pyro's topics - tribe.net

Need help building "Propane Poofer / Cannon"

Justin — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:25:52 GMT

How does one go about building a small propane poofer? Need one for the art car this year. Any suggestion?
Thanks,
J

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Removing propane valves

Steamboat_Ed — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:01:55 GMT

Well FWIW we tried the trick of lassoing a propane tank to a tree; we used two load binders and a piece of neoprene to keep the tank from sliding around. I got a big-ass pipe wrench and put a decent cheater on the end but it was no use. In the end we piled the tanks into the truck and headed over to a propane distribution store. Got lucky at the first stop: Blue Star Gas in Santa Rosa (corner of Hwy 12 and Fulton Road) has seen a fair share of 'artistes' and we were not the first asking for the mod. They charged us $5.- per valve removal: a bargain methinks. Now it's onward and upward! :-)

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Steam Whistles and Fire Poofers

Lunartool — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:37:07 GMT

I hooked up a steam whistle to my fire poofer. Other than making a very loud and obnoxious sound (which I love) and pissing off my neighbors, is there any problems with sending propane through an all brass steam whistle?

posted in pyro - 12 replies

Locking Quarter Turn Ball Valves

Thu, 29 May 2008 23:02:59 GMT

I'm shopping parts for a poofer system and I came across ball valves that are equipped with a padlock. That got me to thinking...

Has anyone here ever had a problem with someone using your Flame Effect system when you didn't intend for it to be used? I'd like to think that wouldn't happen on the playa. But just curious if any folks have had to deal with that either on or off playa before.

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Inexpensive Wiring options..any ideas?

Greg — Fri, 30 May 2008 02:40:19 GMT

I will be creating a fairly simple console which will have 8 buttons on it controlling all the poofers or flame effects. I need to run about 1500 feet of wire so each button is linked to each poofer. Any idea of what the cheapest wire to use would be? Something I can roll up easily is preferred. I have used extension cords in the past but was hoping for something less money. They will be buried for a week in the desert and reused.

posted in pyro - 5 replies

Fire Safety needed tonite

Raiden — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 18:11:59 GMT

I need a safety in Costa Mesa. Our 2 shows are at 9:30 and 10:15 the pay is $50.00
Contact me ASAP
Blessings,
Courtney
raiden@infernoinc.com

posted in pyro - 1 reply

Retasking old propane tanks?

Steamboat_Ed — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:42:01 GMT

Am thinking of using a pair of 5-gal propane tanks for accumulators. If I can't find used ones in decent shape I figured I'd buy new ones (they're cheap) and unscrew the plumbing from the top end. I've seen how those suckers are built and I'm wondering how much of a PITA it is to get the valve off. Anyone been there/done that?

posted in pyro - 6 replies

3/4 vs 1/2 inch poofers

Greg — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:08:18 GMT

In the past I have shot 1/2 inch asco valves attached to a 20 lb accumulator. Should I expect much of a difference moving to a 30 lb accumulator with 3/4 asco valves? Anyone have a knack for guessing at this kind of stuff?

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Simple Project but need help

Kristen — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:24:48 GMT

Ive got this simple art piece I'm making... more for a serene backyard fire feature but Im struggling with it. I have zero experience with fire sculpture plumbing so i'm just faking it here and blatantly calling myself a fire sculpture artist!

The piece is my default photo, which looks great I lucked out with the picture because in 10 minutes those flames dont last and I begin to lose flame height on the farthest holes and there is a lot of black smoke. Eventually I lose almost all flame.

Here is my setup - a 3/8 in copper tubing with small holes drilled into it, the end of the tube is flared into a flare fitting then i put in a ball valve which goes to a 10 ft hose and 0-30 PSI adjustable regulator to a 5lb tank.

What would be my solution for keeping the flames even and for getting rid of the smoke and for having the whole piece just go down in flames... (and not the good flames). Ive been looking into cast iron venturi's but not sure if that will solve my problem.

Thanks for the help.

Kristen

posted in pyro - 10 replies

100 lb. accumulator used with 2" solenoid valve question

Greg — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:51:18 GMT

I was asking for advice this weekend on building a 2" poofer with a 100 lb. accumulator. It would be 100 lb. tank to 3 feet of 2" pipe, to an ASCO 8210G100 valve and then 3 more feet of pipe. I was told to cut a hole in the 100 lb tank and weld in a 2" piece of pipe to make this work. Questions:

Is welding the correct approach? would the bottle neck (literally) be too much restriction for a large 3-8 second burst?

Should I do anything with the tip (expand or reduce at exit)? Effect will be aimed straight up.

Thanks again. If anyone would like to talk off tribe that is fine. Tribe mail, e-mail, or phone are possible.

posted in pyro - 13 replies

Poofers...Natural gas an option?

Greg — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:44:06 GMT

I was picking up my poofer from a warehouse today and some gas guy was there and when I told him what I was doing he said "Propane?...you need to be using natural gas. It is 1/4 the price of propane these days and you can use all the same cylinders and stuff."

Is he high or is this a valid option? I like NG propensity to rise and 1/4 the prices sounds nice.

Can the two be mixed in a manifold?

posted in pyro - 18 replies

Switches

Greg — Fri, 30 May 2008 02:44:41 GMT

To control 8 asco valves from one easy to access point, what would be the best switches to use? At halloween I hook them into a door bell switch for all the kiddies, but is that reliable enough for a week in the desert? I normally use a standard outdoor 110v switch in a waterproof housing, but for 8 switches that would get a bit cumbersome. The all have to be close together and momentary switches.

(Side note....sorry for all the postings but I am about 24 hours from ordering all the supplies and with the cash entrusted in me I want the project to kick ass....the tips are wonderful and off topic stuff ....... amusing (to be polite)

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Adjustable propane regulator question

Greg — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:27:17 GMT

I am creating a set of poofers for our camp. The last set I built used the standard pilot light system with small holes drilled in a pipe wrapped with steel wool. To adjust the height of the pilot lights I placed a 1/4 turn valve in the pipe and moved it as needed. The problem is that as the propane cooled I was forced to constantly adjust the 1/4 turn valve.

With the new set I hope to use adjustable regulators so that I can set them once and be done. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I need to look for in a regulator? Is there a certain construction type I need? Manufacturer? Model #? range of adjustability...0 - 60 psi?

Thanks for your help and we hope you enjoy the show!

posted in pyro - 4 replies

looking for a propane fire cannon

Hot Will — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:19:14 GMT

I am looking for some one who sells propane fire cannons. I would like to get a set of small one's that could do bursts and maybe fire rings?Any info would be of much help.thanks Will

posted in pyro - 1 reply

Ventury nozzle

Landon — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:50:24 GMT

Has anyone played with designing a ventury nozzle for a pilot light shroud? Seems like a feasible way to lower turbulence at the ignition point, maybe allow for a tighter / longer flame. any thoughts?

posted in pyro - 6 replies

Pilot lights?

Steamboat_Ed — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:12:58 GMT

--Trying to come up with an optimal design that will be wind-proof and reliable for a flame calliope. The plan is to have 12: 1" dia pipes spaced about 1/1/2" apart. What I need is a pilot light that will encompass all 12 of them at their throat openings. On single whistles I've used propane torch nozzles but these run very hot and a bunch in such a small space might cause other problems. Instead I'm thinking of adapting something like a porous ceramic or possibly bronze wool stuffed into a horizontal pipe with a slit on one side. Comments and suggestions welcome.

posted in pyro - 3 replies

Dark Skies Art Festival - Workshop Leaders Wanted

IndigoAutumn — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:00:40 GMT

The Dark Skies Arts Festival is looking for a few talented fire performers who are willing to hold a couple of workshops during the festival, performing in the evening, and who are willing to have a fabulous time hanging out at the Southern Nevada regional burn. We have a very limited number of free/artist tickets available to select fire professionals by participating at Dark Skies. It's all happening June 19 to 22 in Meadview AZ. Just 107 miles east of Las Vegas. Dark Skies is being held on 80 acres of private land in a beautiful joshua tree forest
Currently we need the following workshops covered: Fire safety, intermediate and advanced poi, and all levels of contact staff. Other fire toys are welcome too. For consideration please send your name, contact info, what your talent is and how long you have been doing performing. Please include a video url (youtube etc) if you have one.
Please submit your inquires by June 6th for consideration to Indigo at itsallbrite_AT_hotmail_DOT_com or call 702 218 2041.
For more information on the Dark Skies please visit http://darkskies.vegasartists.com/

Peace n Luv,
Indigo

posted in pyro - 0 replies

What are some things that you’re going to miss if you don’t go to Dark Skies?

