheet to arrive then away we go 😄

[@paulmaydaynight9925]

'carbon fibre welding blanket' too "SOFIALXC Graphite Carbon Felt High Temperature Carbon Fiber for Contamination Adsorption Cleaning Shield Slag Fire Felt,300mmx200mm,3mm"

[@ScoreGuru123]

@@paulmaydaynight9925 that's the one, I should have stated that's what it is called 👍

[@Jimbo878]

it's also extremely brittle I tried re-wicking a davie lamp🌝, and it itches like hell if you get it on your skin

[@ScoreGuru123]

@@Jimbo878 will keep that in mind, thanks

[@pacman4568]

I went to a welding equipment out let and, they had no idea what I was talking about. Have fun with all the fibres in your hands after playing with it. On Amazon, LOKIH Graphite Carbon Felt High Pure Graphite, Used for Welding Fireproof DIY Industry 6Pcs,5mmx100mmx100mm pack of 6 £19.73 may take 2 weeks to arrive.

[@justtinkering6713]

I made one of these. They work great! But I had some difficulty snuffing it out. I tried a large towel but it had the tendency to catch on fire. I finally snuffed it out by wrapping with a sheet of carbon felt. This burner seems to go even when almost starved of air. I think there needs to be a better way of snuffing it out or regulating the flame like a oil lamp does.

[@ile84]

I once carbonised two old socks in an attempt to make carbon fiber myself, didn't pan out as intented though and them socks still had some leftover smell for awhile. Of course I didn't bother to wash them before I put them into that jar. Also noticed that they were very brittle so thats why it didn't work as intented, anyways now I know. There is one other chance with that and it is old swimsuits/speedos that are mostly the fiber they use for commercial carbon fiber. Maybe I try that if I ever have a chance to get some of that material on my hands as "trash".

[@keithfloyd1178]

Thanks, It got shared on a Homesteading and off grid group on gab.

[@dar540]

The thing that makes the removable mantle good is it's easier to extinguish 👍

[@zixzysm]

This looks like a big old kerosene lamp, just with a reflector instead of glass, and a mesh tube instead of glass tube. Modified for methanol. Way to go to use a sock as wick :) Of course it works, and works well!

[@michaeldonn.1330]

I made the previous version with the carbon filter but turned out it wasn't pure carbon so used cotton instead. I lit it outside and eventually got it going.the problem I encountered was that after a while the centre tin shot up in the air. I may have made the small hole in the top too large. Has anyone else had this problem? Love all your content Rob, brilliant.

[@jojow8416]

Oh how I LOVE your informative videos and your energetic personality. More people need to adapt and radiate that energy. QUESTION: shame on me for asking and this, does it matter if the sock is 100% cotton, wool, or a combo of synthetic ingredients. Most socks worn today are synthetic. Thank you and keep sharing your great videos.

[@helengren9349]

Burned synthetic fumes are not good to inhale... It burns/ melts quickly as well.. Remember building in London, that was insulated with some synhetic stuff? There are vids that show how our homes can burn in seconds because of all syntetics we have around us.. Curtains, sofas, beds, clothes, etc...

[@babyrattles]

Take the hand off the top and place on the rim pan on top and you can use the top for emergency cooking too.

[@nobby68]

you do realise that i will never get round to building one of these as every day there is one better than the last and i am chasing my tail😂

[@stuartmccloud307]

Get experimenting mate and set fire to your table :) we all have

[@TheL0k3]

put a ring magnet in between the tin can and your reflector for a secure and stable result.

[@manifesto8159]

Few years ago I was messing around with various "hobo" rocket stoves/heaters....I would like to point out 100% cotton wicks are crucial for a reliable burn....not a polyester blend....those plastics melt not burn... otherwise brilliant video Cheers!

[@TonyGingrich]

The same hardware stores who sell the stainless mesh, usually also sell wicks for kerosene heaters. I would recommend using those wicks.

[@modelnutty6503]

definitely. with a large cookie tin incorporated for fuel tank and center air vent, this burner could work, and be capable of running a few hours per fill

[@gregcooper8407]

Looks like it would make a great greenhouse heater. Can u do a how to make one with a bigger methanol tank and some sort of thermostatic control so it maintains a stable temperature.

[@clydeclarke5406]

I made one of these (just like Robert's, 1702, with Carbon felt)) but I put my handles on the reflector on each side of the top. so I can place a POT on top, to heat water, or cook something.

[@SasquatchTrevor]

A couple of alternative materials to use as a "forever wick" could be wool felt, fiberglass felt, or even fiberglass insulation.

