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I have a friend that has an Origo alcohol heater and likes it. Not
sure about your reference to a single burner though. Is this a stove? Doug s/v Callista "Courtney Thomas" wrote in message ... Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Thank you, Courtney -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
anybody using an Origo alcohol for heat ?
Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup
source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Thank you, Courtney -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
Courtney Thomas wrote:
Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Opinions: We have one and like it. It's easy to use, seems fairly safe, produces quite a bit of heat, and has a pretty blue flame. And if you run out of propane, it's a usable stove. Caveats: Be sure to use good quality alcohol - some types have a terrible lacquer smell. (The really cheap stuff they have at Ace is nasty!) Spillage is inevitable so be sure to fill the cartridge on deck. It will produce quite a bit of water vapor so be prepared for condensation. Make sure that your boat is well ventilated. Advice: We've been told that putting a brick or large stone on the grate above the flame will make it heat better, but we haven't tried that. Of course the most effective places to put it are the same places where it's most likely to get kicked over. Be careful. Stay warm! |
Oboy! Glad you asked.
We had an old kerosene cookstove and a kerosene space heater. And while I've had some success with using kerosene, these two things were completely unacceptable, even after rebuilding. Replaced the cookstove with a two-burner Origo and could not believe the amount of heat produced. My wife loves it (well, relative to the kerosene stove). We both agreed that if we ever went down the ICW in cold weather again, we would unhesitatingly purchase the Origo space heater (which is basically the same thing as the stove). A minor caution: there is a smell that bothers some, not that everyone warms up to the smell that's put into the propane or the kerosene smell. One advantage of kerosene, of course, is that the soot doesn't smell much! The alcohol system is really cost-effective compared to propane. Kerosene may be cheaper still, but I'd rather freeze (and did). Chuck ps: you can easily get replacement burners from Origo. They last a long time, but not forever. Tend to burn a bit with you let them run out of fuel. Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Thank you, Courtney |
Hi Courtney,
I had a boat that was for sale and I didn't want to install a furnace. I had a single burner Origo and made up a chimney using a large can and 3/4 " copper pipe which vented out the main hatch or porthole. I used a small fan to circulate the warm air. I was absolutely amazed at the amount of heat (West Coast of Canada) that this produced. and although I went through plenty of methyl hydrate, I did try a heat pal (Origo) once and even that worked well but I much preferred to vent the exhaust due to health concerns/safety. hope this helps cheers john Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Thank you, Courtney |
Hi again,
I was reading some of the other threads on this and thought I would also pass along this. It is best if you never let the Origo run out of fuel. I used a timer to prevent this from happening too often. It ruins the absorbtion material. Also, be careful what you burn in it. Some meythl hydrate burns with a distict odor which irritates the eyes. Less of a problem when system is vented to the outside. In Canada, we have two main suppliers of the fuel. One works and the other has a distinct odor. Never use pressurized stove alcohol. It works but the smell is unbearable. Also, it is much more expensive. In Canada, the two suppliers have different jugs. One is clear plastic (lousy) and the other is in a white 4 litre jug with pink labels (excellent) fyi cheers j Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Thank you, Courtney |
Doug,
It's an old one ['63] called a HEAT-PAL. It was intended as a heater & stove. Cordially, Coutney Doug Dotson wrote: I have a friend that has an Origo alcohol heater and likes it. Not sure about your reference to a single burner though. Is this a stove? Doug s/v Callista "Courtney Thomas" wrote in message ... Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Thank you, Courtney -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
Cindy,
