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Stove misadventure

Fire starter

So the other day I almost set fire to my kitchen using my MSR XGK inside 🫏

🫏 = donkey 🙄

I’m sharing the story because there is always stuff to learn from other peoples experiences no matter how dumb they might be 😞

Here’s how it happened:

I’ve got a new pot and wanted to experiment to see how well my simmering technique works on this smaller circumference pot. I decided inside on my kitchens glass cook top was the ideal place to do this 🫏 🙄

My simmering technique works by getting the stove going and up to temp. I then close the valve and wait for the flame to go to yellow. I then s l o w l y  open the valve. This way I can see the power from the fuel kick in and identify the exact point the valve is letting through fuel. From this point it’s pretty easy to use micro adjustments and patience to pretty accurately control the flame. 

Anyway

I was messing with this seeing how precisely I could control the temperature of the flame when fuel started to leak out of the brass fitting the valve adjustment screw goes through. OH SHIT!!

I immediately turn off the fuel and it stopped leaking but about 5ml of fluid had leaked out and despite the stove being in simmer mode it was running hot with a blue flame and glowing bell 😱

Well the obvious happened and the vapour caught. The valve already was alight. 

I have a powder extinguisher in the kitchen and I grabbed it. The current small flame wasn’t a problem but any failure at the valve and the smallest MSR bottle still contains enough to get things really started shit shit shit

But the fire extinguisher didn’t seem like the right option. Smothering it felt righter. I grabbed a tea towel and ran the tap. It only took seconds to wet it properly but seconds are long when you’ve got a fuel bottle on fire in your kitchen. 

Folded wet tea towel in half and placed it over the flames. 

It worked spectacularly well. Stove burner had gone to yellow at this point and it blew out easily. I grabbed the stove incorrectly tea towel and put it straight outside on the path a few meters from the kitchen door went back inside and closed the door. Everything now needed time to literally cool off inc me 🫏

Phew – drama averted – lucky

What have I learnt from this?

  • it will probably be a while before I light a camping stove in the kitchen 🙄
  • Cook too was a good choice of surface 😝
  • Wet tea towel works very well for smothering a small liquid fire like this was
  • All O rings in all my MSR pumps need replacing!!

Is there anything you’ve learnt from my mini misadventure or thing I should learn 🤠

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Threaded Camping Gas Canister Fill Percentage by Weight

Threaded gas canisters for camping stoves come in three different sizes, 100, 230 and 450, this is the weight of gas they contain. In the table above I’ve provided a series over overall canister weights to help you (and me) estimate the amount of gas left in a part used canister.

The 3 sizes of canister covered by my table

To get an indication of the percentage of gas left in your part used canister first weigh your part used canister and then either use the table or the following equation to get a percentage

(Current Canister Weight – Empty Canister Weight) divided by Weight of Gas in Full Canister

e.g. if I weighed my 230 canister and the scales said 200g

200g – 126g = 74g divided by 230 = 32% of the canister gas is left of the original volume

Different brands of gas may have slightly different weights of canisters or gas inside but it will make a negligible difference in terms of deciding what you are going to use for a trip

A useful top tip is to use a sharpie (permenant marker) to write the last weighed fill percentage on the bottom of the canister. This can make picking the appropriate filled canister from your stash very easy to do.

I hope this table is as useful for you as it is for me, enjoy!

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Exclusive First Look – KARRYAK – A performance carbon sea kayak that is easy to take on a plane ✈️🌏

In this video Steve (creator and man behind KARRYAK) takes me though a very detailed look at his pre production prototype. KARRYAK is a high performance carbon sea kayak that breaks down into 5 parts that can easily fit on a normal airline flight. This pioneering sea kayak includes some groundbreaking industry first design features and this video is the first detailed information available on the internet.

KARRYAK is a high performance carbon sea kayak that breaks down into 5 parts that can easily fit on a normal airline flight

This video is the first detailed information about KARRYAK available on the internet
Continue reading “Exclusive First Look – KARRYAK – A performance carbon sea kayak that is easy to take on a plane ✈️🌏” →
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AirShare’s Zone Information

AirShare is the hub for recreational and commercial drone operators in New Zealand. The map in their app includes important information for drone pilots but its difficult to see easily so I’m putting both text and an image here so I can access it easily.