Captain_Ron — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:23:26 GMT

The friendly security forces at Hoover Dam that want to be nosey and pick through your stuff before you cross!
Driving through the most beautiful Joshua Tree forest you’ve ever seen (no really)!
Wondering if you’re lost while driving through said forest!
Suspiciously studying your rear view mirror on a dirt road looking for the damn BLM (they won’t be there)!
Beautiful sunrises with your friends
Hugging furry people
Fantastic theme camps with such amazing content as:
Porn-a-oke yep that’s right it’s karaoke with porn (and pirates of course)!
The always cool Dark Skies locale….Party Naked whipping up drinks while you take it off…..or not!
Come party with the living and the un-living in Dr DNA’s -The Underworld!
Adopt some art, leave some art with caretaker Anti-M!
Meditation and spiritual readings if you dare!
A unique bar that will distill your beverage in a body part replica…gotcha thinking’ don’t it! You’ll be sucking on more than a lime with these shots!
What regional would be complete without a complementary spanking amongst other treats!
The ska/reggae retreat of the Skaruba Café serving up delicious delightful beverages
A house made of turquoise that used to be a hub for the Pony Express
Burners
Hippies
Freaks
Costumes
Naked guy hula hooping
Workshops so you can be the naked guy hula hooping
Friendly greeters
The poof poof of propane poofers
Workshops so you can learn really cool stuff
Drum circles
Twilight yoga and fire spinnin
Hot Rangers
Very hot BBQ’s, Pancakes and Bacon
The purrrrrrr of generators in the dusk
Bands
DJ’s
Petting furry people
Fire spinners
Chocolate chip cookies
Howling at the moonrise
Art Cars
Dirt between your crevices (you pick the crevice I ain’t touching it)!
Our oh so fun Men’s Hot Legs Contest
The new addition to our contests the Drag Olympics (read drag queen Olympic events)
Sitting around a burn barrel wondering why you are because it’s 75 degrees out!
Beautiful sunsets with your friends
Dancing until dawn
A very “Dark Sky” full of stars for gazing
Geodesic dome love
Getting to know your fellow freaks in a intimate setting
A lovely trial setting to test out your dome, mutant vehicle, art, sound system, costume, attitude or shade structure before Burning Man
Driving from the desert having just spent an unbelievable weekend with your friends

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Solenoid Valve Seals

Erik — Sun, 04 May 2008 09:09:10 GMT

Hello All!

Just found out that I will actually be attending the burn this year! Thought that this was going to be the first year I missed (since I started in '01) since we just had a baby (!!!) but I was given a ticket for my 30th by my loving wife and friends... looks like I'll be there!

Anyhoo... I am going to modify my poofer (based around a 1" dc valve that in it's current version gives a helluva bang!) to create some more elaborate effects and drag it along behind my bike. Now I need to acquire a few more solenoids and I cant remember what the material is that the seal needs to be made from to resist breaking down from the propane. Since I will be dragging this thing around this year i want to make damn sure that is is as safe as possible. Anyone remember what that material is?

posted in pyro - 4 replies

AC vs. DC solenoid coils

espressodude — Tue, 06 May 2008 02:08:39 GMT

Anyone have experiences using AC valve coils on DC. I just built a squirrel sprayer(water jets to keep the pests out of the bird feeders) using sprinkler valves and didn't want to bother with 24vac to run them. Figured AC impedence is higher than DC resistance, so I tried lower DC voltage, a 12v battery.....works great.

Next thought....Stainless steel ITT solenid valves (UL listed) on the shelf from old project with 120vac coils.......will they work on my 24vdc system?? yes, and they work on 12vdc. Don't get warm on 24vdc, so I think this will work for FOGBANK .

Anyone done this successfuly or have xperience doing this??

posted in pyro - 2 replies

The Only Circus magazine in the WORLD!

ksea — Sun, 04 May 2008 10:06:20 GMT

(X-Posted - and you can do it to!)
Step right this way, ladies and gentlemen, and enter the Big Top! A place of wonder, delight and whimsy, a place of dreams and desires!
A place called home. (link here for the ADD krew – bigtopmagazine.com )
This site began as a vision of mine somewhere around a year ago, and though it has been met with many challenges in it’s creation – with more to come, I’m sure – here it is, for you.
One of the primary goals I have for it is connecting us, all around the world. The artists, the dreamers, the people who have the power to change the world through beauty – and do. That’s absolutely everybody as far as I’m concerned, but maybe someone just needs a kick in the ass to get them going.
Please push and post this site everywhere you possibly can think of; It is the first and only of it’s kind out there as far as I know, and maybe someone has been looking for it – which is where the seed for this dream was planted. I was that person not too long ago.

Though I wish to keep away from political issues, I do want to address the numerous ways we can improve the world around us. Red, Black, White & yellow – with a Green tint. Dig what I’m saying?

SO – please check out the site, promote it to everyone, everywhere, and most importantly, enjoy it.

www.bigtopmagazine.com

With lots of love,

~ kSea flux

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Smoke rings?

Jason — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:22:59 GMT

The large, roiling, black smoke rings that rose from the playa were awesome. I did not get to talk to th guy doing it, but it looks like he might be driving a volume of diesel fuel w/ an accumulated gas or nitrogen charge. Really like the effect and would like to understand it. Does anyone out there know?

posted in pyro - 8 replies

Oxygen tank valve removal

Phil — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:18:49 GMT

Help I am having a hard time getting the top valve off of an oxgen tank that is going to be used for my fire cannon. Is there a trick to this that I am missing?

posted in pyro - 8 replies

Max distances with accumulator effects

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:09:39 GMT

Hey gang,

I need to pull off a poofer accumulator effect where the distance between nozzle and acc. tank is approximately 30-ish feet. At this distance, I'm going to need to really maximize pressure to get any sort of bang out of it. Does anyone have practical tips for this? I'm considering either feeding multiple propane tanks into one manifold to keep my fuel sources from freezing up or perhaps even warming the tanks in a warm water bath. But that's only half the problem. I'm thinking I'll need about 200-ish PSI to get the kind of poof I'm after.

I'm in the design stage now. Anyone have experience in successfully placing a nozzle so far removed from the tank? Thanks!

posted in pyro - 4 replies

Black powder?

Steamboat_Ed — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:26:58 GMT

--Went to a cannon shoot yesterday; great fun but I need to get some better powder! FFG is the coarsest I can find in Santa Rosa. Anyone got a source for coarser powder nort of the GG bridge? Also found that my mail-order fuze doesn't stand the test of time and am looking for something more reliable.

posted in pyro - 5 replies

Want to make my first cannon

Phil — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:49:09 GMT

Hey,
I just got back from a burn and I cant take it anymore....I have to have a fire cannon..I think I have the basic idea of how to make one but I dont want to blow myself up one the first try!! so if any one can help out I want to make a propane cannon that can make a good flame out of the top like 20 feet or so
Thanks a bunch

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Flame/Sound cannon to music

espressodude — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:34:10 GMT

Has anyone done this: Operated a propane poofer, or in my case, propane sound cannon to music. Something like recording a third track to fire the valves to fill the bore, then the fourth track to fire the sparkplugs.

Thinking about AC/DC For Those About to Rock (WeSalute You)

"For Those About to Rock" BOOMM!!! "WeSalute You" BOOOMM!!! "FIRE" BOOOMM!!!
"SHOOT" BOOM!! "SHOOT" BOOM!! "SHOOT" BOOM!! "SHOOT" BOOM!!
"FIRE" BOOOMM!!!
etc.

