Why the wick?

Discussion in 'Stove Forum' started by Crash, Oct 22, 2009.

  1. Crash

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    Hi, why do some classic stoves as well as this homemade unit require wicks?

    Thanks.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 1, 2015
  2. bajabum

    bajabum R.I.P.

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    Unpressurized stoves need some way to get the fuel from tank to burner.
    Same with all the 'self pressurizing' units, which run on very low pressure...
    It's just transport.
     
  3. anlrolfe

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    Crash,

    1) to slowly draw fuel into vaporizer.

    2) to allow ambient heat to "boil"(vaporize) fuel into a gas before it exits the hole(jet)

    if liquid fuel floods the system you end up with a flame thrower.

    Proper preheating, vaporization & air/fuel mix is essential for effective combustion

    AR
     
  4. FireIsCool

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    In my admittedly limited experience, yes, your copper coiler needs a wick. And the wick needs to be organic material like hemp or jute, because that won't melt, and while it will burn, it won't do that unless it reaches a fairly high temp and then that won't hurt its wicking ability much. I've tried stuff like nylon, no good. And also tried copper scrubbing pad material, nope. I have some fiberglass cloth I'm going to try making wicks of, but have no data on it yet.

    When in doubt, run some experiments!
     
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  5. rik_uk3

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    Those stoves in a jar really scare me.
     
  6. -/-

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    Amen to that n90.gif

    A lid like that is not made to hold any pressure (only vacum) and the glass is by no means heat tollerant and will crack if heated unevenly.
    But that said, it is ingenious and an example of what you can with what you have.
     
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  7. Doc Mark

    Doc Mark SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Morning, Guys,

    I have to jump in here, too, and rail against anyone using a glass bottle, and a vacuum lid to make a stove!! This is exceedingly dangerous, and only the absolute foolhardy, or the completely clueless, would attempt such a thing! :thumbdown: :thumbdown: =; =; [-X [-X Please, please, please!! Pay NO attention to web sites that espouse such experiments. They have no regard for live and limb, and they have NO understanding of stove safety. They give all true Stovies a bad name, and a bad reputation, unfortunately, after they have a horrible accident and muddy the waters for us all. Take care, and God Bless!

    Every Good Wish,
    Doc
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 2, 2015