I call them poofers. These wonderful fire toys were the next generation of vortex generators I made for SRL. After making supersonic vortex rings with oxy-acetylene explosions I want to take it one step further and make giant fire rings. I experimented with different shaped nozzles, pilot lights and valve sizes and came up with ball, ring and disk shaped flames. I was able to achieve great fire rings that fully separated from the cannon and traveled 30-40 feet into the air. The low sounding thump of these poofers can be heard for blocks attracting moths of all kinds. I also worked out a remote crane controller to trigger the poofers. I’m able to walk around the perimeter visiting with the crowd and letting them get a chance to shoot a giant fire ball. I’ve had kids approach the fire balls crying with fright, but wanting to shoot one themselves. The look on their face of achievement and delight with crocodile tears still fresh on their face is worth all the time experimenting.
You can see the perfect fuel air mix achieved (blue) at the flame front and tail of this fire ring. Note the vortex starting to form at the top. the unspent fuel still in the center of this ball will form the ring that will continue anouther 30-40 feet higher before the fuel is spent.
Here is the fire ring.
This poofer shoots and throws a very tight fireball 50 feet in the air.
We finally got the weather to cooperate enough for us to install the Fire Garden we finished a few weeks back for a family in the bay area. The back yard turned out great and has more plumbing and electrical wiring than my whole house! With 3 radiant heaters and my fire garden even on the coldest days there is a warm spot in this back yard. The Corten steel we made the box out of should patina nicely over time.
I left a one inch gap around the box to keep the cement from getting too hot and spalding. The textured steel gave the box a hand made look to contrast the square straight lines of the design.
The CBA is a wonderful organization that shares the tradition of blacksmithing. It’s not often we get to have it so close to the Bay Area. If you have interest in starting, or want to learn more this is the event for you. This group will share everything they know and teaching stations will be setup everyday of the event.
I will be there with the Snail Art Car the Golden Mean