Some of these are pretty quick, like 2-3 seconds...hope the fire goes out before refill of the barrel

posted in pyro - 3 replies

What is wrong with my ASCO valve?

Greg — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:19:07 GMT

I am testing my ASCO 8210G100 .....2"..... normally closed.......120 V......5 PSI min operating pressure and I have a problem.

For these tests, the valve was hooked to a 40 PSI compressor and hooked up to the "IN" side of the valve.

Here are the symptoms:

Power off - valve is closed correctly.
Energize - valve opens normally
THEN when i turn power off the valve stays open. The only way to get it to close is to completely remove the green electrical unit. As soon as I take off the green electrical unit valve closes normally.

Other test (similar to one above)

Solenoid powered up through entire exercise... valve is flowing normally then I take off the green electrical unit....... valve closes normally. Slide the energized green unit back on valve opens. As fast as I can put the solenoid on and off it fires perfectly.

What is the problem with the valve? Keep in mind the unit uses existing pressure to open and close itself (5 psi min). Is there some left over magnetic charge in the green electrical unit that makes it want to keep the valve open?

Thanks for any help.

- Greg

posted in pyro - 11 replies

DARK SKIES TICKETS TO GO ON SALE SATURDAY APRIL 12 @ NOON PST

Captain_Ron — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:38:45 GMT

DARK SKIES TICKETS TO GO ON SALE SATURDAY APRIL 12 @ NOON PST

TICKETS:
Tickets to The Dark Skies Arts Festival, June 19-22 at Mojave Drums near Meadview, Arizona are going on sale this Saturday 4/12/08 at twelve noon PST under the following price structure:
FIRST TIER: 75 tickets @ $75
SECOND TIER: 150 tickets @ $95
THIRD TIER: The remaining 75 tickets will be $125
Gift Tickets: we have a very limited number of gift tickets available where we trade you admission for your work on site. See below.

ATTENDANCE CAPS AND NO GATE SALES THIS YEAR
We are capping attendance at 300 and there will be NO GATE SALES this year! Advance ticket sales will cut off about a week out from the event. Under 18 with parents only, kids under 12 are free. No in-out, no pets.

Dark Skies is the southern Nevada regional burn, now to be held across the dam in Arizona! All of Burning Man’s 10 principals apply including leave no trace, no vending and the gift economy.

THEME CAMPS
We are requesting that all theme camps register and determine the minimum required amount of space that you can fit into. We are also asking most participants to drop their camping gear and park out by the front gate in order to keep the event site open and allow art cars, pedestrian traffic, and bicycles to traverse the site safely. There’s plenty of room on this site for our event, we just have to use it judiciously and creatively. Please please please register your theme camp and art so we know who’s coming!

FIRE
Dark Skies 2008 is operating in a high fire season, and in an area of pristine high desert in a beautiful Joshua Tree Forest. Dark Skies Fire Safety will be operating under the jurisdiction of Meadview Arizona Fire Dept. All final decisions regarding fire will be up to them.

• Fire performers will be allowed i/e: poi staffs breathers and all other hand held fire performance toys.
• Small propane flame effects; ie hand held puffers and small lpg flame effects with neither having a vertical flame length exceeding 10ft unless pre approved will be allowed.
• Fire barrels; fire barrels will be provided and maintained by event staff and will be in community areas.
• No personal burn barrels and fireplaces unless pre-approved in advance of the event.
• All generators used will be required to have an abc fire extinguisher and a pointed shovel within 20 ft at all times.
• Tentative fire times will be between 7pm and sunrise. Fire times will be subject to blackout in case of winds sustained in excess of 12 mph.
• All fire artists and participants must check in with DSFS. DSFS has the final say when it comes to fire of any kind.
• Smoking is to be conducted on developed and groomed areas only, no smoking is allowed in the vegetated areas of the event site. Leave no trace; never let it hit the ground.
• Fireworks of any kind are illegal and banned 100% at this event.
• All fire activities will be restricted to fire performance areas and then only at pre approved times. We will clearly mark these areas on site.

Important fire information; All fire activities may be banned in the case of a regional “red flag alert”. A red flag alert occurs when high winds regionally create a situation whereby all fire activities are banned. This is not the same as the high fire season ban which runs April 15 – Nov 15 and for which we are applying for variances too for this event. This is also NOT the same situation we had last time where CCFD “stuck it to us” at the last minute and bummed a lot of people out. Our hosts want to see fire at this event. But we have to play by their rules. Lets hope for low winds on the weekend of the event!

VOLUNTEER!
The heart of any regional event is the volunteers, and we love our volunteers! We have limited Volunteer opportunities available for Dark Skies.

Please check the website and the event’s news group which is located here
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DARKSKIES_LASVEGAS/

Pictures of the new site are here
http://darkskies.vegasartists.com/pictures/3-08sitesurveyweb/index.htm

The event’s website is understandably undergoing some changes since the move and is here
http://darkskies.vegasartists.com/

Thank you to the community, to our wonderful volunteers, and to all of the artists and theme camps that make this and every regional event so darn special! We cannot do any of this without YOU.

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Yuri's Night

brettlevine — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:14:59 GMT

False Profit Labs represents this Saturday at Yuri's Night with the debut of The Hydrogen Economy for 2008 with a new Hydrogen chamber, entirely polycarbonate clear plastic aesthetic, and 8-40x more explosions than before.

Calling all cosmonauts, inventors, dreamers, and explorers...
tickets for Yuri's Night Bay Area 2008
are now on sale!

2PM–2AM SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2008
NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER, MOFFETT FIELD, CA

www.ynba.org

$40 online, $50 at the door
VIP tickets $200
Tickets are available at www.ynba.org

Once a year in over a hundred places all over the world, Yuri's Night commemorates the anniversary of the launch of the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin.

This year the San Francisco Bay Area will be home to the largest Yuri's Night celebration ever. At the NASA Ames Research Center over 8,000 people will join scientists, musicians, and artists to learn, celebrate, and pay tribute to our global space heritage; and to celebrate the anniversaries of the first human spaceflight and the first space shuttle mission. Yuri's Night Bay Area 2008 is a one-of-a-kind local community event: a perfect fusion of celebration and tribute, technology expo, Maker Faire, art exhibition, and music festival; all rolled into one.

Yuri's Night Speakers

Come and be inspired by amazing talks by NASA scientists and other pioneers in space exploration and radical technology, and keep your minds moving through the event with our brand-new Festival of Ideas!

Here are some of this year's speakers to whet your appetite:

World-renowned video game designer Will Wright, creator of SimCity, SimEarth, The Sims, and many other games, including his exciting upcoming game of life, evolution, and exploration, Spore
NASA astrobiologist Jonathan Trent, leader of the new NASA G.R.E.E.N. team for green technology research
Saul Griffith, an MIT-trained mad scientist and founder of one of the most innovative green power companies today, Makani Power
Remarks by Stewart Brand, a founder of The Long Now Foundation and creator of the Whole Earth Catalog
... and many more!
Yuri's Night Music

This year we are expanding our musical offerings to include TWO FULL STAGES, which means more performers and more variety. Artists from a wide array of musical traditions will be playing all day long. Check the schedule for details.