Mine is an old one ['63] and I've come onto it with no instructions, etc. I'm not even sure that I have all the parts. The Origo manufacturer, U.S. distributor, as well as W.Marine, Defender, and Swego vendors also have no information on my model [HEAT-PAL]. Any help on how to set it up, operate, clean, etc. ? I assume no wick. Mine has a red outer 'bucket', then first, inside is the fuel container with a sort of vertical spout through which the fuel arrives supporting a flame, I suppose; then, a plate w/center hole so the 'spout' can poke up through. There's a sort of flame cover [I guess] that fits over the 'spout' as well as up into the plate w/center hole. Finally there's the perforated top 'basket' on which a pot could sit. How do you put in fuel, and light it ? I see there's a sort of regulating knob on the side. Where do you get your fuel ? What price ? I'll keep a fire extinguisher handy at all times. I assume there's no danger of noxious fumes. Right ? Finally, why aren't these things popular ? Origo touts safety on their site. Appreciatively, Courtney Cindy Ballreich wrote: Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Opinions: We have one and like it. It's easy to use, seems fairly safe, produces quite a bit of heat, and has a pretty blue flame. And if you run out of propane, it's a usable stove. Caveats: Be sure to use good quality alcohol - some types have a terrible lacquer smell. (The really cheap stuff they have at Ace is nasty!) Spillage is inevitable so be sure to fill the cartridge on deck. It will produce quite a bit of water vapor so be prepared for condensation. Make sure that your boat is well ventilated. Advice: We've been told that putting a brick or large stone on the grate above the flame will make it heat better, but we haven't tried that. Of course the most effective places to put it are the same places where it's most likely to get kicked over. Be careful. Stay warm! -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
Chuck,
How do you know it's time to replace the burner ? A hole in it or what. What alcohol do you find the most satisfactory ? Source and cost ? Gratefully, Courtney chuck wrote: Oboy! Glad you asked. We had an old kerosene cookstove and a kerosene space heater. And while I've had some success with using kerosene, these two things were completely unacceptable, even after rebuilding. Replaced the cookstove with a two-burner Origo and could not believe the amount of heat produced. My wife loves it (well, relative to the kerosene stove). We both agreed that if we ever went down the ICW in cold weather again, we would unhesitatingly purchase the Origo space heater (which is basically the same thing as the stove). A minor caution: there is a smell that bothers some, not that everyone warms up to the smell that's put into the propane or the kerosene smell. One advantage of kerosene, of course, is that the soot doesn't smell much! The alcohol system is really cost-effective compared to propane. Kerosene may be cheaper still, but I'd rather freeze (and did). Chuck ps: you can easily get replacement burners from Origo. They last a long time, but not forever. Tend to burn a bit with you let them run out of fuel. Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Thank you, Courtney -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
John,
Is methyl-hydrate... methyl-alcohol ? Did you just have a small fan in the vicinity of the Origo or what ? Did you erect and dismantle your chimney with each Origo usage or was it a permanent installation ? I have a HEAT-PAL and am ignorant of any negative combustion consequence which is not mentioned on Origo's site. What specifically are the combustion products, please ? I have a propane heat system but don't want to sleep under it and was hoping the Origo might at least not be a combustion products hazard, though I realize any hydrocarbon heat source is a fire hazard. I'm in Eastern Canada right now. Cordially, Courtney John wrote: Hi Courtney, I had a boat that was for sale and I didn't want to install a furnace. I had a single burner Origo and made up a chimney using a large can and 3/4 " copper pipe which vented out the main hatch or porthole. I used a small fan to circulate the warm air. I was absolutely amazed at the amount of heat (West Coast of Canada) that this produced. and although I went through plenty of methyl hydrate, I did try a heat pal (Origo) once and even that worked well but I much preferred to vent the exhaust due to health concerns/safety. hope this helps cheers john Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Thank you, Courtney -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
JOHN,
Who is the vendor of the white 4 liter container w/pink label ? Thanks once more for the help. Cordially, Courtney John wrote: Hi again, I was reading some of the other threads on this and thought I would also pass along this. It is best if you never let the Origo run out of fuel. I used a timer to prevent this from happening too often. It ruins the absorbtion material. Also, be careful what you burn in it. Some meythl hydrate burns with a distict odor which irritates the eyes. Less of a problem when system is vented to the outside. In Canada, we have two main suppliers of the fuel. One works and the other has a distinct odor. Never use pressurized stove alcohol. It works but the smell is unbearable. Also, it is much more expensive. In Canada, the two suppliers have different jugs. One is clear plastic (lousy) and the other is in a white 4 litre jug with pink labels (excellent) fyi cheers j Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Thank you, Courtney -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
