fire eatting

[Stephon]

Read the not-so-fine print

Originally posted by Mr.Taxi Trix
You are wrong, though, even if you happen to be right. I use a Mr. Babache, the best fire wand on the planet, and they plonk two screws dead in the middle of the works. Never hurts a bit.

http://www.firetoys.co.uk/juggling/F...ing_Wands.html

From the site:

"THE SCREW AND THE TUBE WILL GET HOT which is why we recommended this item to advanced users only."

Seems to me--point, Ragatz.

[Lee Nelson]

I got your back Taxi

I use those little Babache babies too.
I am certain that must be a disclaimer because they dont get hot at all.
I am however definately in the camp of ...

Dont do this stuff unless your getting paid enough to justify the long and short term risks.

If you paid me enough I would probably put a lighted blowtorch up my ass....especially now

[Rachel Peters]

I assumed that was how people in Iceland kept warm.

[Steven Ragatz]

Maybe the commercial prop makers know more about attaching wicks than I do. I've always used home built torches, so I can only vouch for my own handiwork - hot wires, screws and all.

Go ahead and try it various ways. If it burns, then do it a different way. I always changed my wicks often, so I didn't mind using floss to tie them. Clearly, any tied method is going to burn away much faster than using metal screws or wire, but the thought of sticking that old torch back into my mouth after it's been sitting in the storage box since the last gig doesn't appeal to me. Clean wicks are tasty...

Just a side note, in my experience, more fire accidents happen from mishandling of the fuel source than from mistakes with the actual props. I've seen several shows go awry when there are spills while soaking the torches and then lighting them too close to an open container of fuel. Earlier this year, I saw a group of street performers in Lisbon light their container on fire and then attempt to put it out by stamping on it, which of course resulted in a lit pant leg. Actually, the rest of the show went even worse.

Steven Ragatz

[Isabella]

I've been a fire eater for 16 years. Learn from another fire eater, which means being in the business long enough to meet one and to have something to offer in return (which may just be the pleasure of your company, but something).

Eating fire is merely the dangerous part. The hard part is writing a fifteen minute comedy act around a three-second trick.

[Evan Young]

If you make a mistake during that routine you will set events into motion that will affect dozens if not hundreds of other performers who work at the same venue for years to come. Your peers will resent you and struggle to avoid lashing out at you in public, even if they weren't affected by your actions personally.

keep it simple, and safe.

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

God what a bunch of old lady talk. Jump in, the water's great.


Thanks Lee, ya rock star! There is something to be said for direct experience.

[Scot Free]

to quote myself from a few years back...
"Trial and error... just do it..."
"1. Make a torch, use some kind of stick or dowel, wrap the top 1.5-2inches in tinfoil and wrap some wick around that and affix it with washers(not too big) and screws
2. Dip it in something flammable.
3. Open wide.
4. Put it in your mouth while exhaling.
(if it hurts take it out)
5. Close your mouth around the flame(watch the washers)and cut off the oxygen.
6. Take a bow."

you can check this old thread here
for more info

[Paul Garbanzo]

kevlar thread

screws? screw that..

I'm surprised nobody mentioned Kevlar thread.
and use the non-metal wicking.

the only chance you have to fry yourself is
on the metal stick...
The rest of the fire safety is up to you.

p

[Cybele]

I would suggest that you learn to SPELL fire eating before learning to do it.

Inattention to details (like spelling) will result in mistakes that will damage you, your props, your audience, and the reputation of all fire performers.

Pay attention. It's important.

However, if you want to go ahead, by all means, read a book or two, build a prop or two, try it out...

... far away from anyone else. So there are no unwilling participants in your idiocy.

Good luck.

Evan, good on ya. Thanks.

[roughtoughcreampuf]

It sounds so simple. Makes me want to try it right now!

Originally posted by Scot Free
to quote myself from a few years back...
"Trial and error... just do it..."
"1. Make a torch, use some kind of stick or dowel, wrap the top 1.5-2inches in tinfoil and wrap some wick around that and affix it with washers(not too big) and screws
2. Dip it in something flammable.
3. Open wide.
4. Put it in your mouth while exhaling.
(if it hurts take it out)
5. Close your mouth around the flame(watch the washers)and cut off the oxygen.
6. Take a bow."

you can check this old thread here
for more info

[Scot Free]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mr.Taxi Trix
[B]God what a bunch of old lady talk. Jump in, the water's great.


you said it Karl.

[Steven Ragatz]

Sometimes old ladies have the best advice.

Steven Ragatz

[Cybele]

*clicks knitting needles, clacks dentures, gently nods off for another nap in the comfy rocker*

[Rachel Peters]

I know an old lady who broke her hip falling off the toilet and laughed about it.

What sort of analogy could that be?