Titanium Thickness in Ultralight Wood Stove

[GiddyUp]

I was wondering if anyone with a Seek Outside or a Lite Outdoors ultralight wood stove could tell me how thick the titanium is? I've never had my hands on one, but I'm interested. They seem like they could be easily bent out of shape.

 

[Hill Difficulty]

The UL versions all seem to be credit card thin. If concerned about panel flex, look at a Winnerwell Fastfold or the newer Fastfold Ultra Light. Winnerwell Ti stove panels are a bit more rigid. You'd need to kink the Ti to compromise the panels, and there is no typical use variable that might cause bending.

 

[GiddyUp]

The UL versions all seem to be credit card thin. If concerned about panel flex, look at a Winnerwell Fastfold or the newer Fastfold Ultra Light. Winnerwell Ti stove panels are a bit more rigid. You'd need to kink the Ti to compromise the panels, and there is no typical use variable that might cause bending.

Thank you for that info. That's actually a little thicker than I thought. I was worried that they might get bent in a backpack if not cushioned.

 

[Hill Difficulty]

The panels are thin and flexible, but are structured with 90 degree bends on all 4 sides. The whole assembly is scaled so small and light that the parts are hardly vulnerable to damage. When packed, the 4 panels are stacked so stiffer/stronger.

 

[GiddyUp]

The panels are thin and flexible, but are structured with 90 degree bends on all 4 sides. The whole assembly is scaled so small and light that the parts are hardly vulnerable to damage. When packed, the 4 panels are stacked so stiffer/stronger.

Thanks, Hill Difficulty. That makes sense. Are the legs made from mild steel "all-thread" rods, or are they stainless steel? Do you have any issues with the wing nuts seizing up after use? It seems like those could cause some trouble. Mild steel tends to oxidize rapidly after heating.

 

[gtriple]

Thanks, Hill Difficulty. That makes sense. Are the legs made from mild steel "all-thread" rods, or are they stainless steel? Do you have any issues with the wing nuts seizing up after use? It seems like those could cause some trouble. Mild steel tends to oxidize rapidly after heating.

I've not had any issues with my medium U-turn.

 

[ccoffey]

Unless you have a habit of regularly throwing your pack off a cliff, I wouldn’t worry about bending the legs or panels to the point it can be assembled. Obviously don’t sinch it down over something in your bag and create a fulcrum.

 

[Hill Difficulty]

OP

My encouragement is to trust that the better Ti stoves are sturdy/foolproof. Unless careless, durability or corrosion will not be an issue. You also won't experience any wear & tear problems with a Seek stove, rods or hardware.

Btw, a Winnerwell Ti stove does not have steel rods or wing nuts. Everything folds into itself when not in use. The new Ultralight weighs 2.2# complete with 6.5' pipe. It will be tough for the competing Ti makers to get in front of the Fastfold. Can be got for $315 when available. There's a 15% break for first time site signups.

 

[gtriple]

OP

My encouragement is to trust that the better Ti stoves are sturdy/foolproof. Unless careless, durability or corrosion will not be an issue. You also won't experience any wear & tear problems with a Seek stove, rods or hardware.

Btw, a Winnerwell Ti stove does not have steel rods or wing nuts. Everything folds into itself when not in use. The new Ultralight weighs 2.2# complete with 6.5' pipe. It will be tough for the competing Ti makers to get in front of the Fastfold. Can be got for $315 when available. There's a 15% break for first time site signups.
View attachment 686209

That Fastfold looks enticing. Putting together a U-turn solo is not the easiest thing.

 

[Beendare]

Giddy, yeah the Titanium is thin….I used .005” shim stock from Mcmaster Carr to make a stove, the mnfr s typically use .004”-.006” shim In rolls.
The design dictates that these hold shape. Just be aware, you will burn them out over afew years of use. They are designed for UL..not longevity.

That Winnerwell above looks good. A guy would have a hard time making on for that price.

 

[GiddyUp]

I appreciate everyone's input. It resolves a few hang-ups I had with the idea. Thank you!

 

[RyanSeek43]

Just to chime in here... We use 30 ga ti. on our standard stoves and the u-turns have an ultralight titanium foil for the sides as well as the pipe. The stuff we use usually will get little dents and warps but that is why titanium is a good material for throwing it in your pack... because it is malleable. It takes a lot to bend it out of shape to where it effects the functionality of it. The u-turn sides are more prone to that but you can easily bend it back.

 

[GiddyUp]

Just to chime in here... We use 30 ga ti. on our standard stoves and the u-turns have an ultralight titanium foil for the sides as well as the pipe. The stuff we use usually will get little dents and warps but that is why titanium is a good material for throwing it in your pack... because it is malleable. It takes a lot to bend it out of shape to where it effects the functionality of it. The u-turn sides are more prone to that but you can easily bend it back.

Thanks for the info.

 

[allenbolen]

Make sure the door is big enough for decent-sized wood. That's been my gripe with my UL stove.

 

[Titanium Canadian]

I build stoves. I would never go less than the equivalent to 26gauge due to safety.

 

[nagibson1]

Just to chime in here... We use 30 ga ti. on our standard stoves and the u-turns have an ultralight titanium foil for the sides as well as the pipe. The stuff we use usually will get little dents and warps but that is why titanium is a good material for throwing it in your pack... because it is malleable. It takes a lot to bend it out of shape to where it effects the functionality of it. The u-turn sides are more prone to that but you can easily bend it back.

I've used the U turn on a few hunts. We used a medium one in a wall tent when we didn't want to pack the big stove into the backcountry. It's real functional for the weight. For me, the biggest issue is stability of the feet if the ground isn't perfect. And the version we have isn't great one handed- the door doesn't slide easy enough. so when I was reaching out from my bag in the dark, one handed, I could move the stove and fill the tent with smoke. The model we use is from about 2015-17ish. So those issues may be solved now.