I remember the Heat-Pal from Boy Scouts. Not sure I would trust a 40
year old unit though. Doug s/v Callista "Courtney Thomas" wrote in message ... Doug, It's an old one ['63] called a HEAT-PAL. It was intended as a heater & stove. Cordially, Coutney Doug Dotson wrote: I have a friend that has an Origo alcohol heater and likes it. Not sure about your reference to a single burner though. Is this a stove? Doug s/v Callista "Courtney Thomas" wrote in message ... Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Thank you, Courtney -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
I'd set it up by depositing it in the nearest dumpster. It's just too
old to trust. Doug s/v Callista "Courtney Thomas" wrote in message ... Cindy, Mine is an old one ['63] and I've come onto it with no instructions, etc. I'm not even sure that I have all the parts. The Origo manufacturer, U.S. distributor, as well as W.Marine, Defender, and Swego vendors also have no information on my model [HEAT-PAL]. Any help on how to set it up, operate, clean, etc. ? I assume no wick. Mine has a red outer 'bucket', then first, inside is the fuel container with a sort of vertical spout through which the fuel arrives supporting a flame, I suppose; then, a plate w/center hole so the 'spout' can poke up through. There's a sort of flame cover [I guess] that fits over the 'spout' as well as up into the plate w/center hole. Finally there's the perforated top 'basket' on which a pot could sit. How do you put in fuel, and light it ? I see there's a sort of regulating knob on the side. Where do you get your fuel ? What price ? I'll keep a fire extinguisher handy at all times. I assume there's no danger of noxious fumes. Right ? Finally, why aren't these things popular ? Origo touts safety on their site. Appreciatively, Courtney Cindy Ballreich wrote: Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Opinions: We have one and like it. It's easy to use, seems fairly safe, produces quite a bit of heat, and has a pretty blue flame. And if you run out of propane, it's a usable stove. Caveats: Be sure to use good quality alcohol - some types have a terrible lacquer smell. (The really cheap stuff they have at Ace is nasty!) Spillage is inevitable so be sure to fill the cartridge on deck. It will produce quite a bit of water vapor so be prepared for condensation. Make sure that your boat is well ventilated. Advice: We've been told that putting a brick or large stone on the grate above the flame will make it heat better, but we haven't tried that. Of course the most effective places to put it are the same places where it's most likely to get kicked over. Be careful. Stay warm! -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
Courtney Thomas wrote:
Cindy, Mine is an old one ['63] and I've come onto it with no instructions, etc. I'm not even sure that I have all the parts. The Origo manufacturer, U.S. distributor, as well as W.Marine, Defender, and Swego vendors also have no information on my model [HEAT-PAL]. Courtney Wow! 40 years old! It may be different than the current ones. Ours is the HeatPal 5000. It consists of two nesting aluminum "buckets". One has a bracket which holds the heating part, the other is a cover which helps collect and radiate heat. The heating section has 2 parts: An Origo stove cartridge - a canister about 2" hight and 12" in diameter completely filled with a wick material with a hole in the top exposing about 3" of the wick surface. The other is a cover for the cartridge which has a flame diffuser, a lever that partially or completely covers the flame to control the heat, and little grate for setting pots and things on. You fill the cartridge by simply pouring alcohol onto the wick until it won't take any more. (Yes, it's messy.) The fuel is just denatured alcohol or "stove" alcohol. This can range from the Origo brand alcohol (expensive, but not much smell and less water vapor) to the generic alcohol they sell in the paint section of the hardware store. Once the cartridge is full and you have it all reassembled, you light it by sticking a match or a BBQ lighter tip through the diffuser. It usually takes two tries because there's an initial "pop" which usually blows out the flame. You control the flame by moving the lever back and forth. The second bucket gets turned upside-down and is placed on top of the first. Our boat has excellent ventilation so we haven't had any problem with gases. I don't think these produce much carbon monoxide, but they do use oxygen. Use common sense and I think they're very safe. Why aren't they popular? I really don't know. I think most people only sail when it's warm and just don't want to mess with heaters. Others want a built-in diesel or propane heater. We bought our HeatPal when we were chartering in cold weather (cheaper rates) and still use it on our own boat. We've also used it at home when the gas was out. I'd be really careful about a 40 year old unit. These things are dirt simple, but combustion is a tricky thing. Be sure to try it out of doors before you use it on your boat. Cindy Here's what ours looks like... http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...roductId=12130 |
