What's the best way to cleanly remove the top so I can still use it as a pot lid which fits cleanly? I have read elsewhere that I would need to cut it with a safety cutter but I don't know where to buy one.

You can buy a safety cutter at Wal-Mart, Linens-n-Things, etc.

Most grocery stores have a side cutting opener, about $8. Cutts the can top open by splitting the rolled rim giving you a top that can be put back on like a pot lid but is not sharp on the edges. I'd still run a piece of fine grit sandpaper around the rim afterwards.

I used and have always used a bastard file metal shears work also. I was taking the top's off the can when i was a teen but never thought of the use for a pan/pot. I made them for hiding things in because the top of the can looks real when put back on then just put on my shelf.

yeah it's just a side-cutting can opener. "safety cutter" makes it sound all "manly" and you think it has to be found next to the box cutters and goggles. it took me forever to figure out that it was just the can opener at my church!

cwayman1

here's a pic of mine and I just used a can opener

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/8/8/0/0/p7060001.jpg (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=35100&original=1&c=member&imageuser=18800)

with water boiling on my first attempt at making a cat stove
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/8/8/0/0/p7060002.jpg (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=35103&original=1&c=member&imageuser=18800)