  • ATC Restrictions – Flights inside black or red lines may have additional restrictions. Air Traffic Control will advise.
  • Low Flying Zones – UAVs are not permitted in any Low Flying Zones which are coloured orange.
  • Military Operating Areas – Permission from the administering authority is required to fly in these green zones.
  • Aerodromes – The blue circle areas indicate a 4km radius around aerodromes
  • Other Authorities’ Areas – This area requires you to gain approval before you fly from the administering authority or landowner
  • No Fly Zones – These areas are where you are unlikely to receive approval to fly from the administering authority or landowner
  • Danger Areas – These areas are where an activity within is a potential danger to aircraft flying over the area
  • Notice to Air Missions – A NOTAM contains important information that could affect the safe operation of your flight
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Campervan fixed cassette toilet options for the new NZ 2023 Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act

In this post I aim to collate useful cassette toilet options information for NZ based van builders to help then meet the fixed toilet requirement in the new 2023 Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act.

Information on the 2023 changes to the Freedom Camping Act can be found at https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/26796-local-government-guidance-pdf#:~:text=The%20Act%20enables%20local%20authorities,apply%20to%20that%20particular%20area.

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on the key changes implemented by the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 (the Act) which will impact local authorities.

Key for NZ Campervan owners/builders is the new Self Contained requirement for a fixed toilet.

Edit 12/07/2024 – The details of exactly what this means can now be found in this document https://www.pgdb.co.nz/media/cqubmqa3/vehicle-inspection-guidance-v10.pdf

is permanently fixed to the vehicle with the base of the toilet rigidly mounted in position and
does not require removal in order to empty human waste;

Consult the linked document for a full list of requirements.

NB There is a requirement for the cassette or tank to be vented to the outside. This requirement is currently under review

Fixed toilet options:

CTS4110 – swivel, ceramic inlay, 12v electric flush, pressure supply water
Dimensions are D530mm H672mm W382mm. As only the toilet seat swivels, these dimensions do not significantly change when rotated 90 degrees.

Dometic CTS4110 swivel dimensions

Dometic Saneo CS – swivel, ceramic inlay, 12v electric flush, pressure supply water

D602mm H680mm W377mm. As per diagram below, depth is 549mm with bowl at 90 degrees (assume width increases by 50mm also)

Dometic Saneo CS swivel dimensions

Thetford C223-CS – swivel, plastic bowl, 12v electric flush, pressure supply water

H534 x W414 x D580 mm. As per diagram below, depth is 556mm with bowl at 90 degrees, width increases to 427mm

Thetford C224-CW – swivel, plastic bowl, hand pump flush, on board flush tank

Thetford C223 CS swivel dimensions

H731 x W414 x D580 mm. Same platform and swivel measurements as C223 above, but taller due to onboard flush tank.  

Thetford C263 – swivel, ceramic inlay, 12v electric flush, pressure supply water
H750 x W417 x D600mm. As per diagram below, depth is 541mm with bowl at 90 degrees, width increases to 464mm

Thetford C263 swivel dimensions:

Thetford C402 – Bench, plastic bowl, 12v electric flush, on board flush tank
H512 x W670 x D400 mm. Bench type, comes in left and right hand models – choose the side that the cassette will be removed from.

Thetford C400 Series Cassette Toilet

CHH 3924 – non-swivel, hand pump flush, on board flush tank
SCNZ have stock of the below pictured toilets coming in October. These have onboard flush water tanks and piston pump flush so do not require pressurised water supply or 12V. Price will be approx $700. Measurements are D530xW395xH480mm.

NB – A swivel option is planned to be available at some point in the future but it wont be the near future.

CHH Cassette toilet from SCNZ with onboard flush tank and piston flush:
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For Sale – EPIC Cyclist Tool Kit PARK TOOL EK-3 PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL AND EVENT bike cycle – As New Unboxed

A professional-level toolset designed and built for portability. The EK-3 is perfect for team and event mechanics or the home mechanic who wants the ultimate portable tool kit.

Facebook Marketplace Link – https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1033530903965890/

Selling due to international order double up. As New in Box. Ship at buyers expense. Location Auckland

Park Tool Blurb:

Neatly organized in the world-famous BX-2.2 Blue Box Tool Case, this tool kit features 56 of the best Park tools to do hundreds of repair and maintenance tasks. Plus, the bomb-proof Blue Box features pockets, pouches, straps and open space to add more tools and parts!

