Mole
Thru Hiker
There seems to be misconceptions about the difficulty of using this tool, So I thought I'd write this thread as a help for the less confident. It's a little different (easier?) than the instructions on the site. Any glaring omissions/errors spotted by you folk who know, I'd appreciate input and will edit accordingly.
Kudos to Kevin (Captain P) for writing this tool, and gifting it to the world. Thanks are due. Also, to Trail Designs for popularising the idea of using a frustrum (truncated cone) for a pot support.
A friend (and recent TL member - Padowan) showed me last week how even easier it has become, and demonstrated the method. So credit due there. Despite what the tool suggests, there is no need to download any new software using the following method.
It's no more 'computery' than any general internet use - if you know how to cut/paste, save a document to somewhere on your pc, go to a website, browse your pc to upload the file, print a .pdf, then you can use this tool.
The last cone I made, I did the 'old' way as described on the original (now defunct)Outdoors Magic Thread. Then, software needed to be downloaded. Since it's been on Zenstoves, it's become even easier, and if you use a file converter website, as about to be described, this method is even easier.
Use the link here to a copy of the page from The Internet Archive:
NB: It's worth noting, that the figures already shown on the cone generator are those needed for a cone for an MSR Titan Kettle. The stove height is set at 32mm (maybe a soda can stove or Red Bull chimney?), so will need modifying - e.g. 20mm for a screwtop Speedster or 24mm for the current Starlyte.
If flissure is enabled a split cone pattern is produced. Recommended for pots as tall or taller than they are wide - as can store cone neatly nested in the pan. If the pan is wider than it is tall (e.g. Evernew pan series or Trangia pans) then the rolled cone will fit sideways into the pan for packing similar to the Trail Designs "Sidewinder" cones.
Anyone who tries this, please don't be shy - let us know in this thread how you get on and if my instructions make sense!
Kudos to Kevin (Captain P) for writing this tool, and gifting it to the world. Thanks are due. Also, to Trail Designs for popularising the idea of using a frustrum (truncated cone) for a pot support.
A friend (and recent TL member - Padowan) showed me last week how even easier it has become, and demonstrated the method. So credit due there. Despite what the tool suggests, there is no need to download any new software using the following method.
It's no more 'computery' than any general internet use - if you know how to cut/paste, save a document to somewhere on your pc, go to a website, browse your pc to upload the file, print a .pdf, then you can use this tool.
The last cone I made, I did the 'old' way as described on the original (now defunct)Outdoors Magic Thread. Then, software needed to be downloaded. Since it's been on Zenstoves, it's become even easier, and if you use a file converter website, as about to be described, this method is even easier.
- Find the measurements you need from your pan/stove setup. i.e. Pan diameter, Pan height (or height of pot covered by cone), stove height, stove gap, handle height/position and handle gap width(s). These are your Primary Pot Variables and Stove Variables
- Open a new file in a plain text editing program (such as Notepad on a Windows PC - Found in ' Windows Accessories' or TextEdit on an Apple machine)
- Go to the Zen Stoves Page :*** http://zenstoves.net/PotStands-Conical.htm#MakingYourOwnCone and scroll down to the Captain Paranoias Potstand Tool.
Use the link here to a copy of the page from The Internet Archive:
- Enter the necessary numbers into the boxes. There are other variables - ignore or adjust as applicable. Don't panic, The pattern can be tweaked later before printing.Things will become apparent once you go through this process once, then after a while, it will become quick and easy.*
- Press the 'Create Code' Button
- From the text box below the 'Create Code Button', copy the code generated, and paste it into the plain text editing program, and then - this is important - save with .ps at the end of whatever you name it - e.g. cone.ps - save that file somewhere.
- Go to a .ps to .pdf converter site such as here: https://www.zamzar.com/
- Choose the .ps file you just saved in Notepad (or TextEdit etc. ) from wherever it was saved to, and press convert.
- A .pdf file with all the cone features is generated, showing both the draughtsmans method overview and the pattern to make the cone. This can be checked over for accuracy of your intention, then you can redo the process if necessary, print straightaway, or save for later.
- I suggest printing the cone pattern, stick together as necessary, cut out, then assemble and offered to the pan. Any adjustments necessary or errors, will become apparent and the pattern tweaked back on Zen Stoves.
- You can use Foil (0.1-0.2 mm thick) from aluminium, Titanium or stainless steel. The latter are more durable. Aluminium flashing from the US is best if aluminium is chosen, though barbeque tray type foil can be used.
- As Stormin suggests below, you can glue the template to your foil - it stays stuck on then once cut out, for easier finishing. (Prittstick). Or can use sellotape.
- If you go for a Flissure design, (2 piece split cone) you may need 2 printouts, and to cut top and bottom castellated joints accordingly. You'll work it out.
- When folding tabs, use a shim of spare foil to bend the tab fold around. If you have gone for a Flissure, use the appropriate thickness of shim for the number of layers that the tab needs to accomodate. Upper tab should fold to the outside to keep it further from the flame.
- For air holes I use a single hole paper punch. Or a step drill.
NB: It's worth noting, that the figures already shown on the cone generator are those needed for a cone for an MSR Titan Kettle. The stove height is set at 32mm (maybe a soda can stove or Red Bull chimney?), so will need modifying - e.g. 20mm for a screwtop Speedster or 24mm for the current Starlyte.
If flissure is enabled a split cone pattern is produced. Recommended for pots as tall or taller than they are wide - as can store cone neatly nested in the pan. If the pan is wider than it is tall (e.g. Evernew pan series or Trangia pans) then the rolled cone will fit sideways into the pan for packing similar to the Trail Designs "Sidewinder" cones.
Anyone who tries this, please don't be shy - let us know in this thread how you get on and if my instructions make sense!
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