Nothing special. Just something I tried that worked:
http://www.freewebs.com/jasonklass/experimentsadventures.htm

That's a nice idea, and I think priming does enhance the SuperCat. For winter I cut out a small piece of closed cell foam and wrapped it in tin foil to use as an insulator/priming pad.

That's a good I idea too. I'm still working on my "winterized" Superat that will have insulation incorporated into the bottom.

Sorry, the link changed: http://www.freewebs.com/jasonklass/wicktied.htm

I have tested woven kevlar(100% virgin) to be used as a wick material. After 4 - 5 complete burns (allowing wick to extinguish itself) the kevlar fibers began to turn to ash and thus ending my hopes of using it as a wick for long term use.

Have you tried multiple 4 - 5 complete burns on your wick material?

I don't think Fire Dancers allow their wads of wick material to completely burn out. I believe they extinguish them long before they are out of fuel. When a wick starts to run out of fuel it starts to burn itself if it can.

Kevlar is burn resistant not burn proof, as I have found out by trial and error.

Let us know your findings.

Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained:D

I have tested woven kevlar(100% virgin) to be used as a wick material. After 4 - 5 complete burns (allowing wick to extinguish itself) the kevlar fibers began to turn to ash and thus ending my hopes of using it as a wick for long term use.

Have you tried multiple 4 - 5 complete burns on your wick material?

I don't think Fire Dancers allow their wads of wick material to completely burn out. I believe they extinguish them long before they are out of fuel. When a wick starts to run out of fuel it starts to burn itself if it can.

Kevlar is burn resistant not burn proof, as I have found out by trial and error.

Let us know your findings.

Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained:D

Yes, I have done a lot more than 5 burns with it and the wick hasn't even turned brown. After the fuel from the wick runs out the flames from the jets do not touch it so it doesn't burn the dry wick. I should point out that this isn't pure kevlar. It's a fiberglass/kevlar blend. Maybe that's why yours burnt up. I just got back from an overnighter and used a Supercat with a wick. It primed almost instantly and worked great.

Your kevlar/fiberglass addition to the cat is a good idea.

Keep up the good thoughts, Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained!!!!!!!!!

I hate to sound like a moron, but what the heck is a priming pan?

I hate to sound like a moron, but what the heck is a priming pan?

Not a moronic question at all. It' a small, lightweight disk of (usually) aluminum that you place under your alcohol stove. Generally speaking, it is used for "priming" pressurized stoves or warming up non-pressurized stoves. A few ML of alcohol are placed in the priming pan and lit(after you fill your stove). The idea is to cause vaporization much more quickly and thus increase effeciency. :)

Is this a winter/cod weather thing or should I consider one for my thru in April?

Is this a winter/cod weather thing or should I consider one for my thru in April?

For some types of pressurized stoves they are necessary year-round. If you carry a non-pressurized(as I do), it's pretty much a cold weather deal. As an example: This past weekend I went hiking. Saturday evening at supper time the temp. was @ 40-45 degrees-no priming needed. The next morning, after an estimated 28-30 degree low, I used the priming pan to warm everything up. You may get by without a priming pan in April, but it would be a good idea to have something to insulate your stove from cold surfaces(ground, table, etc.) and a priming pan can serve somewhat in this capacity as well.:)

Thanks a bunch. I'll be using a pepsi can stove for the first time. Skidsteer, what do you use for insulation?

Thanks a bunch. I'll be using a pepsi can stove for the first time. Skidsteer, what do you use for insulation?

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=9766&catid=favorites

It's similar to this stand except I've put small hinges on it so it folds up. The priming pad is @ 5/8 " above whatever surface the stand is set upon, thus keeping it out of contact with any cold surfaces.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=9875&catid=favorites

This is the top view of my latest stand that shows the priming pan. There is also a small piece of foil under the stand in this photo, although I have recently decided that it adds no advantatage and no longer carry it.

A piece of closed cell foam works also.:)

Thanks. I'l have to ook into this.