well, thank you, Zelph.
i'm pleased with your test results.
the fact of the matter is that i designed the stove to be bottom lit. but your testing shows that it will do quite well with your top-lit technique. with the benefit of a bit less smoke. the minus would be a bit slower to boil; but who's in a rush?
just for the fun of it, Zelph, build a fire the right way round (tinder on the bottom

) light it from below by sticking your lighter wand under it . and let us know what you think.
when i use the Mark One, i load it, and pick it up, and light it from below. i'm ready to put it down right quick! it flames up like yesterday when bottom lit.
i really like pine cones as fuel. they burn hot and long. also, i save the branches i trim from the cherry tree out front. they make great twig fires that smell nice.
Daren.....
(thinking about hot dogs for dinner

)