How To Make A Functioning Stove Out Of A Wood Log

For all the insane experiments The Crazy Russian Hacker has demonstrated for us, this one has to be the most practical. Who knew making a rocket stove out of a fresh cut log would be this simple? Take a look — but remember, safety first!

A rocket stove is defined as an, “efficient and hot burning portable stove using small diameter wood fuel.”

By using a hammer drill and a standard wood flat drill bit, the Crazy Russian Hacker literally bores out a vertical center cut, about three-quarters of the way into the log.

Next, he makes an identical cut into the side of the log. Creating a junction between both holes. The diagram below should give you a pretty good visual of what’s going on inside the log.

Should you attempt to recreate this hack, we suggest using a real clamp, a vice, or something to stabilize the log — and not just your body weight to make the log stationary.

After, the holes have been completed, it’s time to get lit. Fire starters are a pretty basic tool that can be used to get the flame started.

This is where fire science 101 comes in. By allowing air to flow into the side hole, the fire starter will ignite and send flames out of the top. By dropping a few twigs and brush into the top hole the fire starter should have ample energy to ignite.

With a few hard, deep exhales into the side port, the rush of extra oxygen will create larger flames.

Once the flames are steady, add some stabilization by adding a few rocks to the top of your rocket stove — remember, the hottest part of any flame is near the tip, essentially the blue portion of the flame. So, elevating your pan or pot will add a little extra room for the flames to breath. And it looks cool, so, yeah.

With this relatively safe and simple hack, we’re excited to see what people start cookin’ up on their DIY wood rocket stoves.

Thanks, Crazy Russian!