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DIY Camp Stove

Posted by Cindy · July 8, 2013

We are thinking outside the box and made ourselves a camp stove out of ductwork!

It really was super simple and all the supplies can be found at Lowes.

Supplies For DIY Camp Stove

6″ x 6″ x 6″ galvanized Tee duct

6″ galvanized duct collar

6″ galvanized damper

6″ round duct cap

4″ x 4″ x 8″ Step Flashing

4 – 60D Hot Galvanized Polebarn nails

#10 x 1/2″ phillips head metal pan screws

#8 flat washers

How To Build A Camp Stove

First, flatten the step flashing.

Hook the duct cap to the flattened step flashing with four screws. Drill pilot holes first to make this easier.

Drill a 1/4″hole in each corner of the flattened step flashing. This will give the cooker a place to be staked so it won’t tip over.

Install the damper by drilling a hole in the top side of the tee that points out to the side.

Unhook the collar by removing the small metal clip.

Fit the collar into the top of the tee, drill a hole, and fasten with a screw.

Spread the flanges in and out all the way around the top of the collar. Set the tee onto the cap that was attached to the flattened step flashing.

Build your fire inside and you are ready to get cookin!

If you are looking for ideas to beautify your outdoor space Lowe’s has all the tools you need to be creative. Check out their Lowe’s Creative Ideas blog and be inspired! You can find Lowe’s Creative Ideas on Facebook and don’t forget to pick up a FREE Subscription to Lowe’s Creative Ideas Magazine. Their magazine is fabulous!

As always my DIY supplies are from my go to store Lowes. Thanks Lowes for sponsoring this post!

22 COMMENTS

Comments

Shawn
Sunday, September 18th, 2016
Nice idea but no pictures with your step by step process. Wouldn't know where to begin even though it says in your instructions. But pictures will be worth while ir a youtube video. By the sound of it great materials were used. For those ppl wanting to try this how can they? Post a video next time or have pics in your instructions.
Reply
The Broke Dad
Thursday, September 15th, 2016
Great idea, I think I want to add this to my inventory of camping stuff. In your experiance with it how long does it take for it to cool down after you use it and how hard is it to clean out?
Thank you for sharing, this is a great idea.
The Broke Dad
Reply
bob patyk
Saturday, June 18th, 2016
Great idea, especially for lone wolf camping. What do you use for fuel and how do you start the fire?
Reply
Ang
Monday, November 2nd, 2015
What if you sprayed it with that heat-resistant paint used for wood stoves?
Reply
- Jimmyp
  Sunday, June 12th, 2016
  No painting won't work as the fire will burn it off,
Rob Boze
Monday, August 17th, 2015
Just a word of caution. When heated to a high degree galvanized metal will release poisonous fumes. That is why a blacksmith never uses galvanized steel, better safe than sorry.
Reply
Duke
Monday, June 22nd, 2015
Everyone is a critic when they DIDN'T build it themselves , you did a great job !! on everything . Thank you for sharing your build with us , ya didn't have too and folks ought to recognize that fact .
Reply
Jay
Wednesday, May 27th, 2015
Using galvanized steel for this is unnecessary, dangerous and irresponsible...Go ahead and risk your health, but if I ever saw anyone using something like this around me or my family...Zinc burn off would be least the of their problems.
Reply
- Cindy Hopper
  Sunday, August 2nd, 2015
  Thanks Jay, I had no idea.
kelly
Tuesday, December 30th, 2014
Use black stove pipe ( sold for wood burning stoves ) instead of galvanized duct work to avoid the all too dangerous burn-off of zinc ... seriously!
Reply
Kenn Andrus
Tuesday, May 13th, 2014
Another name for your stove is called a Rocket Stove, we make these in Boy Scouts out of tin cans. This one is much easier and no cutting to worry about.
Reply
Tim
Sunday, December 8th, 2013
Fellow knife maker Jim Paw-Paw Wilson died from zinc fumes. Take it serious.
Reply
chuck
Sunday, December 8th, 2013
since there are not photos of the fire, I assume you are using this as a rocket stove, would it be better to turn the damper 45dergees to support the wood.
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Yolanda
Saturday, October 12th, 2013
My immediate reaction was "Ooooooooooo!!!!!!!" That is remarkable! Thank you for sharing this.
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Anonymous
Thursday, August 29th, 2013
Might I suggest that the handle for the damper be mounted on the underside of the"T" so as to minimize heat discomfort when handling it?
Reply
Mrs B
Wednesday, August 14th, 2013
I wouldn't worry about any poisoning as
1) you will be using this in the outdoors and
2) after the first fire burnt inside all of the "so called poisons" will have burnt off.
Reply
Amanda Langston
Friday, July 12th, 2013
Are you not concerned about galvanized steel poisoning? Signs of galvanize poisoning are similar to flu symptoms. The onset of metal fume fever begins shortly after the body is exposed to zinc oxide and the symptoms include a slight headache and nausea. With increased exposure, flulike symptoms begin to set in.

Moderate zinc oxide exposure results in chills, shaking, slight fever, vomiting, and cold sweats. When the listed symptoms begin, it is time to stop welding and get fresh air. The symptoms can quickly become debilitating and you may need to go home and let the symptoms subside.

Fatalities have been associated with extreme cases of galvanize poisoning. Therefore when metal fume fever symptoms begin, you should immediately avoid further exposure.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/about_5474409_side-effects-galvanized-steel-welding.html#ixzz2Yqsw4YDm
Reply
Teryl
Monday, July 8th, 2013
I'd love to try this project.
What do you estimate your total cost was?
TFS
Reply
- Cindy Hopper
  Monday, July 8th, 2013
  Teryl, I think we spent about $20-$25.