Amongst my eclectic endeavors that help pay the bills, I build custom ultralight alcohol stoves for backpacking. This is a bare bones version that I use to start my charcoal chimney. I built this one for my son, using basic hand tools to demo for my fellow kettle kats.
This is the stuff you'll need. Only one can is needed, Fancy Feast size, 3 oz.
Start by wrapping the can with blue tape, folding the tape over itself on the end. This gives it a leading edge that gets marked along the side. This is were the lay out will start.
The lay out. Five holes 1-1/2" apart, 1/2" down.
Carefully score the can, trying to keep the same groove all the way around, barely going all the way through only at the end.
Use a popsicle stick or flat blade screwdriver to carefully press out the disc. The edge is extremely sharp, so be careful! I wonder how this would taste grilled
Dispose of the food, rinse out can, carefully sand opening to remove sharp edge. I find #0 steel wool works best.
Put layout tape back on the can, then punch holes with large thumb tack or awl.
Next enlarge the holes with a #1 Phillips screwdriver, then again with a #2 Phillips. This will give a finished hole that is about a 1/4". If you want to be a real pro, fill the can with water, freeze, and then drill with a step bit.
This is what it looks like finished.
Although you can use 70%+ isopropyl alcohol, denatured alcohol works best and will burn way hotter. 2-3 Tablespoons is more than enough to get a full size starter going really well.
Pour fuel in the burner and start with a long lighter. Set a chimney full of charcoal over the burner. It's best to do this on the kettles charcoal grate for added wind protection. This pic shows the burner after it has warmed up about 90 seconds. It burnt better than 11 minutes using 3 Tablespoons.
Some notes:
-Mileage may vary, especially in extreme cold and high altitudes.
-Works great for warming a grill before cleaning.
-For added safety a small amount of fiberglass insulation can be added to the bottom( about a 1/4" ) to act as a wick, and to prevent spills.
-Isopropyl Alcohol will burn cooler with a yellowish flame. 4 Tablespoons would be more appropriate for starting a chimney full of charcoal.
-Please be careful, build and use at your own risk. Never use anything other than alcohol in this burner.
Enjoy