Electronic music by:
Amon Tobin (Ninja Tune, Montreal)
A special twilight downtempo set by Tipper (HI)
John Tejada (LA/palette recordings): live set
Lusine (Ghostly Intl., Seattle): live set
Scuba (Hotflush Recordings, UK)
Digitonal vs. Posthuman (UK): with live violin
... and many more!
Live vocal and instrumental music by:
Telstar (Featuring: Phil Lesh, Steve Molitz, & John Molo)
Freezepop (Rykodisc, Boston): indie synthpop / new wave
Particle (LA): free-wheelin' space grooves
BLVD w/ Souleye (LA): hip-hop flavored jam shred
Zoë Keating: avant garde looping cello
... and many more!
Other Highlights

A technology showcase featuring leading Bay Area alternative energy companies including SolFocus, Wrightspeed, The California Cars Initiative, and Tesla Motors.
Dozens of art and science installations spanning everything from NASA Lunar Research Robots to the unveiling of the newest sculptures by Michael Christian the Flaming Lotus Girls.
Live performances of all kinds, from dance and acrobatics by Capacitor (San Francisco's ground-breaking interdisciplinary dance company) to aerial demonstrations featuring Yuri-Gagarin-era Aerobatic Aircraft.
...and much, much more! Check out www.ynba.org for all of the details.
2008 VIP Information

The VIP area will feature a quiet indoor lounge overlooking the hangar, in addition to a heated tent providing easy access to the rest of the event; both will be excellent for small business meetings and networking. The VIPs will also have private demonstrations from several of the technology exposition participants about current and future technologies and projects.

The VIP package is fully catered and includes food and drinks throughout the day in addition to a dinnertime meal. Discounted hotel accommodations may be available for out-of-town VIPs. VIP tickets are onsale now for $200.

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Solenoid part numbers

CinderPdx — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:05:27 GMT

Hey all -

So far, I've always been pretty lucky at pickig up vales from ebay, surplus stores and industrial surplus stores.

I've had really good experiences with Burket DC valves. In particular the 6013 direct and 6213 pilot.

But I'm working on a much bigger piece this year, and I want bigger, fast valves. Burkert DC pilot operated valves don't seem to have quite the speed(200 CPM ish) for the CV facotrs I'm looking for (as much as possible) And I need alot of them, so I need to order them as I don't think I will get lucky and find them in the quantities and uniformity I need.

McMaster has some "Brass sure fit" but their max PSI if 60 - I need to be about 100.

I've been told some good things about ASCO red hat valves. I started to research them today, but there are alot of valves.

What I am asking -

Does anyone have a good ASCO valve they can recommend? 100PSI, about 100CPM minimum (200 preferred) CV as large as possible. DC greatly preferred, but AC looks like it will be neccessary.

Help?

posted in pyro - 5 replies

Fire effect on top of water?

Nick_Matern — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:25:47 GMT

So I've got this idea to bubble propane or natural gas through water and let it burn at the surface as kind of a funky fireplace kinda thing. Has anybody here tried such a thing?

My thinking is that it would look as though I've got a container of liquid fuel that's boiling and on fire. Kinda dangerous looking and stuff. Has somebody done this and discovered that is was impractical or lame?

I can't imagine that I'm the first to think of it. Especially with some of the ingenius things I see on this tribe. But if I am the first, I'm prepared to forge ahead and see what kind of damage I can do.

posted in pyro - 24 replies

Maybe of interest?

Steamboat_Ed — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:22:40 GMT

There's going to be a cannon shoot near Covelo, CA on the 5th and I'll be taking my stash of muzzle loaders out there. Hope to bring back good images; stay tuned?

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Thermocouples!

Knagi — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:24:15 GMT

I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow my pilot out! What keeps the effect from spewing propane then, and how does it work!

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Accumulator Tanks - Free to good home

Widget — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 01:21:56 GMT

Hey you! Yeah you with the roasted eyebrows and singed hair.

I've recently redesigned and upgraded two of my systems and am trying to reduce the amount of junk laying around my house.

If you're in the Los Angeles area and need a couple of propane tanks to convert into accumulator or expansion tanks I have two tanks that have the old style POL valves that I'm more than willing to part with. The collars and valves are still intact and are a bit past their respective certification dates. No rust on the bottoms or seams, so they're safe enough to use as accumulator tanks.

I also might be willing to part with one or two of my old propane accumulator tanks with the valves already pulled.

posted in pyro - 1 reply

Anyone have a schematic or a drawn design for a flame effect cannon

cnhn — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:32:44 GMT

I need to submit something to a fire department for permitting. no it's not my tool, but I need to have something for them to understand.

PM if you can help

Taz

posted in pyro - 0 replies

new to fire art...

joshya — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:43:50 GMT

I've been working on a sculpture for about a year - did a prototype of it at BM07 but i didn't have time to add the fire elements I was hoping for...

I'm curious what I'd need for a basic flame cannon setup that serves most of the time as just a torch - it would be coming out of the top of a 13ft tall steel tree - kind of like a giant candle until you hit the trigger. I'm not looking to scorch the moon, just have a nice little blast to make the kiddies jump.

i'm not sure what kind of regulating valves I need to control the propane...

posted in pyro - 1 reply

Dark Skies Poll

Captain_Ron — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:10:37 GMT

Greetings and much dusty love from Dark Skies!
Please help us plot the course of Dark Skies, the southern Nevada regional Burn for 2008.

Take a few moments and complete this anonymous survey so that we may get a better idea of what YOU the community wants to do. You don’t need to log into any Yahoo groups this time. We’re making this as easy as we can so that as many of you as possible will respond. Ready? Here you go:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IuYUSoOLJPqcL6jBREqJyA_3d_3d
or
http://tinyurl.com/2hoe59

We will post the results once we close the poll.

Thanks!
The Dark Skies Team

posted in pyro - 0 replies

?

XpsychonautX — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 04:57:56 GMT

Anyone here have any experience with building hybrid rocket motors?

posted in pyro - 0 replies

MILITARY FLAMETHROWER ! ! !

crazylover — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 07:25:31 GMT

Hello Everybody !
I am 32 Year Old, I am an engeneer in mecanic, and I Love to play with fire ...
But the thing I love over All is .... Flamethrowers !
I ' ve got a lot of technical data, pictures, schematics ...
I am writing a book on this subject !
Your like Flamethrowers, you are intersted by HomeMade Stuff, then we could become Friend and talk ...
But I don't know Propane system, my informations are only about Military Flamethrowers, but you knows, they can be very fun ( but you must be serious with it, it is not a toy, and even if morphin exist, it is not fun to be burn , then it is not for Children ! )

posted in pyro - 37 replies

Is fireboarding torture?

Jason — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:48:59 GMT

Want to build art installation with the Statue of Liberty being waterboarded in the day, and fire boarded at night. Dressed in Nomex w/ face wrapped in Kevlar, points of crown sticking out, would use white gas at night. Flamless torch on ground. Book (metal) on ground burning w/ propane flame. 12v bilge pump for water, white gas driven by low pressure nitrogen. Would need to connect to brc elec. grid. I don't have the resources to do this on my own, but I'd like to make this statement about the "American Dream"

posted in pyro - 3 replies

Dark Skies Budget is posted

Captain_Ron — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:06:46 GMT

Greetings and dusty road weary hugs from Dark Skies!

We are pleased to announce that the pre event budget for DS ‘08 is posted for your perusal, dissection, and discussion.
http://darkskies.vegasartists.com/about/accounting.php

There’s still a couple items missing and we actually got the Lincoln County numbers this afternoon so those are wrong. And yes ‘vehicles’ does indeed have an “H” in it. But you’ll get the idea of what it costs to produce this event. Based on this, and a senior staff meeting happening this weekend, we anticipate TICKETS GOING ON SALE, ON SATURDAY MARCH 1ST AT 12 NOON PST .

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter, but we can’t reply on every list that this message has been posted to, there are simply too many lists out here to monitor them all. So please direct all correspondence to/at us on the event’s Yahoo group, which is located here
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DARKSKIES_LASVEGAS/

A full email blast with volunteer information, art, and theme camp registration is forthcoming. Just keeping you the community in the loop, so watch this space and we hope to see you all out on Delamar Lake this June!

Love and (yummy) cookies,
The Dark Skies team

posted in pyro - 0 replies

hole Advice

Phil — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 01:53:59 GMT

HI, I'm creating a 6 foot ring of fire for a sculpture in our camp.

The 1ft prototype worked great, it is just some copper tubing with tiny holes drilled every inch and wrapped in stainless steel wool.

