I see that this thread has been revived... I have built MANY penny stoves and build them on occasion just to keep the "skill." I can build one with two identical soda/beer cans, some scissors and a push pin in just 2-3 minutes. I carry alcohol in a fuel bottle in my vehicles. I figure that if I needed to, the cans are pretty much available anywhere there's litter or a trash can.
Here are a couple of my favorites:
This stove works best when a cooking pot (open can of soup) is placed directly on it. Simply fill the center area about 1/2 way with alcohol (I use denatured), light, and carefully place pot or can on top (be careful...it's tippy.) With something on top, the flame turns blue and the jets coming out the side produce a tremendous amount of heat for 2-3 minutes.
This stove needs something to support the pot, but it heats more gently for up to 6 minutes. Under the penny is a larger hole which is to fill the stove with fuel. The penny acts as a pressure relief valve, regulating the flame height. For a bigger flame, I use a nickel, smaller flame, try a dime. I have cooked eggs in a small cast iron pan on a couple of these. (One at a time, when one burns out replace it with a fresh one). BTW ... don't try to refuel one of these while they're hot. It's much easier and safer to just build another. They cool quickly and can be handled safely just a minute or two after going out.
Another thread where this has been discussed is
here. Be careful, and enjoy!