photon stoves

I spent some time with an old friend in my garage workshop over the 
weekend.  I showed him my Photon stove and he wanted to build one so 
I walked him through it.  I realized that the #9 needle actually has 
a .034 in diameter shank according to my dial caliper.  I had 
thought that the object was to push the needle all the way through.  
That is not the case since the optimum orifice size according to Don 
Johnston is .024 to .025.  According to my dial caliper that is 
halfway up the tapered part of the #9 needle.

I now understand why he mentions a .024 drill bit as being more 
accurate.  The needle method is only accurate if you don't slip and 
push it into the can too far.

I just ordered some small bits (size #73, <.024, .61mm>), a pin vise 
and collet for my Dremel tool from the following company:

http://www.widgetsupply.com/jeweler-tool/pin-vise/pinvises.html

I am thinking that the collet for the Dremel is over kill since the 
pin vise will probably be adequate for thin aluminum but the collet 
was cheap so I thought I'd try that too.

One more comment:

The 1/2" wire mesh for the pot support is galvanized which means it 
puts off toxic zinc vapors when the stove is burning.  I doubt it is 
a significant problem since there is plenty of ventilation in the 
great out doors.  But it is something to consider.

Tracy