Does anyone know of some resources I could read to help me learn how to make a Tiki Torch fueled by one of those small coleman propane canisters?
I have been trying to work out how to do this on my own and am failing hard!
Thanks!
Tiki Torch from Coleman Gas Canister?
Re: Tiki Torch from Coleman Gas Canister?
You know, funny thing about a propane based tiki torch ...
... there are hundreds of them out there on the Playa. Literally.
Most consider them a gateway drug to more-bigger-boom-fire.
We call them “pilot lights” for the big bad blasting flame effects.
Do tell more about what you want to achieve. Many ways to do it. Simple too.
Copper tubing, compression fittings, needle valve, stainless steel wool. = pilot light.
... there are hundreds of them out there on the Playa. Literally.
Most consider them a gateway drug to more-bigger-boom-fire.
We call them “pilot lights” for the big bad blasting flame effects.
Do tell more about what you want to achieve. Many ways to do it. Simple too.
Copper tubing, compression fittings, needle valve, stainless steel wool. = pilot light.
Re: Tiki Torch from Coleman Gas Canister?
basically.
I hurt my leg a few years ago dancing at opulent temple while wearing glow in the dark clothing and being drawn on by uv lasers (pre laser ban)
So after suffering walking around the last few years, I am building myself a glow in the dark electric tricycle.
I want to add flame effects to the trike.
I am thinking 2 poles about 7 feet long with flames on top, secured to the box that is on the back of the trike which also holds my electronics, I figure I can fit one or two of those little green coleman gas canisters in the box to power the flames and I have an adapter to refill them off a bigger 5 gallon tank so I am not using the small tanks one and tossing them.
Simple flame on a stick, with enough flame not to go out while riding, probably a 6 inch flame or so.
I hurt my leg a few years ago dancing at opulent temple while wearing glow in the dark clothing and being drawn on by uv lasers (pre laser ban)
So after suffering walking around the last few years, I am building myself a glow in the dark electric tricycle.
I want to add flame effects to the trike.
I am thinking 2 poles about 7 feet long with flames on top, secured to the box that is on the back of the trike which also holds my electronics, I figure I can fit one or two of those little green coleman gas canisters in the box to power the flames and I have an adapter to refill them off a bigger 5 gallon tank so I am not using the small tanks one and tossing them.
Simple flame on a stick, with enough flame not to go out while riding, probably a 6 inch flame or so.
Re: Tiki Torch from Coleman Gas Canister?
PS, Token, any chance gold country = nevada county ca? I am in GV.
Re: Tiki Torch from Coleman Gas Canister?
Get one of these: pencil-tip torch head
Get a pipe cutter like so:
Cut the tip off the torch head to remove the air mixing Venturi. Basically as high up as you can past the bend.
Take your cut torch head to a good neighborhood hardware store, like an Ace and find a brass compression fitting that can be inserted on the end of the torch and used to join the copper tubing.
Will look like this:
Then get matching size copper tubing.
Next pick up the matching spring tube bender so you can bend and route the copper tube - Warning: Cu tubing will kink and ruin if bent free hand without the springs.
And finally get allot of Coarse Steel Wool. Stainless is preferred as it lasts longer but either way it will be a consumable item of combustion. Bring plenty.
That’s the parts list.
Get a pipe cutter like so:
Cut the tip off the torch head to remove the air mixing Venturi. Basically as high up as you can past the bend.
Take your cut torch head to a good neighborhood hardware store, like an Ace and find a brass compression fitting that can be inserted on the end of the torch and used to join the copper tubing.
Will look like this:
Then get matching size copper tubing.
Next pick up the matching spring tube bender so you can bend and route the copper tube - Warning: Cu tubing will kink and ruin if bent free hand without the springs.
And finally get allot of Coarse Steel Wool. Stainless is preferred as it lasts longer but either way it will be a consumable item of combustion. Bring plenty.
That’s the parts list.
Re: Tiki Torch from Coleman Gas Canister?
Ok, I've got everything on that list here. What next? I'm working something here...make a halo and poke what size holes and at what density?
Sooner or later, it will get real strange...
11th Principle: Depussyfication - Keeping Burning Man potentially lethal. Token
11th Principle: Depussyfication - Keeping Burning Man potentially lethal. Token
Re: Tiki Torch from Coleman Gas Canister?
