Defective Bush Buddy Ultra?

Those photos aren't working for me, but what you've just described is normal. My Bushbuddy does the same thing.

Maybe the loose fit is because it need some extra 'play' when it gets hot. Metal expands and I guess if the different parts are at different temperatures then they will expand by different amounts. Pure speculation on my part but there is probably a reason for it, rather than just poor design or machining.

No worries, its normal. Should have no effect whatsoever on stability or performance.

I also have room to wiggle. My experience is that it is better to start the fire without the pot support on the stove. For some reason, it seems to burn and start better that way, more oxygen, better draft, something. In any case, once it is hot, and once I have sticks piled in it, dropping the pot support on can be a bit tricky, so the loose fit works better then (if I miss the drop with my fingers, I jimmy it into place with a stick).

He's a super nice guy, and really is the one to be asking your queston to, since he is the one that built it.

I am sure that he would have a good explanation for the loose fit.

I own a Bush Buddy as well and am very pleased with it.

Don't have the Ultras, but both my BB's have that gap…I would have say its normal. I store mine in a plastic bag with all my firestarting tools inside the stove and it gives off sorta like a muffed rattling sound…not annoying at all…to me anyways.

b.gin