I'd think that a old fire brick would help a Heat-Pal make thing's
cozy. I'm going to try it on mine. Good idea's. Cindy Ballreich wrote in message ... Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Opinions: We have one and like it. It's easy to use, seems fairly safe, produces quite a bit of heat, and has a pretty blue flame. And if you run out of propane, it's a usable stove. Caveats: Be sure to use good quality alcohol - some types have a terrible lacquer smell. (The really cheap stuff they have at Ace is nasty!) Spillage is inevitable so be sure to fill the cartridge on deck. It will produce quite a bit of water vapor so be prepared for condensation. Make sure that your boat is well ventilated. Advice: We've been told that putting a brick or large stone on the grate above the flame will make it heat better, but we haven't tried that. Of course the most effective places to put it are the same places where it's most likely to get kicked over. Be careful. Stay warm! |
the brick is used to retain heat after the burner is turned off, say when you
want to go to sleep with some hope of waking up the next morning. I'd think that a old fire brick would help a Heat-Pal make thing's cozy. I'm going to try it on mine. Good idea's. Cindy Ballreich wrote in message ... Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Opinions: We have one and like it. It's easy to use, seems fairly safe, produces quite a bit of heat, and has a pretty blue flame. And if you run out of propane, it's a usable stove. Caveats: Be sure to use good quality alcohol - some types have a terrible lacquer smell. (The really cheap stuff they have at Ace is nasty!) Spillage is inevitable so be sure to fill the cartridge on deck. It will produce quite a bit of water vapor so be prepared for condensation. Make sure that your boat is well ventilated. Advice: We've been told that putting a brick or large stone on the grate above the flame will make it heat better, but we haven't tried that. Of course the most effective places to put it are the same places where it's most likely to get kicked over. Be careful. Stay warm! |
Courtney,
I don't know how you know when to replace the burner. I suppose when you feel that performance is falling. As has been suggested, they'll probably last a very long time if you don't let them run out of fuel. We lived aboard for a year, two adults, a child, and for a couple of months, a teenager. Cooked all meals on the two-burner stove and the burners are still functional some years later. As I recall, we simply used the West Marine gallons. Found the plastic to be far less likely to rust in the bilges. Burning anything inside a cabin without a chimney is something to be cautious about. In warm weather, the hatches are open. In cold weather, human presence produces an awful amount of humidity and condensation. We never noticed any additional condensation from the alchohol stove. But if it had been running all night, it might have been noticed. I defer to folks who have actually used one that way for their experience. Chuck |
I'm not sure if I have seen a response yet about filling the old style w/
the red "bucket" as you describe it. I have 2 of these, and I use a 1 liter aluminum fuel bottle I got from a camping supplier to keep the alcohol in. You can pour the alcohol in the "tank" w/o spilling it. I will look around because I should have the instruction sheet somewhere. May take me a while, but in the meantime, I can tell you that the maximum amount of alcohol that is supposed tobe in the "tank" is such that if you stand the tank on its edge (so the base is oriented in a vertical plane), no alcohol will run out. You don't fill it slam up. I've never slept with it burning. "Courtney Thomas" wrote in message ... Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Thank you, Courtney -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
Cindy,
Thank you for the clarifying remarks. I think mine, though forty, is structurally the same as yours. Sounds like I may need a new 'cartridge' though. Appreciatively, Courtney Cindy Ballreich wrote: Courtney Thomas wrote: Cindy, Mine is an old one ['63] and I've come onto it with no instructions, etc. I'm not even sure that I have all the parts. The Origo manufacturer, U.S. distributor, as well as W.Marine, Defender, and Swego vendors also have no information on my model [HEAT-PAL]. Courtney Wow! 40 years old! It may be different than the current ones. Ours is the HeatPal 5000. It consists of two nesting aluminum "buckets". One has a bracket which holds the heating part, the other is a cover which helps collect and radiate heat. The heating section has 2 parts: An Origo stove cartridge - a canister about 2" hight and 12" in diameter completely filled with a wick material with a hole in the top exposing about 3" of the wick surface. The other is a cover for the cartridge which has a flame diffuser, a lever that partially or completely covers the flame to control the