[@noldushumlesnurr6169]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I have learned that wool can produce some realy nasty deadly fumes if burned . Cotton cloth in some form should be easy enough for most of us to get hold of. As you suggested fiberglass or rock wool should also be easy to find.

[@SasquatchTrevor]

@@noldushumlesnurr6169 I don't really know. I was just throwing spaghetti at the wall. I did watch a video here on YT about using wool felt in an alcohol burner. It worked, but it did start to burn a little.

[@simongreaves9465]

I tried 100% wool felt. I thought that it would be good because it needs a high temp to burn. Unfortunately it melted and charred making it difficult to get more than one burn from it. I'm interested if anyone has had success with fibreglass though.

[@rizwanmalik3659]

Hi If u put mantel inside it it gives light as well as heat booth to gather.

[@AutoNomades]

That socks !! xD I also saw somebody doing his own carbon foam like some are doing with wood, but with bread ! So you can cook the shape you want, before ^^

[@adiem1653]

I'm on the way to making mine. I bought a 10" by 8" piece of felt off ebay for £7 it took two weeks to arrive. I tried it with some meths and eventually worked though a bit of a smell off the meths indoors. I'm going to get some bioethanol from B&Q but my local one doesn't have any at the moment. I'm also waiting to make the reflector, going to get a stainless steel small peddle bin and bastardise that. Hopefully the bioethanal doesn't smell like the meths did!

[@behunin1963]

Old T-shirt works well too. Great vid. 👍

[@roseericson3828]

Bravo, thanks! I could watch your videos all day!

[@QUADBOYification]

Marvelous, you made this look easy.

[@danam.8709]

Until watching these DIY channels I NEVER even Thought that people could survive life not knowing about Sharp or Pointy or Hot or Whatever. My brain is blown. I guess the Nanny State has done it's job.

[@AnalyticalReckoner]

It's not the States duty to make sure your parents pass on useful knowledge.

[@JesusSaves86AB]

@@AnalyticalReckoner You're right, they do the contrary.

[@fpvangel4495]

You dont know the half of it.

[@VacantMinded]

@@AnalyticalReckoner .... Let me just remove 4 words from that. "It's not the States duty to pass on useful knowledge." *MEANWHILE THE STATE* *puts gun to your head for tax money for child education services*

[@VacantMinded]

@@AnalyticalReckoner OH and I forgot they also threaten you and or will take your child from you if you're not making sure they're getting an education... So like literally even the exact version of your sentence is wrong lol.

[@frankmadsen8587]

Thanks from Chiang Mai Thailand, need that soon winter time is coming :-)

[@markwilliam3162]

Thank you Robert You a very clever man , plus point great video's In 2022 where we need alternative method of heating

[@bossdog1480]

Question; How long would half a can of methanol burn for? Also, is there any way to control the burning rate?

[@vaio4908]

The way he did it in the video, it will burn very fast, let's say i about 10 minutes, more or less. Yes there is a way of controling the burning rate. You have to use in stead of the sock, the carbon felt. Then tin in the inside it should nog exced the outside one but 3 or 4 mm. It should not be open but have the top closed and with only a small nail hole in the middle. You can then place the wire mesh on the felt and a coin on the hole that way it will burn slower and more efficiently. A half can will burn for half an hour.

[@mylucksmiles]

First and foremost is my question .? Once lit how do we turn it off or stop it burning ? I will be making one to test out if it is right for me . Th Ed next question what would happen if it was actually knocked over. Enjoying your ideas just safety tips do help . Thank you .

[@stevenfaber3896]

Tuna can for the top, so it doesn't need cut. Plus a tin of peas, beans (suggest chickpea tin) and mushy peas would make an excellent salad for lunch!

[@stevenfaber3896]

Call it the lunchbox light.

[@robertmorris9998]

Going to try this heater, and hoping it works better than the other one. It only burned for maybe 40 min, and did not get as hot as I thought it would. Not sure why, maybe my mantle was too thick of steel mesh.

[@AB-C1]

Nice one Rob 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@davidworks7758]

perfect placement for a handle, on top of the flame. Bet it will never get hot

[@joelaichner3025]

In the old days , they’d have called that a Lambchop burner , sock puppet , I remember ,

[@daveturnbull7221]

"I have plenty of old socks with holes in..." WHAT...you don't darn all your socks? I'm completely stunned and flabergasted!

