A while back I asked about the Pakcook 123 stove and was advised toavoid it. Better to try for an original Svea123. Fine with me, but it appears that these Svea 123 stoves are going for a bit more than my limited budget can afford. So,given the choice between a Russian R8 stove (Optimus 8R clone) and a Prabhat # 1 with 'Roarer Burner', how would you spend my 30euro? Both these stoves are available, new, at present, on the German eBay site! I suspect that some may advise on a 2nd hand Primus or Optimus, but really, if it needs any more 'fettling' than a quick rub of 'Brasso' then I'm not the man for the job. That's why one of these new stoves has some appeal to me. Any advice? cheers velo ...
Velo Fettling is no more than ongoing maintenance. Goodness me their not that complicated My advise would be to spend your ?30 on something substantial rather than a clone, which you'll probably have to be fettling after a little use anyway. You have a world of knowlege on this forum to help you, and who knows you might even enjoy it.
Morning, Velo, Henry is absolutely right in suggesting you buy a better stove. Buying something, just because it is cheap, is false economy. In the long run, your enjoyment will be far less, too. That's because most of the time, cheap stoves cause far more problems than they're worth, and do not perform up to the standards of a better stove. So, why waste your 30 Euros? I am certain that you can find a nice used Optimus 8R, or a used SVEA 123, or 123R, that will perform up to your expectations, for the money you've got to spend. Or, just wait a bit longer, save a few more pennies, and then buy such a stove, when you have a little more to spend. It will be well worth your efforts. Best of luck on your decision! Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc Mark
Velociraptor: PM me with your snail mail address. i have just the stove for you. not new but it is a properly fettled SVEA 123 and your 30 euro is not wasted with junque. lance
Yes, don't buy the clone. Buy the best. A second had Svea 123 will stand you in good stead in the long run.
If you can get in on this one you might get it for less than 30 euro including shipping. It's a non-R model too, with less machinery to go awry. The 123 non-R is like a fork. You pick it up and it works. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8709613637&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1 Gerry
His choice Gerry, i have a 123 for him and we are going to proceed with the process when i get home. lance
I've got a Russian 8R clone I bought off the German Ebay site (I think the name is R1). It's a great stove and unlike other Russian stoves, well made. I use mine regularly. Regards: Jim Ford
Jim, I agree with you, nothing wrong with the build quality of the clone 8r, cracking little stove 8)
