DIY Stove False Bottom

[Midwest Firecraft]

While waiting for my Kni-co/Snowtrekker medium stove to arrive I thought I would try my hand at building a false bottom for it. I picked up a 16 gauge 12 x 18 inch piece of sheet steel at Mendards and some 12-24 x 3/4 inch machine screws. The screws gave me a height of 5/8 inches from the floor. I have no idea if 12 inch width will fit, but I figured I cut use the belt sander to customize as needed. Feels sturdy, just need to get the stove and give it a go.

[Coldfeet]

I had to use 2 pieces to slide it through the small stove opening. My friend bent the edges down about 1/2”. But I lose some space to put the shelves in. At home I can get it all in, but I rush to much in the cold and it doesn’t all fit.

[timdaman]

I basically made this same bottom myself 6 years ago. Still works.

The inside width of the stove is just a 1/2" or so wider than the door opening, at least that is the case on my Kni-Co and my friends as well. I was able to use a file and put narrow notch about 1/4" deep in opposite corners of my door opening. Then, the think floor material slides through no problem. The door more than covers the extra notch so I very much doubt it changes the performance.

I have a Kni-Co Trekker and I think my friends is the Kni-Co Alaskan.

One thing I see on your design that can be improved, add a lot more support in the middle. The center will sag, or at least mine has, reducing the air gap.

[Midwest Firecraft]

One thing I see on your design that can be improved, add a lot more support in the middle. The center will sag, or at least mine has, reducing the air gap.

Good to know. My thinking was with the 16 gauge steel being thicker than Kni-Co's 18 gauge bottom, that it would hold. I figured I could always add more support if needed. Do you have any pics of where you notched yours? I was thinking the same thing and left it full size until I got the stove and could either round the corners with the belt sander, or notch as you suggested. The holes are only 3/8 inch, as I could not find any info on what size commercial false bottoms come with. Thank you for the tips!

[hh76]

I'm planning on doing the same for mine. I'll just build it so that it fits through the door, and not worry about it reaching the sides all around. One way to strengthen would be to add some angle to the bottom.

[Midwest Firecraft]

Got the stove and the false bottom fits like a glove. Very happy with it. The 16 gauge floor is very stout. Now on to the baffle...