so i made fins, 1"x7"(i will have to check to be sure). cut out three fins and drilled a 1/4" hole through the center of each. then i cut 1/4" slots 1/2" in on each side of the fins. to make them fit the frame nicely, i also cut 1/4" slots in the mating edge of the sides of the frame to fit together snugly. you can see them in the half folded picture.
finally, i needed a way to secure the fins to the stove when it was folded. so i took a 1/4"x3/4" dowel and drilled a 1/16" hole near the end, through the center. after that, i welded the dowl onto the center of the outside (top when folded) side of the frame. i could now slip the fins onto the dowel and put a hitch pin through the hole in the dowel to secure them. it was at this point that i realized that i had cut the dowel slightly too long and the fins would flop around. they would stay on the dowel, they just spun around all nimbly bimbly like and i didnt like it. so i just simply bent the fins slightly and added a washer to secure them. and viola! i have a homemade wood, gel, gas stove that takes up a 6"x6"x1" footprint and can hold any pot i want to put on it. i assembled it and tested it out using a 50lb scale verifying weight we had laying around the shop and it held up just fine.
this is the finished product. it measures a little over 6" tall (at top of fins) and a 6" footprint
side view. notice the fins are slightly bent. that will come into play later.
and yes, it folds flat. one side inside the base, one out.
finished product folded and ready for your 72hr bag.
this is the stud that i welded onto one of the sides to hold the fins together when it is folded.
let me know if anyone wants more details or specifics on it.
And, Olly, I this needs moved, feel free to do so.
EDIT: the one time i arrange the pics for the ass bakward tapatalk posting, they post in the right order!!