Includes:

  • ATD-1.2 Adjustable Torque Driver — 4 to 6 Nm
  • AWS-1 3-Way Hex Wrench – 4mm/5mm/6mm
  • BBT-9 Bottom Bracket Tool – 16-Notch 44mm OD
  • BBT-32 Bottom Bracket Tool – 20-Spline
  • BO-2 Bottle Opener CC-4 Chain Checker
  • CN-10 Professional Cable and Housing Cutter
  • CNW-2 Chainring Nut Wrench
  • CP-1.2 Cassette Pliers
  • CT-3.3 Chain Tool
  • CWP-7 Compact Universal Crank Puller
  • DCW-1 Double-Ended Cone Wrench – 13mm/14mm (qty. 2)
  • DCW-2 Double-Ended Cone Wrench – 15mm/16mm (qty. 2)
  • DCW-3 Double-Ended Cone Wrench – 17mm/18mm
  • DSD-2 Derailleur Screwdriver
  • DSD-4 Derailleur Screwdriver
  • DT-2 Rotor Truing Fork
  • FR-5.2H Cassette Lockring Tool with Handle
  • GSC-1 GearClean™ Brush
  • HCW-15 Headset Wrench – 32mm/36mm
  • HMR-8 8 oz. Shop Hammer HT-8 8mm Hex Tool
  • HXS-1.2 Professional L-Shaped Hex Wrench Set LP-7 Utility Pliers
  • MLP-1.2 Master Link Pliers
  • MW-8 8mm Metric Wrench
  • MW-9 9mm Metric Wrench
  • MW-10 10mm Metric Wrench
  • PAW-12 12-Inch Adjustable Wrench
  • PW-4 Professional Pedal Wrench
  • RR-12 Tape Measure
  • SW-0 Spoke Wrench
  • SW-2 Spoke Wrench
  • SZR-1 Scissors TL-6.2 Steel Core Tire Levers
  • TWS-1 Torx® Compatible Wrench Set
  • UP-SET Utility Pick Set
  • VC-1 Valve Core Tool
  • ZP-5 Flush Cut Pliers
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Bike Workshop Digital Resources

As part of ‘My Ultimate Bike Tool Kit’ project I’m conscious that digital resources are as important as any other tool in a workshop. I constantly find myself following manufacturers videos and How To Guides when working on bikes. As part of My Ultimate MTB Tool Kit project I’m looking to have a mount for my phone or a tablet so I can easily access/view these resources while working on bikes even if my hands are mucky. In this post I’m looking to collate some useful links along with some resources I find really useful (and why)

ok, lets get into it

Continue reading “Bike Workshop Digital Resources” →
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Excellent ‘how to bike’ video series by Ben Cathro for Pinkbike

In this ten-part series for Pinkbike, Ben Cathro is breaking down fundamental bike skills and techniques that will make you a better rider. I’m saving these here so I can easily find them in the future. As a coach they are a great resource both for clients and for myself. Ben’s thoughts and processes largely align with my own and so the information is great to have to hand both for someone I’m working with or as a refresh for myself prior to a coaching session.

On top of the content the production value from Pinkbike is excellent. Its well shot and edited plus those neat little graphics sprinkled liberally through out add real value. Well done Ben and Pinkbike High Five!!

OK, grab a brew and lets get into it

Continue reading “Excellent ‘how to bike’ video series by Ben Cathro for Pinkbike” →
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My Ultimate MTB Tool Kit – Initial Contents List Plan

I’m in the process of putting together my “ultimate MTB tool kit” and I thought it might help folks if I share my thoughts along the way. In this post you will find the list of tools and parts I’m putting together.

https://www.parktool.com/assets/img/product/_productDetail/EK-3_001.jpg
Park Tool’s EK-3 Tool Kit will provide the base

The immediate motivation for this process is that last week my vehicle was broken into and a bag with all my favourite, my daily use bike tools was stolen.

I’ve always had a desire to create a race mechanics travel style kit so as the tools need to be replaced anyway this seems like a good opportunity to do so, a silver lining to the theft.

So ok, lets have a look at my plan and what I’ve ordered so far

Continue reading “My Ultimate MTB Tool Kit – Initial Contents List Plan” →
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Should you keep a personal PPE gear register? – GearLog

If you work in a professional environment using your own Category 3 PPE (most harnesses, helmets or PFD’s) then in my honest opinion you should keep a personal PPE Gear Register and it should be accessible for employers to view.

In this post I’m going to look at some of the detail around PPE Gear Registers I find interesting, why I think you should log your gear and a simple, free solution for you to use. OK, grab a brew and lets get into it

Continue reading “Should you keep a personal PPE gear register? – GearLog” →
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