heat, and little grate for setting pots and things on. You fill the cartridge by simply pouring alcohol onto the wick until it won't take any more. (Yes, it's messy.) The fuel is just denatured alcohol or "stove" alcohol. This can range from the Origo brand alcohol (expensive, but not much smell and less water vapor) to the generic alcohol they sell in the paint section of the hardware store. Once the cartridge is full and you have it all reassembled, you light it by sticking a match or a BBQ lighter tip through the diffuser. It usually takes two tries because there's an initial "pop" which usually blows out the flame. You control the flame by moving the lever back and forth. The second bucket gets turned upside-down and is placed on top of the first. Our boat has excellent ventilation so we haven't had any problem with gases. I don't think these produce much carbon monoxide, but they do use oxygen. Use common sense and I think they're very safe. Why aren't they popular? I really don't know. I think most people only sail when it's warm and just don't want to mess with heaters. Others want a built-in diesel or propane heater. We bought our HeatPal when we were chartering in cold weather (cheaper rates) and still use it on our own boat. We've also used it at home when the gas was out. I'd be really careful about a 40 year old unit. These things are dirt simple, but combustion is a tricky thing. Be sure to try it out of doors before you use it on your boat. Cindy Here's what ours looks like... http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...roductId=12130 -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
Thanks Garland.
I look forward to a copy of the instruction sheet. I have a Coleman funnel w/filter that fits perfectly into the vertical tank orifice. I also have a couple of the aluminum bottles you mentioned too and will use them as do you. Gratefully, Courtney Garland Gray II wrote: I'm not sure if I have seen a response yet about filling the old style w/ the red "bucket" as you describe it. I have 2 of these, and I use a 1 liter aluminum fuel bottle I got from a camping supplier to keep the alcohol in. You can pour the alcohol in the "tank" w/o spilling it. I will look around because I should have the instruction sheet somewhere. May take me a while, but in the meantime, I can tell you that the maximum amount of alcohol that is supposed tobe in the "tank" is such that if you stand the tank on its edge (so the base is oriented in a vertical plane), no alcohol will run out. You don't fill it slam up. I've never slept with it burning. "Courtney Thomas" wrote in message ... Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Thank you, Courtney -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
Doug Dotson wrote:
I'd set it up by depositing it in the nearest dumpster. It's just too old to trust. Gee, that's what my wife says about me! These stoves and heaters are not rocket science. Just alcohol poured over some wicking material with an aperature that opens and closes to control heat production. Pressure alcohol units are a different story and I would agree with Doug to toss a forty year old pressure unit. With the Origo, if it works and is not rusted out, it's likely as safe as the day it was new. Also,on another comment, I've let my Origo stove run out of fuel on many, many occassions (it's how I know I have to add more fuel). The only negative consequence I've noticed is that my food doesn't cook until I switch to the other burner. Never seen any damage to the stove. |
Bill, I think that when the alcohol runs out, the flame burns the
wicking material, or at least tries to. Eventually, the material no longer wicks properly since it is then largely carbon on top. Never a good idea to let *any* wicked burring device run out of fuel. Same thing happens to a regular kerosene lamp. Bill Adams wrote: Doug Dotson wrote: I'd set it up by depositing it in the nearest dumpster. It's just too old to trust. Gee, that's what my wife says about me! These stoves and heaters are not rocket science. Just alcohol poured over some wicking material with an aperature that opens and closes to control heat production. Pressure alcohol units are a different story and I would agree with Doug to toss a forty year old pressure unit. With the Origo, if it works and is not rusted out, it's likely as safe as the day it was new. Also,on another comment, I've let my Origo stove run out of fuel on many, many occassions (it's how I know I have to add more fuel). The only negative consequence I've noticed is that my food doesn't cook until I switch to the other burner. Never seen any damage to the stove. |
On Fri, 03 Dec 2004 23:04:21 -0500, Courtney Thomas
wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? ====================================== I am very wary of any combustion heater that does not vent to the outside. At the least you need a CO monitor and alarm but there are other risks such as oxygen deprivation and poisoning from combustion byproducts. |
The brick, or an upside down flowerpot, is used to radiate the heat.