For the prototype I used a size 72 (wire gage) drill and it looked great but with the 6ft one I am snapping plenty of drill bits as the copper is over 18ft long so it's a lot of holes.

Would I be fine using something like a size 60 drill for the holes as the are much more robust than these tiny fuckers I'm using.

Thanks for any advice.

Phil

posted in pyro - 15 replies

Transformus invites

vespa — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:59:46 GMT

[You should have just received this if you are subscribed to the announce-only list (http://www.transformus.com/announce). If you think you are subscribed but you didn't receive the new (February) Mountain Holler, then either you aren't subscribed, or it probably went to your junk mail folder. In either case, please make sure you are receiving announcements! Official announcements are not posted here, but in the interest of making sure as many people get invite news as possible, here it is again.]

Invites!
We are using a new system for invites to address the likelihood that more people will want to attend the event than we are able to accommodate.

We are able to invite 1,500 people to the event this year. Each invite will cost $55. Children age 5 and under enter free with legal guardian.
One person may request one or two invites using a form that will be available on the web site (http://www.transformus.com) starting at 12:00 noon (Eastern time) on Friday, February 29. You will have until the end of the day on Sunday, March 9, to complete the form, so there is no need to all rush at noon on Friday. (There is no advantage in completing your form before others, as long as you meet the March 9 deadline.)
At that time, the first 1,350 invites will be determined from all the requests that have been submitted.
We will inform you as soon as we have completed that process, no later than March 16, and if we were able to invite you, you will have until noon on April 9 to pay via PayPal.
We are going to repeat the process to distribute the remaining invites.
Just like the first two years, we are going to issue electronic instead of paper tickets. You will receive a souvenir paper ticket when you arrive, but in order to gain entry each person must present his or her own personal secret code that we will issue.
On or before February 28, more detailed instructions will be sent via e-mail to the announcements list and posted on the web site at http://www.transformus.com.
What you should do now:

Please go to http://www.transformus.com, create an account (if you don't already have one) and make sure you can log in.
Contact web@transformus.com if you have any technical issues.
Stay tuned for detailed instructions via e-mail announcements and on the web site.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________
Transforma mailing list
Transforma@lists.transformus.com
http://lists.transformus.com/listinfo.cgi/transforma-transformus.com

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Tank Decorations

Knagi — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:09:10 GMT

So, I notice that people that don't understand what we do habor a general fear mainly of the tanks themselves. Yet when they are decorated and covered I.E the serpent mother people's fears subside. I'm curious what other types of decorations have been used specificly on tanks. I've personally used pillow cases for awhile. Not very creative but it has the right effect other examples I've thought of would be like gargoles sitting atop the tank, maybe something stenciled on it, or a sign to lean on it.. maybe even design something from el-wire to light up when the effect hits. While all these examples still show the tank they would work to at demishing general fears.

To an exterme of this I've thought of hidding the tank in a demonic carebear . :P I wanna know what everyone else has thought of to put people's minds at ease.

posted in pyro - 5 replies

puffers for your fireplace?

janeO — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:18:54 GMT

Anybody done this?
Idea's?
For beauty and even to get logs going.

posted in pyro - 6 replies

FIRE ARTS FOR MONEY

Morrigan — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:59:13 GMT

Hello, I'm sorry if this is not relevant so please delete this post if it does not fit with the community's rules.

My questions:

how long did it take people to become established fire artists/troupes;

can you do it for a living (I don't mean £££, I mean enough to fill your stomach and van) ;

and is there any other advice you would give a budding artist?

posted in pyro - 2 replies

Dark Skies Fire Arts Festival

Captain_Ron — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:43:42 GMT

Greetings and much dusty love from the Dark Skies Fire Arts Festival!

Currently we are waiting on the cost recovery numbers from the BLM and costs from Lincoln County on top of those. Once we have all of that we will be able to produce a working budget and price the tickets logically (who knew?).

We will then announce the start of ticket sales. The tickets are printed and boy are they purty! It’s been somewhat quiet around here at DS HQ the past few months but rest assured that the hamsters are working overtime on this year’s event. We have much to announce, we have much to discuss, we have many needs from you the community as well. This is just a short note to let you know that the dates and location have been set.
June 19-22, 2008 and yes it will be on Delamar Lake in Lincoln County.
Much more coming soon, BOOM!

posted in pyro - 8 replies

PERFORMERS INSURANCE

Salyc — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 21:47:23 GMT

I would like to officially announce that American Fire Artists, LLC is now up and running.
You can visit our site at http://www.americanfireartists.com/
We plan on running our policies from March to March. If you have any questions please contact us through the contact us page on the site.
We will begin a mailing list so we can spread the news when we are open for sales.

Best regards,

Salyc & Cyricx

posted in pyro - 6 replies

Flexible LP Hose?

RevZack — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 02:41:14 GMT

I building a new car with new flame throwers. In the past i have not had a problem hard piping every thing. With this one being a bit smaller and my flame throwers being larger, I was wondering if there is such a beast at 1" or 1.25" LP hose.

Thank You in advance.

posted in pyro - 9 replies

SuperSonic!

Knagi — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 22:00:35 GMT

Flames progress at a defined rate through a flammable mixture. The "maximum flame velocity" of a methane/air mixture is 1.48 ft/sec under lab conditions. If this mixture flows through a pipe at 1.5 ft/sec, any flame will be unable to propagate against the flow. This fact is used in designing flare tips, burner nozzle and some flame arrestors – by designing for gas velocity above the flame velocity, the flame can be prevented from moving upstream from the point of ignition. NOTE: as a flame front moves through a vessel or pipe, the flame velocity increases. With long enough piping the velocity can increase to detonation levels, which are supersonic.

How could an effect be built to create a supersonic detonation and quickly reloaded?

posted in pyro - 17 replies

Tis the Season..

Knagi — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 01:36:30 GMT

So where's the pics and videos of the Pyro X-mas Art?? ,been itchin to build a reindeer...

posted in pyro - 1 reply

interesting things to do with rain?

Dexterous1 — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:44:30 GMT

any ideas?

i like the idea of doing something that was rain activated...

ideas?

oh, i'm in oregon.... sorry rest of country....

posted in pyro - 14 replies

Propane refills in East Bay

andris — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 04:14:06 GMT

I just got a 10# tank and I thought refill stations would be easier to come by around here. Anybody know of good refill spots around Emeryville?

posted in pyro - 0 replies

BLEV?

Steamboat_Ed — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:56:42 GMT

Saw this word in another thread. Can someone define this?

posted in pyro - 17 replies

flame from a 9" butterfly valve

Jason — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 20:43:09 GMT

I have a heavy duty 9" stainlees steel flanged butterfly valve(Edwards QSB9). (it was @ the junkyard, cost its'weight in ss) It is pneumatically operated and throws extremely fast. I don't know what kind of seal it makes, but on the end of say 10' of 9" flanged pipe(as accumulator) it would probably produce a respectable fwump @ lower pressures. If the seal would handle it, @ 150 psi and the pilot could be placed sufficiently high, it might get interesting. I have not been able to find specs for this valve as of yet. It may even be for vacuum service, but it is stout and weighs about 50#. I would be gratefull for any info on this valve.
The plan is to mount this on a trailer such that it can pivot to vertical and rest its end on the playa. The 9" steel pipe would be tapped thusly:
- 1 1/2" threaded drain @ bottom.
- 1" propane charging port near bottom, bushed to 3/4"(100' of 3/4 hose back to (3) 30gal propane tanks)
- 1/4" 100' hose to pressure guage at tanks/controls
- 1" nitrogen purge port near bottom
I plan to use a12v signal to open a standard non-direct acting, solenoid valve on line from a regulated nitrogen (80psi)cylinder to acctuate the butterfly valve piston. The piston throws the valve very fast!
The propane cylinders will share one high pressure manifold, and charging pressure and rate will be controlled by ball valve and pressure guage. I am thinking that a 20' long piece of metal downspout would make a good/pressure resistant pilot air tube, w/ pilot torch 5-8' above 9" valve.
It will require carefull, incremental experimentation to understand a device like this in a sane way. There is undoubtedly a gas volume and specific detonation height that might be threatangly concussive. Bang good, bloody ears no bueno. I doubt a nitrogen purge between pops would be needed, as long as propane charging begins before butterfly closure and no flames are observed about the valve. Closing the butterfly with a 24:1 air/gas ratio and internal ignition source would be most unpleasant!
I am impressed by what I have read, and the knowledge of those on Pyro Tribe. I am curious about resonances and the voicing of flame. (wish I'd experienced Kraken) So I welcome input from the tribe that my pipe dreams be realized.

posted in pyro - 12 replies

When should we hold the next Dark Skies in 08

Captain_Ron — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 02:48:09 GMT

DARK SKIES 2008 DATES, WE NEED YOUR INPUT!

