here is a pic of my new-old 123r. I don't know how old it is but it came to me unfired.i have wanted one of these for years. I am really impressed how well these little guys work.anyone else like their 123r or 123? how about some pics of yours? cheers jim
Poor svea that looks like one heavy skillet there. I too have a NOS svea 123R but fired her up for daily use.
Dont leave the key on the spindle while cooking. You may of heard of the ailment called SVEA thumb. Its a blister the same shape as the key.
my 123's never gave me the svea thumb even if left for a very long time but for some weird reasons the 8r's do.
My first packable campstove with working parts is my old, much loved Svea 123 Non R. The first time I lit it, while listening to and learning to enjoy the "Svea Roar", I essayed to adjust the flame. Mistake. That was my first of several "Svea Thumbs" (Slow learner.) I got that one, one from that same stove while cooking and admiring a very pleasant view of a young lady I was camping with and later married, and one from an 8R. Paying attention to the stove is important as long as one has functioning pain nerves in one's thumb and forefinger. I wonder what sort of metal Pietromax's stove keys are made of that they don't convey heat? Gerry
Hi there gerry! I too am perplexed by my svea since the keys dont get very hot compared to my 8r's which do! They do get warm but not to the point that it burns you.
Careful with that big frying pan. In the summer you might make the stove overheat and blow its safety fuel cap. I love both my Sveas and my 8R.
I know with the shorter non-R key, Svea thumb is inevitable. Maybe with the longer 'R' key, there is the possibility of a 'cooler' key and thumb. Whatever the case, I still use leather gloves when messing with any of the Svea or 8R stoves on a camp out. That frying pan full of goodies looks sooooo good! I can only admire the pictures now... sam
Having had SVEA Thumb a few times, I now try to remember to have the key separate from the stove (123R AND 8R etc.) at all times when the stove is in "cruise mode" and only pick it up when I need it. Bacon & eggs for breakfast sounds good - might have some today. Norm
I leave the key on, it gets hot but I hate worse fiddling around in the dark with my face in the dirt to reattach it.
hey thanks guys. I will be sure to watch out for 'SVEA THUMB" unless I forget. that was my third brekky practice. came out good. I have to try it outside tomorrow. it is -12c here . should be a good test.cheers jim
Hello cranky1. Those SVEA stoves are great but I would advise using it outdoors only. If you have any problems with the safety valve, the stove could do a lot of damage to you and your house. White gas or petrol is very dangerous indoors. Cheers, John
Good mmorning is it necessary to change the jet in the svea if you want to burn kerosene? what is the difference in the jet size? Thanks a lot for any help
Hey, Boatguy, You cannot burn kerosene in the SVEA 123, 123R, 8R, or any other stove designed to burn Coleman Fuel, or white gasoline!!! I laugh when I think of all the wonderful SVEA 123's, and 8R's that I have bought for around $2-$4 at a swap meet, just because some previous owner didn't read the instructions, and KNOW that those stoves were never meant to burn kerosene, and to attempt it is a fool's errand, plain and simple!! Nope, stick with Coleman Fuel, and you'll be just fine; try kero, and you'll just muck up an otherwise lovely and wonderful stove!! Hope that helps. Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
