Kickstarter

Creator Neil Bunn on June 13, 2012

All -- I know, I know, most have long since cleaned, figured things out, but since I'm posting -- I found "Simple Green" worked well as a degreaser for the inside, and then a bunch of soaks using boiling (not hot, actually boiling) soapy water seemed to remove most of the manufacturing/cutting residue. In theory for the next run it might make sense to pay for a professional clean of them, industrial builders have access to a pile of cleaning facilities we at home don't. I worked in an electrostatic painting plant in the summers back in high school and we had several processes for degreasing and cleaning machined parts -- and at the end of the process the parts were food safe. Just a thought for future production.

Creator Neil Bunn on June 13, 2012

@Brian Tucker, if you decide to try a bottom seam patch, I'd suggest using masking tape to mask out about 1-1.5mm above the seam all the way around, applying the JB weld with a small syringe worked for me (was a mess to get the viscous epoxy in the syringe) and then used a small piece of rounded cardstock to create a nice chamfer in the epoxy. The dark grey on the anodized aluminum doesn't look hugely out of place (almost the same colour as the neoprene cover) and functions well. Since it isn't recommended for over 500F I don't think I'd use it to patch holes in direct flame contact, but for the minor seam imperfections I had it works fine.

Creator Neil Bunn on June 13, 2012

@Brian Tucker - sorry for the delayed reply. Haven't been checking in much. I can't speak for JB Weld too much, but I did look up NSF (http://www.nsf.org/Certified/PwsComponents/Listings.asp…) and on the JB Site (http://jbweld.net/products/jbweld.php) and it is a non-toxic product. Given when/where I use the boiler, and the micro-holes in mine I'm taking an "informed" risk I guess. It works pretty well, not perfect. I'm still hoping Devin comes through with a replacement boiler... but at least for the moment I have something that is passably functional, and it was kinda fun to experiment with.

Creator Anthony Beatty on June 12, 2012

Bummed! I brought mine to SE Asia for a rally and it got damaged on the way out there by luggage handling. I should have packed it better. The lightweight design doesn't lend itself to super ruggedness. Didn't even get to try it out!!!!

Creator bayleaf on May 22, 2012

Hey Devin,
Emailed you on Apr 17th & PM you on May 8th.
Still have not heard from you. Would appreciate a reply.
Thanks!

Creator Brian Tucker on May 17, 2012

@Neil Bunn, I noticed you plan to use JB Weld on your boiler - is that water safe? can you still consume the water from the boiler if it's sealed with JB Weld? I need to repair mine as well.

Thanks,
Brian.

Creator Brian Tucker on May 17, 2012

sadness, my boiler took a tumble today. I was going to do a test run, and time the start up to boil time. The full boiler fell a couple feet from the table to my wood deck. This dented the bottom seal, which now leaks. sad end to a long wait.

not sure if it is possible to fix/re-seal the dent or not.
Thanks,
Brian.

Creator a__b on May 14, 2012

As you (Devin M) have some reject boilers, you could try making the "Snow Country Boiler":

saw off top of boiler (except chimney) to make a "tall bundt cake tin like item", which could then be packed with snow as well as water ( could use a lid with a hole
for chimney to pass thru).

PC: earlier posts recommen Baking Soda.

Creator Patrick Chan on May 12, 2012

@ Devin,
any solutions for removing the anodizing residue on the inside? I also many many aluminum(?) bits just sticking all around on the inside.
Boiled it up, rinsed it, soaked it. But still when I take a sample of water, I can still see the bits just coming out.
Sticking my finger into the boiler and rubbing on the inside of the shell, I am always able to find some bits here and there.
If you need pictures, just leave your email and I will send them to you.

Hopefully, there will be some solutions as I am not particularly inclined to using it as is.

Creator Mark Nowotarski on May 6, 2012

And by the way, I really like it. It was a lot of fun to play with.

My comments below are hopefully constructive for future development. They aren't complaints.

I look forward to the fully commercial product.

Creator Mark Nowotarski on May 6, 2012

Got my anodized boiler a few weeks ago and just fired it up. Here are some observations.
I’m amazed you can boil the water with just a handful of sticks. Very impressive to me who has done a lot of campfire camping.

Kind of smoky. Especially on startup. I was using pine sticks and that may have something to do with it. Lots of tarry residues on the inside cone. This would be a problem over time. Not sure I would want to put this back in my pack even with the stuff sack .

Have you thought about a titanium model? The titanium should be pretty resistant to having residues stick to it.

And I almost forget. LOTS of residue inside the water chamber when the boiler arrived. I multiple rinsed and did three boilings, but I’m still not comfortable drinking out of it.

Creator Neil Bunn on May 2, 2012

So I'll update my comment below to say that the gel fuels wouldn't work properly, I wasn't really staring at the firefelt when I considered it, but you'd need a thin liquid to get the right capillary action. Tried it with methyl alcohol (lower BTU than ethyl alcohol) and it works great, takes more fuel than in the instructions for a boil (closer to 45ml) but that's to be expected given the 20% lower caloric value of methyl alcohol. ;) Burner works great. I also found that rinsing the inside of the boiler with non-toxic "simple green" did a great job of removing the machining oils that were inside when it arrived. Further cleaned it using a flexible (gooseneck) gripper I had with a bit of a rag and things seem to be pretty good. ;)

Creator Neil Bunn on April 30, 2012

Hi Everyone, well, I had a seeping boiler, and Devin is really doing a great job at trying to keep everyone happy, so I'm sticking with the "replacement" option in the future, but in the meantime have tried using a thin seam of JB Weld along the bottom seam (masking taped just above, used a tongue depressor to create a nice smooth "caulk" along the edge), so far, so good. Was wondering if anyone who got the firefelt has tried it with the "gel" version of denatured ethanol? Plenty of supply of it up here (Canada) and harder to find just regular "thin" alcohol (I remember using it as a Scout all the time, so I'm guessing some rule has changed). Contemplating trying the Gel, it is still fairly runny, and pourable, but definitely not the same as pure liquid. Thoughts?