Greetings, salutations, warm fuzzy cuddle hugs and sonic booms from Dark Skies!
We need your input on matters of scheduling next years event.

Suppose that we only had two weekends to choose from for next years Dark Skies. The third weekend in May, or the third weekend in June. Suppose also that for production costs, read: ticket prices, fire art and public safety that we were going to move the event up to Delamar Dry Lake in Lincoln County, NV which sits at 4700 feet above sea level. Nothing is written in stone yet, we are exploring all options, and asking your opinion on things before the permit apps go into either BLM field office.

Here are our thoughts on the matter of the weather and things Burning Man related...
In May, the Delamar site could be chilly and maybe even wet (from BLM), and in June it could be hot but most likely dry. To put the event in mid May puts us square in the middle of the regional event season. Going in May *could* mean that we experience some rather chilly temps, but it gets us away from Burning Man. It also however puts us where a lot of Burners, artists, and rangers may have to pick and choose what events they want to attend. We’re trying to look at all sides of this.

The biggest decider in this question may be Mother Nature herself.
Or….
What will the weather be like on Saturday at Dark Skies ’08? (the Delamar option)

Here’s some casual number crunching based on ten years of weather data for the Delamar site:

Third Saturday in May, 10 year temperatures for Alamo Nevada, subtract >< 4 degrees for Delamar lake due to 1000 foot higher altitude.
AVG LOW: 43 (sunrise)
AVG HIGH: 77 (3pm)
10 YEAR LOW LOW: 33
10 YEAR HIGH HIGH: 91
10 YEAR LOW HIGH: 66
10 YEAR HIGH LOW: 59

BOTTOM LINE for May: Cooler, one week after Toast! Almost one month before Element 11, two weeks before LIB, middle regional in the season,. If we go in May, it could be as low as 29f and our high could be as low as 62f. That particular f stands for ‘f**k me its cold’.

********************************************

Third Saturday in June data
AVG LOW: 52
AVG: HIGH: 85
1O YEAR LOW LOW: 45 (sunrise)
10 YEAR HIGH HIGH: 100 (3pm)
10 YEAR LOW HIGH: 82
10 YEAR HIGH LOW: 66

BOTTOM LINE for June: Warmer, two weeks after Element 11, two months before Burning Man, last regional of the season. If we go in June, it could be as high as 96f and as low as 49f. We’re getting closer to Burning Man, a mistake we made in Oct ’06 that we don’t intend to repeat. However, in this case we’re before the main event so it could be a great shakedown cruise for art cars, theme camps, and playa art.
Had enough yet? Then please go vote in the poll which is going up right now.

IF we had the choice of either weekend, which one would YOU choose that made the most sense for you the community and for the event itself?
3rd weekend in May, or 3rd weekend in June?

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DARKSKIES_LASVEGAS/
left side of that page “polls”

Thanks and much much dusty love!!

P.S.BOOM

posted in pyro - 1 reply

propane - oxygen flame/sound appliance

espressodude — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 03:04:37 GMT

I have been looking at NFPA160, BATF website, this tribe and other sources trying to determine if a large bore (6") propane - oxygen device intended to produce loud noise and flame is generally considered to be a "Flame Effect Appliance" or something else. I have not contacted local AHJ's until I have a complete package to present to them.

The appliance is based on, and uses valves from these devices:

http://www.intlrepo-depo.com/simulators.htm

It was a registered flame effect an BurningMan this year, but generally I think BM is a little looser than local AHJ's.

pics:
http://flickr.com/photos/hjem/1333012006/
http://flickr.com/photos/wagenman/1347808467/in/photostream/

All regulators, guages, hoses are rated for oxy or propane, including backflash/flame arrestor check valves.

Operator pendant has keyswitch, pilot light, ARM button to open valves to admit gasses to the barrel/combustion chamber, and a FIRE button. Ignition is by 4 spark plugs and a Ford 4 tower ignition coil.

Barrel is heavy wall (3/8") seamless 6061-T651 aluminum(about 40-45ksi tensile strength) Calculated burst pressure is about 4000psi.

Help in categorizing/classification is appreciated.

posted in pyro - 15 replies

Crude Awakening goes BOOM!

MacGyver — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:50:02 GMT

I put together a little animation of this great event. Not sure if posting it to the group photos, is the right thing to do, but the small one is on my profile at:
http://people.tribe.net/dc9c9edd-a6c4-4771-b63f-053d488f05dc/photos/948a4740-92ad-43c9-ab47-ca1826904d19
(small because of Tribe upload limits)

A much larger and more impressive version is on Flickr at:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1062/1364755744_46fc525342_o.gif

I figured that this group would appreciate this the most.

-MacGyver
Department of Spontaneous Combustion

posted in pyro - 14 replies

Propane classes/workshops?

Nathan — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:29:06 GMT

Hey, does anyone do classes or workshops on propane effects in SF/LA/SD? Looking for a beginner class.

I was so bummed I missed the Propane Poofer workshop at BRC. Damn dust storms...

posted in pyro - 8 replies

Source for blue flame pilots?

Kurt — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 04:06:27 GMT

Hi -

I'm looking for a source for blue flame burners to use as pilots for a flame effect project I'm working on. I could cut up a bunch of propane torch nozzles but it would be nice to have a source to get just the venturi burners as I need twenty of them. Thanks!

posted in pyro - 5 replies

Propane control valves

Paul — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:51:44 GMT

Brand new to the Tribe, and I am hoping somebody out there can give me solid advice! I have been manufacturing small flame effects for a local haunted attraction for several years and have reached a stopping block. I need a solinoid valve, rated for LP, 120psi+, 1/2 inch or more. Cant find a dam thing! Some one HELP!!!! Also looking for flashback arrestor rated at the same PSI but alas, no luck there either.

posted in pyro - 20 replies

Custom propane poofer ... SERIOUS INQUIRY!!!

tedward — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 09:27:01 GMT

Okay, so not to step on any Trolly feet, but I actually am looking for someone to build me a custom, single-shot propane powered fireball maker. I have most of it planned out already, but there's stuff like the electronic valve, ignitor and accumulator that I can't quite manage with the tools I have. So I'm looking for a quote.

PM me and I'll give you the specs of that I'm looking for.

Oh, Oh, yeah... and... uhh... please no HATERS... and... and.. no, uhh, dum dum heads.... yeah. :)

posted in pyro - 10 replies

idiocy eliminated

teiwaz — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:30:53 GMT

Hello responsible members of this tribe!

I've removed the offending poster and his posts, sorry again this took so long. Thanks for rallying around the proper use of these discussion boards. Feel free to message me personally if you see anything like this that could cause trouble for us and our responsible exploration into this hobby and art form again.