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

Knocked the socks off with that one Robert and as they say at McDonald with their coffee careful with this it can scold. 👍

[@misolgit69]

When I first watched people making Fancy Feast stoves, one cat food can one tomato puree can plus carbon felt I searched high and low for the latter, no joy, I did however get redirected to Welder's or Soldering Blanket

[@ThomasAndersonbsf]

I wonder if you could use mineral wool for the sock? (also called insulation paper, or some other such) or if you could maybe take ground graphite like you get as a dry lubricant for locks and such, and press it into the sock so as it burns away the graphite might intercalculate into the left over material of the sock making that carbon felt? just a couple ideas maybe to try, also here they sell graphite paper for transferring images that has quite a thick coating of graphite on it, at hobby lobby (USA) and probably plenty of other art and craft supply stores. one last possible option I thought might work for this, that hawkinlight (or something like that is the channel name maybe bluehawkinglight?) anyway he used a different mix to make starlight, where he used sugar instead of PVA glue, and added borax I believe to it, which when it foamed up it formed a rigid carbon foam brick, and I am wondering if that were diluted plenty then dip the sock into that or any other cloth spongy substance then wring it out so its just a tiny bit over it all, so as it burned it would foam up to replace the sock with carbon foam structure with hopefully an open cell structure to act as a wicking agent for the fuel of choice, to last a really long time then just scrape it out or put some more over any damaged areas and let it dry then fire it up or something? some options that might be more accessible to those that can't get the carbon felt, and might last longer than said sock, as well as maybe some options to coat the outside too, and do layers to have insulated layering for safety and such, that would be super super easy to apply, to control the output of the heat exactly where a person wants it. Really loving the videos, Rob :) off to work for me, hope to see more soon. :)

[@povvercrazy]

Carbon felt is easy to get hold of on ebay and the like, unfortunately they don't describe it very well, i got mine from a vendor they had it listed with various keywords, carbon felt, carbon mat, welding blanket etc etc the main clue I went on was the images show the felt being blasted with a blow torch, 3 thicknesses 3,5 and 8mm and was about 300x200mm seems to be a standard dimensions.

[@danadancu1370]

Thank you sooooooo very much! Very creative! Very useful!

[@dmdartfx13]

I love your videos, I’ve been making candle heaters & fuel heaters for years but love the tips, & some of your videos make me laugh on how you have to warn people about sharp objects and flames. I know you have to put it on there. I agree, just plan common sense works. Cheers.

[@ryanlebeck259]

Honeywell prefilter activated carbon is what I have. I'll give it a go and let you know if it's worth the buy. They have AC with zeolite and without, I purchased the without, so we shall see eh mate. It ran me out $15.99 US off my budget, so not more than I make in a hour at work.

[@deltoid4]

Just to say, you sir are a delight to watch and great in front of the camera, your ideas/builds are great and probably help some people looking to heat their homes. However I do have a concern and therefore a challenge. This heater looks lethal to me as in a house with kids or pets or an inadequate surface then the whole house goes up if its tipped etc. So my challenge/request is, can you make a smaller version that could be moved with relative ease and or placed somewhere like in a pan or something. Hope I'm clear on what I'm trying to say. Also it does not have to be a version of this heater but perhaps another design of small heater. As for fuel oils and isopropyl alcohol are easy for most of us to obtain, I personally have not ever searched for methanol, not speaking for all there, just thinking of things that a few of us less savvy people may of used/heard of. Thank you very much for your videos and good luck with any future vids.

[@melannefranks5525]

Did try this but set my sensitive fire alarm off from the smoke ,whoops! Neighbours must have been happy ! My carbon felt just got delivered so will try that instead .

[@pauloneill369]

I got the carbon felt with no problem at all. 30 second search on Amazon did it!

[@curiousasacat5015]

I enjoyed this video very much, and I look forward to making one of these heaters. I listened a couple of times and don't recall you mentioning if the sock needed to be of a certain fabric, and I wonder if you could comment on that. What fabrics will work: Cotton? Wool? And should anything with polyester/acrylic be avoided?

[@willwade1101]

Glad you told them not to fill it too full, I could see someone trying to fill up the mesh and screaming because it was making a mess.

[@flybob3480]

Hello Robert, I just found your videos and I think they're great, thank you. I have found some carbon felt on Amazon, it's 1/4" thick and that looks like what you are using. Also, I found the stainless steel mesh on Amazon, but I'm not sure which, mesh, to get, they have 60, 80, and 100. Thanks, and I look forward to seeing more videos. Bob

[@danielforde-pogson]

Did you just say "Wash out the peas"?? I might eat them first! Great a always. Although the carbon stuff is dead easy to find. Tons on Ebay!