Optimus 96

Discussion in 'Optimus No:96' started by Tony Press, Jan 1, 2014.

  1. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    Stinkpot Bay, Howden, Tasmania, Australia
    Optimus 96 (?Version 3)

    I recently acquired this Optimus 96. It appears to be a Version 3 according to the work of Bryan Miller:

    https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/14455


    1388542150-IMG_4014_opt.jpg


    1388542195-IMG_4017_opt.jpg


    1388542237-IMG_4018_opt.jpg


    1388542290-IMG_4020_opt.jpg


    The stove has a bit of dodgy soldering. I'm assuming this didn't happen in the factory, but is the result of some conflagration: all leg holders and the pump tube have this standard of soldering. I will clean it up up with the Dremel at some point.

    1388542327-IMG_4021_opt.jpg


    Burner assembly (with the "shallow" notches for the burner plate to rest in):


    1388542539-IMG_4024_opt.jpg


    Primus burner plate:


    1388542690-IMG_4025_opt.jpg


    Pump Assembly:


    1388542767-IMG_4038_opt__1_.jpg


    The NRV. Note the shape of the pip:


    1388544027-IMG_4030_opt.jpg


    Accessories:


    1388542888-IMG_4031_opt.jpg


    Wind shield - home made by previous owner. A hefty piece of brass pipe with 1.5mm wall thickness:


    1388543058-IMG_4034_opt.jpg


    Making coffee. Note that the flame is a bit lopsided. I assume this is the result of a worn hole in the lipstick vaporiser, as I fiddled with everything else, including the gauze (and it burns a little yellow at the tips). It came without a gauze "filter" so I made one from fine stainless steel screen mesh. Still, it made my coffee in 3.5 minutes.


    1388543541-IMG_4036_opt__1_.jpg


    I was rather curious about the two band of rubber (cut from a tyre, by the looks) that came with the stove. In trying to make the coffee it was obvious that they were there to be placed around the bottom of the upright legs (see above photo): the legs were loose in their holders and splayed out so that the small espresso maker would not sit on them. The rubber band held them tight and in position.


    1388543842-IMG_4037_opt.jpg


    I had to replace the pump leather (a spare came with the stove), filler cap washer and the lead washer on the NRV. The NRV pip was fine as is.

    I'll clean up the dodgy soldering and post some pictures if the stove then requires polishing...

    Happy New Year fettling.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 1, 2015
  2. Doc Mark

    Doc Mark SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Hey, Tony,

    Those Optimus 96's are wonderful little stoves, and I know you will love owning and using yours. Thanks for sharing it with us, and congrats on scoring it! Take care, and God Bless!

    Every Good Wish,
    Doc
     
  3. DAVE GIBSON

    DAVE GIBSON Subscriber

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    the rubber band is a "first" for the site i think!
    nice break down and fix up job..