Cheers,
your humble moderator

posted in pyro - 5 replies

who is this?

annoyed — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 18:04:58 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WbRF9MEe5E
its coo new fire art that i have not seen yet and i want to know who it is...
any body know?????

posted in pyro - 6 replies

Circular Thrust

Knagi — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 21:25:07 GMT

I'm tryin to conceptulize a Flaming vortex generator. That's 100 percent portable, indepentant of power, and long running. I've decided to go with the convection method of making the vortex.. So I simply need to spin a cage around a flame. Nothin massive, bust still impressive maybe 4 feet or so. The idea I've currently been toiling over is for a bike tire mounted on it's side with a 1lb coleman tank mounted so that in some unknown fashion I can connect it directly to the valve stem on the tire. Following designs for hero's engine holes poked at an angle around the tire would vent in a certain direction to cause the tire to spin. Mounted atop the tire a screen supported by a modify'd tomato plant grower attached to the rim of the tire, Botled to the topside center a pint-sized paint can full of rags and whatever fuel I happen to have around to spin fire with at that time.

Currently known problems preventing the project from taking life...
Is there even a way to connect a propane tank to a bike tire valve?
What size-shape and amount of holes will produce the best thrust? I'm thinkin large sewing needle. maybe 15 holes.
Will the rubber melt, or will the time it takes the propane to properly mix act as a heat shield?
Will the flame comming out of the tires be self supporting once lit and spinning. How cool would it be if the flame randomly jumpped from jet to jet around the tire.

If I had a power supply where I'd want to be running it an intertube wrapped around the post of a box fan motor, and held against the edge of the tire with the whole propane system omitted would be perfect.

Overall problem.. getting the tire to spin for awhile with enough speed without outside influance. I wanna set it up and forget about it. Anything over 30 minutes would be acceptable.

Maybe I should just strap the tank to an edge, tap it then apply a flame, let the tank do all the pushing. How long would a 1lb tank thats just freely venting run for?

posted in pyro - 10 replies

Seeking FLG peeps while in SF

Dexterous1 — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:06:16 GMT

Hey I'd like to visit some FLG peeps while i'm down here in the bay. If you are FLG flame types... please PM me!

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Regional Burn Effigy Question - delayed accellerant?

boarhead — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 16:25:05 GMT

I'm the lead Effigy freak for Mischievia and I'm looking to add some sizzle to the Burn this year (over last years' slow burn).

I was thinking about positioning several 1/2 gallon milk jugs filled with kerosene (with original cap in place) on their sides amongst the cord of split wood sitting inside the Effigy... so after the initial fire gets going, the heat will melt the caps, dumping the fuel out and causing a flare up.

Is there a better way? With those bottles explode?

posted in pyro - 12 replies

Ignition device needed, activated by impact

ksea — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:23:24 GMT

Hey ho! I need some help.

I'm going to be doing an archery show soon here, and we would like to figure out some way to have some sort of simple ignition device activated by the impact of an arrow - the flame would only need to be big and sustained enough to light some kevlar rope soaked in white gas.

I was thinking some pilot/candle under a baloon filled with some sort of airgas, but don't want to be stupid or unsafe about it.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated - thank you!

posted in pyro - 5 replies

Propane compatiblity with a fluorocarbon/carbon graphite seal

CinderPdx — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:58:23 GMT

So,

I'm thinking about using a rotating joint in a flame effect, and I found some on McMaster-Carr page 93

"High-Speed Stainless Steel Rotating Joints
Choose these high-speed rotating joints when you need superior corrosion resistance. They have a 300 series stainless steel body, a fluorocarbon/carbon graphite seal, and two precision ball bearings."

How does fluorocarbon/carbon graphite stand up to propane?

I realize that they do have a low speed joint on the same page with a PTFE seal - but I wanted more than 80 RPM.

Ian - help!

posted in pyro - 8 replies

smoke bombs

Kandy — Sat, 28 Feb 2004 20:42:57 GMT

Here's the problem:

I would like to make some smokebombs that are small, I would would say somewhere between a handball and a pingpong ball in size, that omits a large amount of smoke in a short period of time. Preferably I would like it to ignite on impact. Any ideas?

posted in pyro - 20 replies

Fire First Aid

Phil — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 06:30:29 GMT

Now that we have both our fire effects working we would like to make sure we have the right kind of first aid available should somebody burn themselves.

Is there such a thing as fire / burn first aid kit or should we just get a regular kit and add some extra stuff (and what stuff should we add).

Thanks.

Phil

posted in pyro - 18 replies

Nitrous solenoids

Troy — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:46:20 GMT

Anyone have any idea what sort of seals Nitrous Oxide systems use? I have a pile of old solenoids left over from my racing days which would be nice to re-use, but I'm having a difficult time getting any details on what seals would be used with liquid nitrous oxide.

posted in pyro - 4 replies

Pressurizing propane?

Steamboat_Ed — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 04:31:13 GMT

--Hi gang; new guy here. I've made a couple of fireball shooters, including a flaming whistler which can shoot propane over the top of a 2-story building so I've gone a ways up the learing curve with propane, pilot lights, etc. Trouble is a friend has asked me to duplicate my little portable units, but in a larger scale. Now he's got a situation where the propane has to travel a fair distance before exiting an orifice, maybe 12ft between tank and nozzle. The propane's coming out but not in anything I'd describe as a robust manner: all we get is a sort of roiling of flame. What I'd like to do is get a more robust jet. Can anyone suggest a way to make this happen? Thanks,

posted in pyro - 23 replies

diesel oil/ diesel gas?

Sleepingattheconsole — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:51:24 GMT

On the playa I saw a couple of flamethrowers that fired straight up into the air. One of the crew told me it was burning diesel. I didn't get a chance to ask him: Diesel oil or diesel gasoline? Propelled with what? I couldn't see what the fuel was being held in. My friend has made a couple of propane cannons and I understand how/why those are pretty safe. But those diesel throwers were beautiful. How does one go about using that kind of fuel without harming one's self/friends? I would really like to try and build one. Advice? Safety Tips? The people on this tribe seem extremely knowledgeable... I assume some of you are actual pyrotechnicians. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

posted in pyro - 4 replies

pure theory

XpsychonautX — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 19:27:02 GMT

I have had a dream that keeps circulating in my head. I want to take a 5-gallon propane tank, empty it totally out (wash and clean it to remove all oil based anything, tap it and equip it with a spark plug. I then want to charge the tank with at least a couple of liquid gallons of 70/30 propane/oxygen and remotely fire it electronically from a good distance. I've been dreaming this thing up for about a decade. Since I grew up in a metal fabrication shop I think I could make it happen quite easily... My only fear would be filling the tank with the fuel and oxygen at the same time. Is there a way this could be done, maybe fuel first then oxygen second, while using all brass fittings (no sparks)? I think it would be a cool experiment to try out somewhere miles and miles away from anyone or anything. It might even be fun.

posted in pyro - 9 replies

valves....

Dexterous1 — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 04:05:16 GMT

Been on the hunt for 1 1/4 to 2" high pressure valves (up to 10 bar) . direct actuated, membrane, butterfly... but quick... electric actuated, any suppliers you know of out there?

If i have to i'll take nitrogen and do the pneumatic if i have to... (don't want too...)

posted in pyro - 5 replies

Regulators in SF

Phil — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 19:34:56 GMT

This time I'm on the hunt for a propane regulator supplier in the Bay Area, SF would be ideal.

I just need another 1-30 psi or something similar.

Ta.

Phil

posted in pyro - 1 reply

spark plug ignitor

neph — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:59:25 GMT

Is an automotive spark plug hot enough to light a standard flame poofer?

thanks
-nate

posted in pyro - 6 replies

Transfering Liquid Propane from one tank to another.

Knagi — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 01:56:27 GMT

So far my understanding of this is limited to, "Hey that's a really bad idea, don't ever try that"

I have the Adaptor to connect a 20lb tank to a disposabe tank, and after roaching ten+ 1lb tanks last weekend I have the drive (Vast amounts of waste and cost that is a priority to deal with). What I'm missing is the know how and understanding of what moving "Liquid" Propane from one tank to another consists of, what dangers and other such important bits.

What I hope for is to simply refill them disposiable tanks, or buy a nice tank I can refill off the gas station supplied ones.

posted in pyro - 8 replies

Art Project

tedward — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 06:36:18 GMT

looking for a skilled artist who is very capable with a cutting torch for a brief contribution to a long overdue art project.

