If this is OT, I trust the listmoms to file it in the round file.

I'm trying to make some beer can stoves.  I'm making a dozen or so to 
give to friends.  The design I'm using calls for a top (with a hole in 
it to receive fuel) and bottom which sandwich in a baffle made from the 
spout of the bottle-shaped been can.  The process means that the bottom 
piece must be stretched ever so slightly to allow it to slip over the 
top piece.  The instructions I've seen call for all kinds of techniques 
and I've tried most of them with mixed success.

One of the problem is that the aluminum is so thin that it dents very 
easily; so great care must be taken to avoid this as it pretty much 
ruins the design and the function of the stove.

After cutting out the requisite pieces, I've tried stretching the bottom 
sides with no success.  I've placed the bottom on another can and gently 
pressed on with a press but then I can't remove it.  I've cut the other 
can away and removed it but the bottom didn't expand enough to 
accommodate the top piece.

I hope that this description makes SOME sense.

Can anyone suggest techniques that I might use.  I have a number of old 
tools - including my feeble brain that just entered its 73rd year - that 
I might put to use but am at a loss which to try.

Bob Hutchins
Temple, TX, USA
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