The Optimus 111 is a great stove. The only fault that I can find is that the pans supports are too far apart for small diameter coffee percolators. This is a cheap fettle to make a new pan support, with no brazing involved. You need four 4mm diameter tent pegs and a decent size nut. A 4mm x 0.75 tap and die and a 3.5 or 3.7mm diameter pilot drill Straighten each tent peg, and using an existing pot support for a guide/template, shape one end by copying the kink in the existing pot supports. Then follow the dimensions and make the vertical bend in each upright in the correct position. It is then a matter of making the 60 degree horizontal bends in the correct place and cutting each piece to length so that the sides are parallel, and the four pieces meet at the centre above the burner. Thread the ends of the four legs with the die, and then drill and tap the centre of four of the nut flats to receive the supports at 60 degrees. Thread the sections all the way into the nut. Fit into the tin slots and adjust the angles so that the sides are parallel and the top is slightly concave. The result is very stable, and you can use small diameter pots with confidence. and the case closes as normal
@Twoberth Well thought out & Very well presented, My Mocha pot can come out of the box now. I have been using an offcut as a bridge from an old grill pan, and I kept it stored in the case, a bit awkward @ times, but it will not be a problem now. Thank you for shareing your very clever solution. My Best regards, Optimust. PS. Mocha pot I refer to, is a one cup size, looking forward to using it, Thanks again Optimust.
It’s a good thing, so many pots are small to be unstable your solution is a great way of doing it using the existing pot holes , keeping the stove original is good. Well done, Cheers Rob
I’ve bought one of the “Russian” flame spreaders from the Bay, but haven’t tried it yet. It does fit nicely over the crossbars. Basil
I bought one of those, too. Fits 8R/99 pot rails too. Lately, I use it inside a Swedish Army ''Schnussbark'' Trangia chimney to hold a canteen cup or Moka over the alky burner. The Russian plate wil rust if not careful. I do like Twoberth's idea though.
Wow, great idea. Puts mine to shame..but it has served me well for more than 15 years. I just cut a small portion from an old oven grate.