JAXAshby wrote: the brick is used to retain heat after the burner is turned off, say when you want to go to sleep with some hope of waking up the next morning. I'd think that a old fire brick would help a Heat-Pal make thing's cozy. I'm going to try it on mine. Good idea's. Cindy Ballreich wrote in message ... Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Opinions: We have one and like it. It's easy to use, seems fairly safe, produces quite a bit of heat, and has a pretty blue flame. And if you run out of propane, it's a usable stove. Caveats: Be sure to use good quality alcohol - some types have a terrible lacquer smell. (The really cheap stuff they have at Ace is nasty!) Spillage is inevitable so be sure to fill the cartridge on deck. It will produce quite a bit of water vapor so be prepared for condensation. Make sure that your boat is well ventilated. Advice: We've been told that putting a brick or large stone on the grate above the flame will make it heat better, but we haven't tried that. Of course the most effective places to put it are the same places where it's most likely to get kicked over. Be careful. Stay warm! |
not in the real world. no brick makes heat. the burner makes heat. the brick
heats up and then radiates retained heat ******after****** the burner is turned off. no brick makes heat. period. The brick, or an upside down flowerpot, is used to radiate the heat. JAXAshby wrote: the brick is used to retain heat after the burner is turned off, say when you want to go to sleep with some hope of waking up the next morning. I'd think that a old fire brick would help a Heat-Pal make thing's cozy. I'm going to try it on mine. Good idea's. Cindy Ballreich wrote in message ... Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? Opinions: We have one and like it. It's easy to use, seems fairly safe, produces quite a bit of heat, and has a pretty blue flame. And if you run out of propane, it's a usable stove. Caveats: Be sure to use good quality alcohol - some types have a terrible lacquer smell. (The really cheap stuff they have at Ace is nasty!) Spillage is inevitable so be sure to fill the cartridge on deck. It will produce quite a bit of water vapor so be prepared for condensation. Make sure that your boat is well ventilated. Advice: We've been told that putting a brick or large stone on the grate above the flame will make it heat better, but we haven't tried that. Of course the most effective places to put it are the same places where it's most likely to get kicked over. Be careful. Stay warm! |
Golly, BinaryBill!
