Fire torches ended as a practical means of lighting with the advent of electricity and became obsolete long before the invention of the oil lamp. But today, fire torches can still be used as a fun way to add atmosphere to an outdoor event. Jugglers, fire dances and acrobats can also use them as flashy props during performances. You can make safe fire torches easily with just a few household items, provided you are aware of the safety considerations involved.
Features
Contemporary fire torches are best made out of aluminum, which transfers heat readily and yet won't burn the way wood can. Hollow aluminum pipes wrapped with kevlar wicking make an excellent basis for fire torches. They are well balanced and can be handled easily. Rubber sheaths and stoppers will help the performer keep a grip on the torch and the kevlar can be set alight simply by soaking it in an appropriate type of fuel.
Considerations
To make a fire torch, start with a 15-inch length of aluminum piping about 1.5 millimeters thick. Drill two holes into the piping on one side: the first should be 1 inch from the base and the second should be 1 inch above the first. They should be wide enough to comfortably fit a 1-inch button-head screw. Place glue around the inside of the pipe where you have drilled the holes and slide a 2-inch long wooden dowel into it. The dowel should be slightly less thick that the pipe--just enough to fit comfortably inside. Let the glue dry thoroughly, and then tape a 5-inch wide length of kevlar wicking to the pipe directly above the holes. Paper tape is usually best for this. Wrap it around the pipe and tape it into place. Drill holes through the kevlar, corresponding to the holes you have drilled in the pipe and secure the kevlar in place by sliding a pair of button-head screws into the holes (you can remove the topmost piece of tape when you're done as the tape on the bottom will burn off). Seal the top of the torch using a fire resistant sealant, and then place a rubber sheath or stopper on the other side of the pipe to use as a handle. Dip the kevlar in kerosene or other appropriate fuel and the torch is ready.
Function
Fire torches are often used in juggling for a spectacular effect. In essence, the method of juggling torches differs little from that of juggling pins: the juggler spins the pins and the torches in the air the same way and then catches the handles on both in the same manner. The first adds an element of danger to the mix, but for experienced jugglers, there is little threat of grabbing the burning end. Fire torches are also used in fire spinning and fire dancing performances that originated in Polynesia and in fire-eating displays associated with carnival sideshows. They maintain their own methods of fire safety, but like jugglers, it usually consists of learning handle the unlit torch before setting it alight.
Expert Insight
Fuel for fire torches is dependent upon the individual performer and a certain amount of experimentation is inevitable. For indoor performances, camping fuel or white gas is recommended. It burns very clean, without a lot of smoke and while it burns out more quickly, it is often much safer. Outdoor performances can rely on longer burning fuels such as kerosene, lamp oil, or (likely) some combination of the two. Kerosene tends to give off a lot of smoke, but it burns for a long time, which makes it good for extended performance. Lamp oil is less smoky, but has more of a tendency to splatter. Mixing them can produce an ideal balance between clean burns and lack of smoke or splatter.
Warning
Though proper training renders fire torches extremely safe, they can be big trouble in the hands of people who don't know what they're doing. Not only do amateurs run the risk of burning themselves, but they can set fire to nearby objects and even burn entire houses down if they aren't careful. Never use fire torches alone and always have an extinguisher ready and waiting nearby. During performances, wear tight-fitting fire-resistant clothes made of natural fibers; the less clothing you can wear, the better. Always practice with unlit fire torches until you are absolutely comfortable with using them alight and be aware of the safety other those nearby when performing with them.