Creator Joe Geib on April 30, 2012

Devin, Glad to finally have a Boiler in my hands, but mine leaks. Please get in touch with me about my leaking Boiler, and let me know about my options.

Now, all I have is an aluminum paperweight.

Creator James E Miller on April 23, 2012

Devin,
As posted in the Updates section and also in my direct email to you:

Thank you for the update. Request that you refund my money for the signature boiler, shipping cost, and the FireFelt Alcohol Wick. I'll follow up with a personal email as well with the exact amounts.

Creator Neil Bunn on April 23, 2012

Hi Devin, still waiting for an email about options for my seeping boiler. Very sad that I can't fire it up!

Creator Jeff J Novak on April 23, 2012

Devin, you have an email from me regarding update 31.

Creator Seth Trotz on April 19, 2012

Finally received mine about 2 weeks ago but horrible anodization (?) residue inside the water container that won't come out despite my best efforts.

Creator Tony Palmisano on April 19, 2012

Hey Devin, I received my boiler just before Christmas, but have still not received the Firefelt. When are you shipping those? Thanks

Creator Dave Mez on April 19, 2012

Folks, have a little more patience with Devin on his adventure of pain! I was one of the lucky ones who received my boiler about a month ago. This past weekend, I took our scouts on high adventure with my BCBoiler... was worth the wait! My pack was lighter without the typical fuel cell by almost a pound. The chimney/heat rise and heat transfer from sticks, twigs and leaves was impressive, and effective. Lightweight, fun to use...great design. Thanks Devin and Co., Great job. Wishing you luck on the humps and patience for those who wait. I know you've learned a lot from your experience, will continue to tweak your development, and I hope to be a part of your next big idea. http://www.davemezdesign.com/misc/BCBoiler.JPG

Creator a__b on April 16, 2012

Some people seem to be forgetting that it was the sub-contractor who caused the problems, not Devin Montgomery himself.

Creator Jeff J Novak on April 15, 2012

Hello, it has been 4 days, still no "contact". Simple question, Is my boiler in the so-called 1% that did not ship? It has been a nearly a month and you have not answered this question.

Creator John B. Abela on April 15, 2012

Regardless of how amazing this product might be, over 10 months have passed by since payment was taken and I still have not received mine. I ordered a Boiler Signature without any engraving at all. One would have thought that those of us paying/supporting the most for this kickstarter product would have been given the priority over the others. The product might be awesome when I receive it and get too use it, but from a kickstarter project perspective, this has been a huge disappointment for me. I understand the problems you have been through Devin, but this has all been a kickstarter project gone bad for some of us. You achieved three times the goal of what you stated you needed and you have supporters who still do not have their product after 10 months of payment.

Creator Neil Enhaynes on April 14, 2012

Hey Devin. I know you are busy but I'm still waiting to hear from you regarding my leaking boiler. You said you would contact me this past Monday but have not received any word.

Creator Neil Bunn on April 13, 2012

Got my boiler today! Wahoo. Doing a water fill test and finding a very small amount of seepage around the bottom lip over the course of a half-hour. So, what constitutes a problem? Any seepage at all means I can't carry water in it, but what are others experiencing?

Creator Jeff J Novak on April 11, 2012

Devin, I posted here and emailed you 2 times with no response. Is my boiler in the so-called 1% that did not ship? On March 20th you said all but 1% shipped and if it did not you would contact the people. I have not had any email to say mine did not ship. At this point I just want my $ back.

Creator Robert Gilmore on April 11, 2012

Hi Devin - I sent a message to you on Mar 29th. The boiler I received has a leak around the bottom seam. Please advise on how I can return it and get one without a leak. Thx.

Creator Sean Davis on April 10, 2012

I finally got my boiler today, and it leaks. there's a small pin hole near the bottom of the outer wall.
Now what?

Creator mark wuethrich on April 9, 2012

Has anyone found a cup or bowl that nests over the BCB?

Creator logjames on April 8, 2012

Devin, please confirm you got my message with my new address.
Thanks

Creator Gerard Armour on April 8, 2012

Hi Devin I emaild you over a week ago about a problem with my boiler is there any update?

Creator Dave Fox on April 7, 2012

@JAmes. I got 5 of my 6pack. A note from Devin that one was screwed up with the etching and he is working on it. We will see how it plays out. the other 5 are beautiful, by the way. I e-mailed him back asking for the fire felt. I hope to get the 6 outfitted with fire felt when the last one ships. Everyone be patient. You will like it when you get it.

Creator Jason on April 7, 2012

Got my Boiler last week and have put it through three burns. It really boils the water quickly. I can recommend carrying a length of fatwood (pitch wood) in the chimney. Just a few shavings along with the twigs ensures a good ignition. Thanks for the tip about the water and baking soda. After three burns, I'm seeing a decrease in the small shavings floating up, but I want to get it good and clean before I start adding to food or making drinks.

An aside: Death to the M-Kettle. Even if I could have one shipped to my door for a dollar, I still wouldn't support that rip-off artist.

Creator James E Miller on April 6, 2012

I finally got an email update from Devin! He's working anodizing and etching issues for the last few of us who are waiting. It's much easier to be patient and remain calm when at least you get a status. Meanwhile, I'm testing out an anodized version of the mKettle. Got it for 75 bucks and it was delivered in less that a week. Looking forward to doing a head-to-head performance comparison...

Creator jomy on April 5, 2012

Soak it for a few hours in water and baking soda.