Which type of alcohol stove do you think is extremely dangerous: pressurized alcohol stoves or the Origo type or both? And why? I would think pressurized alcohol stoves could be troublesome, as could pressurized propane, gasoline, and kerosene. But the Origo stoves won't even spill fuel if you turn them upside down! Just curious. What type stove do you think is not extremely dangerous? Surely not coal or diesel fuel? Chuck wrote: On Sun, 05 Dec 2004 17:45:34 GMT, Jim wrote: The brick, or an upside down flowerpot, is used to radiate the heat. The upside down flowerpot is also a dandy CO generator. Personally, I think alcohol stoves on a boat are extremely dangerous. You'll find that virtually all Marine insurance companies share this view. Don't believe me? Ask them. BB |
Chuck, billie jes gots hisself confuzed das all. hiss tryen ta finds hiss
village and hiss lost. Golly, BinaryBill! Which type of alcohol stove do you think is extremely dangerous: pressurized alcohol stoves or the Origo type or both? And why? I would think pressurized alcohol stoves could be troublesome, as could pressurized propane, gasoline, and kerosene. But the Origo stoves won't even spill fuel if you turn them upside down! Just curious. What type stove do you think is not extremely dangerous? Surely not coal or diesel fuel? Chuck wrote: On Sun, 05 Dec 2004 17:45:34 GMT, Jim wrote: The brick, or an upside down flowerpot, is used to radiate the heat. The upside down flowerpot is also a dandy CO generator. Personally, I think alcohol stoves on a boat are extremely dangerous. You'll find that virtually all Marine insurance companies share this view. Don't believe me? Ask them. BB |
On Sun, 05 Dec 2004 14:57:01 GMT, Bill Adams
wrote: Doug Dotson wrote: I'd set it up by depositing it in the nearest dumpster. It's just too old to trust. Gee, that's what my wife says about me! These stoves and heaters are not rocket science. Just alcohol poured over some wicking material with an aperature that opens and closes to control heat production. Pressure alcohol units are a different story and I would agree with Doug to toss a forty year old pressure unit. With the Origo, if it works and is not rusted out, it's likely as safe as the day it was new. Also,on another comment, I've let my Origo stove run out of fuel on many, many occassions (it's how I know I have to add more fuel). The only negative consequence I've noticed is that my food doesn't cook until I switch to the other burner. Never seen any damage to the stove. I agree with Doug on both points. We chartered a boat in the 1980s that had a two-burner Origo. A total of 8 weeks or so over a period of years. Ran dry, no problem. One problem that hasn't been mentioned in this thread, and probably ra The cover that regulates one of the burners had its rivet crack. This let a little air in when we shut it down for the night once. It never stopped burning inside and was still smoldering the next morning. Be conscious of that possibility and you will feel it if it happens. THere was no safety problem in this case, but it did use up some fuel. That said, I would keep a 40-year old Origo. It generated enough heat to steam lobsters. Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC Let's Put the XXX back in Xmas |
On Sun, 05 Dec 2004 22:58:16 GMT, chuck wrote:
Just curious. What type stove do you think is not extremely dangerous? Surely not coal or diesel fuel? =========================== I've had no issues with electric. Seriously. As long as you have a working generator or inverter/big alternator, it is nearly ideal in my opinion. The best part is no special stove fuel to buy and store. We carry a 1 burner propane unit for backup and store the cylinders outside. |
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Applause!! Bravo!! Standing ovation!!
The cast of rec.boats.cursing has managed to turn this little thread into a wait for it flame war! |
one westcoast nutter calling himself billie is the same as any other westcoast
nutter calling himself billie. Date: 12/6/2004 6:56 AM Eastern Standard Time Message-id: On 06 Dec 2004 03:09:29 GMT, (JAXAshby) wrote: westcoast nutter writes this worthless drivel: Learn to read headers, doofus. I've been posting from The right coast for many, many years. I lived in Santa Cruz, CA for a couple of years, but that was in the early 70's. BB |
cindy, it turned that way when the idgits couldn't tell an Origo from an Oreo,
but they were happy to flatly state the things were no damned good because they were white inside. Applause!! Bravo!! Standing ovation!! The cast of rec.boats.cursing has managed to turn this little thread into a wait for it flame war! |
On Sun, 05 Dec 2004 22:58:16 GMT, chuck wrote:
