Author Topic: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes  (Read 4660 times)

Offline Johnmcc69

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Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« on: April 17, 2021, 04:30:41 PM »
I'm designing a burner tray for my "Dribbler" loco & was wondering if someone could give me the sizes of the "Solid Fuel" (Esbit, Meta", other) tablets that are available (Length, width, height).
A quick look at the Esbit website shows me 3 sizes available: 14, 5, & 4 grams, but no dim's/sizes.

John

Offline propforward

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2021, 05:37:44 PM »
The Esbit 4g tablets measure 1/2" X 1/4" X 1-5/16"

I've also got some Mamod brand tablets that measure 7/8" DIA X 13/32" thick.

Give or take. This measurement was steel rule based. I didn't feel like breaking out my micrometer for this. :D

These are the only tablets I have on hand.
Stuart

Forging ahead regardless.

Offline Johnmcc69

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2021, 11:29:55 PM »
The Esbit 4g tablets measure 1/2" X 1/4" X 1-5/16"

I've also got some Mamod brand tablets that measure 7/8" DIA X 13/32" thick.

Give or take. This measurement was steel rule based. I didn't feel like breaking out my micrometer for this. :D

These are the only tablets I have on hand.

 Aw nuts Stuart. I should have mentioned I need the METRIC version of the tablets. I'm designing it all in metric...waaaay to far ahead in my design to start over for the "imperial" size tablets.  :toilet_claw:

 jOhN

 (Thanks Stuart  :cheers: !)

Offline crueby

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2021, 11:36:30 PM »
There are no metric vs imperial versions of the tablets. Stuart just used an inch ruler on his. Easy conversion to mm.

Offline propforward

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2021, 11:43:35 PM »
The Esbit 4g tablets measure 1/2" X 1/4" X 1-5/16"

I've also got some Mamod brand tablets that measure 7/8" DIA X 13/32" thick.

Give or take. This measurement was steel rule based. I didn't feel like breaking out my micrometer for this. :D

These are the only tablets I have on hand.

 Aw nuts Stuart. I should have mentioned I need the METRIC version of the tablets. I'm designing it all in metric...waaaay to far ahead in my design to start over for the "imperial" size tablets.  :toilet_claw:

 jOhN

 (Thanks Stuart  :cheers: !)

Not a problem! I’ll make a holding fixture, and face mill each tablet to size!

 :lolb:
Stuart

Forging ahead regardless.

Offline MJM460

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2021, 11:48:16 PM »
I have some labelled Outback Solid Fuel Tablets.  About 22 mm dia by 13 mm high cylinders, though I often sit them on edge to burn.  Close enough to the same size as Stewart’s. 

You can also break up the rectangular ones sold as firefighters.

MJM460

The more I learn, the more I find that I still have to learn!

Offline crueby

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2021, 11:50:54 PM »
I have some labelled Outback Solid Fuel Tablets.  About 22 mm dia by 13 mm high cylinders, though I often sit them on edge to burn.  Close enough to the same size as Stewart’s. 

You can also break up the rectangular ones sold as firefighters.

MJM460
Fire Lighters? Not good as a firefighter!  :hellno:
« Last Edit: April 17, 2021, 11:54:06 PM by crueby »

Offline MJM460

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #7 on: April 18, 2021, 02:25:29 AM »
You’re right, but they are great for getting the back yard charcoal bar-b-que going, or the living room fireplace, saves cutting kindling. 

Not bad for the campfire either, particularly if it’s been a bit wet.  And a lot safer than a bit of kerosene, we used to use in scouting days!

MJM460
The more I learn, the more I find that I still have to learn!

Offline Pete49

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #8 on: April 18, 2021, 04:14:14 AM »
You’re right, but they are great for getting the back yard charcoal bar-b-que going, or the living room fireplace, saves cutting kindling. 
Not bad for the campfire either, particularly if it’s been a bit wet.  And a lot safer than a bit of kerosene, we used to use in scouting days!
MJM460

You sooky la la  :LittleDevil: when I was in the scouts we used petrol....guaranteed to lit wet logs and sleeping bags.
I used to have a friend.....but the rope broke and he ran away :(....Good news everybody I have another friend...I used chain this time :)

Offline Zephyrin

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #9 on: April 18, 2021, 09:05:21 AM »
 Hi John, 
33.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 mm for the esbit tablet I have, almost all broken in parts, like biscotte in their packet.
But you probably need two for a efficient steam production...
It is useful for a short demo, but really stinks.

Offline Johnmcc69

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #10 on: April 18, 2021, 01:18:43 PM »
There are no metric vs imperial versions of the tablets. Stuart just used an inch ruler on his. Easy conversion to mm.

 :LittleDevil: Yes, I know that Chris, just having a little fun with Stuart.

 You've been spending too much time in the shop....

 John

Offline propforward

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #11 on: April 18, 2021, 01:35:50 PM »
 :thinking:

Is there such a thing as too much time in the shoppe?
Stuart

Forging ahead regardless.

Offline crueby

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #12 on: April 18, 2021, 01:38:21 PM »
:thinking:

Is there such a thing as too much time in the shoppe?
If it takes away from time in the boat, yes!

Offline propforward

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #13 on: April 18, 2021, 01:49:31 PM »
Ah yes! Excellent point.

For me it’s the sidecar rig, but same idea.
Stuart

Forging ahead regardless.

Offline Johnmcc69

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Re: Solid Fuel Tablet Sizes
« Reply #14 on: April 19, 2021, 11:43:33 PM »
Thank you very much gent's!
 I've (You) filled in the last piece of the puzzle.

 I already had some of the sizes "roughly" figured out, these constraints in the design was something I had already planned on.
 The original design (From info gathered here & from pictures), the firebox somehow "magically" just snapped into place...I didn't much care for that & designed a more "secure" method. (You'll see the completed design posted here in awhile...) I'm pretty happy how it turned out.

 I designed it so the engine can run on "Meths" as original in a lower tray, with whatever the builder might prefer...still unclear about what was used as a "wick" & it appears that there was a screen..-feel free to chime in on preferred methods, I can still add it to my drawings.

 But..I think the solid fuel tablets might be the way to go so I was able to incorporate the burner tray for that into my existing design. I like that better. I can fit (2) of the 4 gram tablets side by side in the burner. The Esbit 4 gram tab's are supposed to burn for like, 4-5 minutes, so I think I can get that to work. (Of course some of you will inquire further into the volume of water that is needed to heat ETC., boiler wall thickness..global shift & what Chris's next project will be...)

 It's a TOY. Originally meant to run around on the floor of your house. It'll make a really nice display model.

 ...I digress.

 Have a look at the original burner pic & my plans for what I would like to do.

 Please, let me know your thoughts...

 John

 See link. As big as the internet is & the big "Cloud" they always yap about, my files are too large to be posted. & I'll probably screw that up as well.
 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1z_H4Ui5NcY7kzVI2PHVjwdjwvBGDj-Cs?usp=sharing

 Re: "Shop Time"- Yep. It's "kinda" like spring here in NW PA. Already been camping, mowed the lawn (might be blowing snow in a couple days), the trout fishing is good, be biking soon, (motor & MTN.) clean up the kayak...never enough time.

  :cheers:
 

 

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