Re: [Paddlewise] PaddleWise V1 #331

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1998 07:15:42 -0800
Bob Denton wrote:
> 
> We don't have Meths here in the States, but you can purchase denatured
> alcohol at any hardware shop or pharmacy.

(In response to Kevin:)
> > But to talk about stoves... Trangias are well used here in the UK.[snip]
> > One
> > downside is that the 'meths' fuel leaves a very sooty finish to the pans
> >
> > When we visit the USA we don't bring the Trangia - we use our MSR - as
> > fuel is sometimes hard to find. [snip]
> > Keith, Fachwen, North Wales.

Bob, I think "meths" is short for "methylated spirits," which is wood
alcohol (aka methanol, aka methyl alcohol).  I believe you can buy this at
better hardware stores in the paint section.  It has some use as a shellac
thinner.  I suspect denatured alcohol (aka denatured ethyl alcohol, aka
denatured ethanol) would work in a Trangia, but have never tried it. 
Normally, the stuff at pharmacies is isopropyl alcohol (aka isopropanol,
aka "rubbing alcohol").  I suspect it might not work too well in a Trangia,
but have no experience here, either.

FWIW, when any of the fuels suggested for the Trangia evaporates,
essentially no smelly residue is left, more than I can say for white gas!

Re:  the "hazard" associated with packing a clean, empty white gas stove in
one's airline luggage:  minimal, especially when you think of it riding
along, next to countless other pieces of luggage containing pressurized
canisters of deodorant (etc.), all with highly flammable, extremely
volatile propellants (usually a butane/propane mixture).  Pretty
inconsistent practices.

Please note, I am NOT arguing for allowing even "empty" white gas stoves
aboard airliners, just pointing out inconsistencies.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
who packs solid, "stick" deodorants on airline flights
oh, my!  what a good guy!
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Received on Fri Dec 18 1998 - 07:19:33 PST

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