Golly, BinaryBill! Which type of alcohol stove do you think is extremely dangerous: pressurized alcohol stoves or the Origo type or both? And why? I would think pressurized alcohol stoves could be troublesome, as could pressurized propane, gasoline, and kerosene. But the Origo stoves won't even spill fuel if you turn them upside down! I have an Origo stove, am very pleased with it, and feel safer with it than with a pressure stove, however there is a significant danger in refuelling if the burner is not cold. Pouring alcohol into a warm burner can create a combustible cloud and if the burner was burned dry (quite likely the reason you would be filling a warm one) there may well be a part either hot enough or smouldering that will provide a source of ignition. If you are filling the burner from a closed container (like a plastic bottle) the flame can run into the bottle, overpressure it and spray burning alcohol all over which is a Bad Thing (TM). Such accidents really do happen. The precautions are obvious. It's a bad mistake to think of any combustion system as not being a fire danger. Ryk |
Ryk,
Thank you for the explicit cautioning. Will heed ! Courtney Ryk wrote: On Sun, 05 Dec 2004 22:58:16 GMT, chuck wrote: Golly, BinaryBill! Which type of alcohol stove do you think is extremely dangerous: pressurized alcohol stoves or the Origo type or both? And why? I would think pressurized alcohol stoves could be troublesome, as could pressurized propane, gasoline, and kerosene. But the Origo stoves won't even spill fuel if you turn them upside down! I have an Origo stove, am very pleased with it, and feel safer with it than with a pressure stove, however there is a significant danger in refuelling if the burner is not cold. Pouring alcohol into a warm burner can create a combustible cloud and if the burner was burned dry (quite likely the reason you would be filling a warm one) there may well be a part either hot enough or smouldering that will provide a source of ignition. If you are filling the burner from a closed container (like a plastic bottle) the flame can run into the bottle, overpressure it and spray burning alcohol all over which is a Bad Thing (TM). Such accidents really do happen. The precautions are obvious. It's a bad mistake to think of any combustion system as not being a fire danger. Ryk -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
On Mon, 06 Dec 2004 23:42:59 -0500, Courtney Thomas
wrote: Do you know where I can find the exact combustion byproducts of an Origo and in what amounts they are produced ? ==================================== Unfortunately I do not, and they almost surely depend on conditions and the quality of the fuel used. Not all alchohol is created equal. :-) My comment is primarily directed at heating, not cooking. As a cooking unit the Origo's seem to perform very well and combustion products although present, are not as big a concern. Virtually any unvented flame can produce carbon monoxide under the right conditions, and sleeping with a heater on is not something I'd recommend, even with a CO detector. |
Wayne,
Thank you for your take on this matter. Do you know where I can find the exact combustion byproducts of an Origo and in what amounts they are produced ? Cordially, Courtney Wayne.B wrote: On Fri, 03 Dec 2004 23:04:21 -0500, Courtney Thomas wrote: Have come into an old single burner and am considering it as a backup source. Opinions, caveats, advice ? ====================================== I am very wary of any combustion heater that does not vent to the outside. At the least you need a CO monitor and alarm but there are other risks such as oxygen deprivation and poisoning from combustion byproducts. -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
Courtney Thomas wrote:
Do you know where I can find the exact combustion byproducts of an Origo and in what amounts they are produced ? Courtney , Any time you have a flame below decks you should use caution. A CO detector and good fire extinguishers are good ideas on *any* boat. Don't let the people who've never used these heaters/stoves convince you that they're dangerous. I don't know the exact proportions of gases - perhaps you can find out from Origo. I can say that we've never had a problem using our Heat Pal, even while we are sleeping. Alcohol is a very efficient fuel and I think that the amount of CO produced is very low. We've found that different brands of fuel will have more or less smell and those smells probably mean that extra gases are being produced. I think this has to do with impurities in the fuel. There are some types of fuel that smell so bad we won't use without having the companionway open. I also believe that the quality of fuel is related to the amount of water vapor produced. The Origo brand fuel seems to be the best, but it is very expensive. I suspect that a filled cartridge can pull water out of the air, so we keep ours in a plastic bag when we're not using it. The worst problems we've ever had with our Heat Pal are running out of alcohol half way through a two week trip, and water vapor condensing on the aluminum hatch frame and dripping on our faces while we sleep. Cindy (I should disclose that we're looking into getting a Sigmar diesel heater.) |
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