Damn, this is popular ...
I'll do a quicky theory here cuz I gotta run to town.
Compression seal the end of the tube where the fire goes. Do it justice - use a crimpper or a mechanical/hydraulic press. No leaking allowed.
Next find an old 2' length of drain pipe, like 2" - 2.5" diameter or similar. Wind the fire end of the tubing into a helix ~ 1" distance on the spacing. Should look like a stretched out spring. This is the "careful not to kink" spot.
Then drill a tiny hole, 1/16 - 3/16 diameter so that each ring of the helix has a hole pointing to the center of the helix. Alternate sides.
Stuff helix with steel wool, tie it with some wire so it don't fall out.
Get your plumbers spark gizmo, open the needle valve slowly, and get to sparking till it lights. Adjust to taste.
You can go back and fiddle with number of holes/diameter etc.
Theory:
The helix with gas going into the center serves both for gas concentration, holding the wool, letting the wool diffuse the gas and mix with air, and provides a shield for wind.
Known on Playa as the Pig-Tail Pilot.
Cheap, simple, reliable when dialed in. May be a bit finicky to get a needle valve to be precise but the price cant be beat.
Scales well if you add a proper regulator and use a torch with rubber hoses for the 5 gallon tank.
I'll do a quicky theory here cuz I gotta run to town.
Compression seal the end of the tube where the fire goes. Do it justice - use a crimpper or a mechanical/hydraulic press. No leaking allowed.
Next find an old 2' length of drain pipe, like 2" - 2.5" diameter or similar. Wind the fire end of the tubing into a helix ~ 1" distance on the spacing. Should look like a stretched out spring. This is the "careful not to kink" spot.
Then drill a tiny hole, 1/16 - 3/16 diameter so that each ring of the helix has a hole pointing to the center of the helix. Alternate sides.
Stuff helix with steel wool, tie it with some wire so it don't fall out.
Get your plumbers spark gizmo, open the needle valve slowly, and get to sparking till it lights. Adjust to taste.
You can go back and fiddle with number of holes/diameter etc.
Theory:
The helix with gas going into the center serves both for gas concentration, holding the wool, letting the wool diffuse the gas and mix with air, and provides a shield for wind.
Known on Playa as the Pig-Tail Pilot.
Cheap, simple, reliable when dialed in. May be a bit finicky to get a needle valve to be precise but the price cant be beat.
Scales well if you add a proper regulator and use a torch with rubber hoses for the 5 gallon tank.
Re: Tiki Torch from Coleman Gas Canister?
Thanks for all the info token!
I will be trying toake this work tomorrow or the next day. Today is lost to an art car work day!
I do appreciate the help. Mind checking back Thursday? Cause I am sure I will be lost and have no hair on my left arm by then.
PS. Calaveras County is nice, I was hoping it was the other part of gold County though heh.
I will be trying toake this work tomorrow or the next day. Today is lost to an art car work day!
I do appreciate the help. Mind checking back Thursday? Cause I am sure I will be lost and have no hair on my left arm by then.
PS. Calaveras County is nice, I was hoping it was the other part of gold County though heh.
Re: Tiki Torch from Coleman Gas Canister?
I will be in El Dorado Hills on Friday working on a motor bike.
Kind of half way point.
Also have a gift certificate to Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden up there in your town, so can work something out.
It should be rather straightforward. I might take some pics and upload.
Re: Tiki Torch from Coleman Gas Canister?
Update:
Oliver at the ace farm supply shop in Grass Valley knows his copper tubing and helped me get all the parts for this .
Thank you for all the advice. I have everything I need, now to do one final coat of glow in the dark pain on my bike and then I will start assembly. Thanks KS to your advice and adding in What I learned from Oliver I should be good to go.
Will post pictures when done with the project
Oliver at the ace farm supply shop in Grass Valley knows his copper tubing and helped me get all the parts for this .
Thank you for all the advice. I have everything I need, now to do one final coat of glow in the dark pain on my bike and then I will start assembly. Thanks KS to your advice and adding in What I learned from Oliver I should be good to go.
Will post pictures when done with the project
Re: Tiki Torch from Coleman Gas Canister?
+1 on hitting an Ace in ranch country. By far best hardware stores with folks who know their stuff. Always helpful no matter how “strange” the request.