Header Banner
WonderHowTo Logo
WonderHowTo
Construction Toys
wonderhowto.mark.png
Gadget Hacks Next Reality Food Hacks Null Byte The Secret Yumiverse Invisiverse Macgyverisms Mind Hacks Mad Science Lock Picking Driverless

How to Make a steamboat with copper, a candle, & a bottle

Metacafe logo featuring a video camera symbol.

First, cut a plastic bottle down the middle the long way.

Next, put a little candle in one of the halves.

Then, using 1/8 inch copper tubing, make the engine by bending the middle of the tubing around a nail a few times, then removing the nail.

Use the nail to poke two holes in the back of the bottle (boat).

Push the ends of the tube through the holes.

Position the coiled part of the tubing (the engine) above the candle.

Bend the tubes sticking out the back of the boat downwards, so they'll be under water.

Place the boat in water and fill the copper tube with water.

Light the candle, and once the water in the tube boils, the boat will jerk ahead, then continue on its way. You've built a little steam engine!

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are packed with new features, and you can try them before almost everyone else. First, check Gadget Hacks' list of supported iPhone and iPad models, then follow the step-by-step guide to install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta — no paid developer account required.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!