Goal:
To have the words "Fire Conclave" cut into a strip of metal about 4-6" high.

Finis:
This will be used in a sign to be hung from Conclave Convergence to give it better visibility. Several thin tubes feeding propane flames will be placed behind this piece and a protective frame will be built around them. Then, the tubes will be connected to a propane source and run for several hours a night.

[cross posted in Fire]

posted in pyro - 2 replies

The Hydrogen Economy - Exploding Bubbles

brettlevine — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 23:40:02 GMT

This year The Hydrogen Economy exploding bubbles art experiment returns to the playa recast in prehistoric times. Take hold of fire-breathing dragons and explode a new never-ending stream of highly flammable bubbles. Or just chill on lush lily pads and enjoy the swampy lava pit and exploding ambiance.

The option is yours to Participate or Spectate (yes, you may spectate):
EVERY NIGHT AT MIDNIGHT.
False Profit camp: 4:30 and Esplanade.

posted in pyro - 1 reply

what?

StuntManJeff — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:29:03 GMT

[IMG]http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/dredevil/T_Powerpuff-Girls-Buttercup.jpg[/IMG]

posted in pyro - 2 replies

how to I get propane refilled on Playa ?

Oneeyeddick — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 03:35:21 GMT

I know the sponsored stuff gets fills for free.
In the past I've had locals from my camp fill
them for me as they went back and forth
to thier homes in Empire/Gerlach, but that will
option will not be available this year to me.
I don't want to have to go into town daily.
Anyone know something I don't ?

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa301/squirtbigload2/ratsandraccoons041.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

posted in pyro - 8 replies

Anyone have a nice easy how to on Nichrome ignitors?

CinderPdx — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:50:29 GMT

So I'm switching to Nichrome to light up my efffects - and it seems a little more complicated than I thought.

Anyone have some basic tips/tricks they discovered while making a propane ignitor out of this material?

posted in pyro - 15 replies

schedule 80 3/4" pipe

barts — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 04:52:22 GMT

I need 5' of threaded schedule 80 3/4" pipe for RoboShaw's propane poofers.... anyone know a place I can get that on the Peninsula?

- Bart

posted in pyro - 1 reply

hand-held, MAP gas braisers (Homedepo)

boarhead — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 04:13:43 GMT

Can those hand-held, MAP gas utilizing, button pressin, presto-flame units be modified to produce more flame than just the small and very hot (blue) 2" flame?

posted in pyro - 23 replies

Brainstorm: Propane Injected Bubble Creator.

Knagi — Sun, 13 May 2007 04:12:36 GMT

So last weekend someone drove 8 hours to meet our group. He brought a giant bubble maker and enough dish soap,kero and gylicerin to make 4ft round large bubbles. I brought propane on a stick and another guy held a small fire eating torch..

With abit of practice we actually managed to make a few 2-3ft round bubbles full of propane that drifted afew yards to be shot down by the flung torch.. Pop... a second goes by.... then Whoof. Much side splitting laughter, and frustration as the only video was recorded on VHS.

While really funny it showed proof of concept... I'm intrested in anyones idea's to make this a simpler proccess involving less people and greatly improving the success rate.

posted in pyro - 18 replies

Exothermic Reaction.

Knagi — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 05:01:21 GMT

Sodium Acetate, wonder what kinda looks I would get at the gas station exchanging a cyclinder covered in crystals.

Wonder where this post is gonna go :P

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=12962637

posted in pyro - 4 replies

Spring-Loaded fuel valves

nomax — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 18:55:36 GMT

I'm constructing a "flame effect" and I'm looking for a suitable, high quality fuel control valve that has a spring loaded actuator. Anyone know of any good sources for such a device?

I've spend a lot of time lost searching through industrial valve suppliers and mostly I'm coming across fuel control valves for oil platforms and aerospace. The main fuel control valve on the Saturn V Rocket is damn pretty. But I'm not working with liquid helium and oxygen. Maybe I should be.

Any advice?

posted in pyro - 5 replies

Ignitor

Phil — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:39:06 GMT

Hi,
I am creating a flame effect that is going to be pretty high up on the mast of our art car and am wondering what people use for ignition.

I just need something that will light the pilot light which will be a 6" ring of 1/4" tube with propane being fed through tiny holes.

Thanks.

Phil

posted in pyro - 10 replies

Bay Area Propane Suppliers

Phil — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 21:00:15 GMT

Hi,
Anybody know of a a place that supplies propane fittings in SF?

Specifically I want to get some propane hose to test a piece I'm working on.

Ideally open on Saturday.

Cheers.

Phil

posted in pyro - 1 reply

Ok... why didn't I think of this before:::::::

HisssMeow — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 07:39:47 GMT

Hey... I'm coming down to San Francisco with my friend first, fire partner second, next Monday after work, arriving in SF Tuesday afternoon (ishy).
I know he's got something he's doing and I have a pass to go Thursday. However there's no open fire jam known of until that Sunday (?) the 15th and I'm flying back Friday night.
SO....
any fire jam/ free spin/ place to play with fire at all down there? I'd be surprised if not, but you never know. It's been many many years since I've been to that area and I was too involved in other stuff to even think of what fire could do for me instead back then.
I don't exactly know the regs there... I know up here (portland, oregon) private home property type place... such as my driveway, is doable... which I sometimes do and am no longer making the neighbors nervous as the peak through the blinds at me. damn.
Anyway... Any info can help... either on this thread, in message, or even, gasp, myspace: www.myspace.com/nonakaye .
Thanks
meow
Nona

posted in pyro - 0 replies

flaming lotus girls desperate for carpet

BarbieSkinner — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 13:29:15 GMT

If you know of anyone getting rid of carpet we would be very grateful of it.

The only catch is we need it today! or as soon as possible, yesterday really. We are trying to pack the serpent mother for the fire arts festival in Oakland and then on to Amsterdam, taking Flaming Lotus Fire Art to the world ( http://serpentmother.com/ ), and it would be part of the solution to a problem. We are working day and night. It isn't easy fitting a 168 ft long Flaming Serpent into a shipping container. She takes a bit of taming!

If you know of friends or family getting rid of carpet which could be donated to the cause, please email as soon as you read this. Packing deadlines are being pushed!

Many thanks

Fire, lipstick and kisses from

Barbieskinner and the rest of the Flaming Lotus Girls and the Serpent Mother too

xx

posted in pyro - 0 replies

Certificate of Liability

CinderPdx — Wed, 16 May 2007 15:48:57 GMT

So it looks like an upcoming event (with some propane powered art) I am working on is good to go. Filed alot of paperwork with the local fire department, and passed inspection with flying colors yesterday. They wre pleased by our atention to detail, in construction, operation and comprehension.

So all I need now is a certificate of liability for 1,000,000. I'm an engineer not an insurance broker - I have no idea where to look. Anyone have any leads?

posted in pyro - 8 replies

Great article on fire art

Novysan — Wed, 23 May 2007 00:42:18 GMT

For those of you who didn't see this over on the main tribe:

http://leonardo.info/gallery/burningman_fire/burningman.html

posted in pyro - 1 reply

Parts for Pyro

Novysan — Mon, 14 May 2007 21:33:31 GMT

On a recent Dorkbot field trip, we went and checked out here:

http://www.nortonsalesinc.com/

It's an aero/astro surplus yard, similar but better than Joe Factor used to be. If you need a part, especially something exotic that McMaster-Carr doesn't have, this place probably does.

Things like valves, hoses, regulators, tanks, etc are dirt cheap. Parts that could conceivably be used for a working rocket, are NOT cheap. Like the heat exchanger from an Atlas rocket I wanted to use in my pyrolysis gasification fired hot tub.

Here are a few picks:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/novysan/sets/72157600205418849/

posted in pyro - 0 replies

NFPA 58

CinderPdx — Fri, 04 May 2007 23:49:14 GMT

Does anyone have a copy?

I'd like to use galvanized pipe for a flame effect, is this ok according to NFPA 58?

posted in pyro - 6 replies