Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

For every cup of reverse osmosis or distilled water, you want a tablespoon of hard water (tap water).

In bright sunlight alcohol burning can't be seen. Always fire the boiler in shade. Better for you as well.

Take a kitchen rag and have it soaking wet with H2O as a fire blanket.

The sight glass is your working water range. Never go above or below that range.

The best boilers have try cocks. You can use that to verify H2O levels.

Have leather gloves. Wear safety glasses. Keep face away from path of safety valve. Watch pressure gauge. Never fire too vigorously (it's ok if the safety valve goes off a bit but if a lot withdraw fire). Make sure fire stays within firebox.

Most model boilers fire best with 75% alcohol / 25% water. Never ever fire with 100% alcohol.