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.
I just finished this great back yard fire garden for a family in the bay area. The box is made of corten weathering steel and the rail is made of Stainless. The whole box will sit down in a stained concert box built into teariest hillside behind their home. I’ll post more pictures once it’s installed.
So many people that have hung out with the warmth and played in the sand of my wonderful Fire Gardens have asked me how they could make one of their own. Well I’ve taken the guess work out of all the fittings and sizes and put together a few kits that I use all the time in my work.
Available Kits:
FR12SLP 12″ steel fire ring with low pressure regulator
This is a great set up for 14-22″ sand gardens.
Contains:
12″ steel fire ring, weldable 1/2 coupler, 3/8″ 45 deg to 1/2 NPT fitting (to connect to the gas hose), 1/2 x 2″ brass nipple, Teflon tape, and a low pressure 1/4 FPT regulator with needle valve.
FR12SHP 12″ steel fire ring with a 0-60 psi regulator and a venturi mixer
This is a great setup for 14-22″ sand gardens, rocks, high temp glass, or other porous materials etc that need a venturi (gas air mixer) to achieve a clean soot free burn.
12″ steel fire ring, weldable 1/2 coupler, 3/8″ 45 deg to 1/2 NPT fitting (to connect to the gas hose), 2pc 1/2 x 2″ brass nipples, gas orifice (.0250), Teflon tape, and a high pressure 0-60 psi regulator.
$150.00 plus tax and shipping
Examples of Fire Gardens and Patio Heaters (Replaced the fire ring with unique burners) made with this setup
Upgrades to above kits:
18″steel fire ring $22 (good for 24-30″ sand gardens)
12″ stainless steel fire ring $60 (Stainless will last longer and the small gas hole won’t rust shut if you leave in the rain)
18″ stainless steel fire ring $90 FR18SSLP $185
In addition to these kits you will need a container that isable to handle high temperatures and be fully sealed underneath (leaks or drain holes will also allow gas out). A 55 gal drum works good. The weldable coupler provided will need to be welded though the bottom, legs added, then simply attach the fittings, ring, hose, propane BBQ tank and add sand. Sand should be 3-4″ above the ring. This is a match light system and I like those plumbing torches to light mine. Light the torch, then turn on the gas with the flame above the sand. It will take several seconds for the sand to fill with gas and rise to the top. Once lit it’s time to play in the sand with simple tools. This works best after dark when you can turn the flame down very low tell you only see a blue flame.
Fire is hot! DO NOT TOUCH the sand. It’s sticks and will burn before you can get it off. I would add a safety rail to keep young ones from falling on the hot edge and in the sand. It’s also a great place to keep your tools and rest your feet. 30″ is a great height to stand next to, and 14-18″ is great to sit around. Provide a minimum of 6″ below the coupler on the bottom for the fittings and hose. Keep your sand dry by covering in the rain.
Contact me at 510 444 7007, or email me at books@formandreform.com
Great night in the Crucible’s new space for the Fire Arts Festival! Much more room to see things and fire art I’ve never seen before. Looking forward to the rest of the week. Wonderful to see so many kids lined up to shoot fire from the eyes of the snail car. Looks like I’m going to have to set up bigger tanks for the rest of the nights just to keep up!
My newest creation are steel logs and hand forged andiron that use natural gas for fuel. The colors of flame thoughout the fire are wonderful. This is my modern take on the ceramic log. I can build this as a match light system, or add a fully automated remote system with safeties. I use ANSI certified fire pans and safety valves. These logs could also be used in one of my outdoor fire pits as well.
Someone drew this Valentines heart in the sand of one of my Fire Gardens.
I had a wonderful time eating great food, talking and watching wonderful fire and light art. I’m always so inspired by the things I see my friends make. Shows like this remind me why I live in the Bay Area.
Now in it’s 9th year this show has some of the best light and fire artist the bay area has to offer. I will be showing my fire gardens as well as some select furniture from my Form & Reform line. Weather permitting we will have the snail car on hand as well. This is a rain or shine event and I will be there regardless of the weather, with plenty of warmth from my fire gardens.
Valentine’s Day 2009
Saturday, Feb. 14th, 6-10 pm (rain or shine)
1345 S. 50th St. Richmond 94804
Kevin has been kind enough to share the floor with other artists:
Collaborative artists include
Kevin Gauna (Sunbrothers) will have a new set of single and double Long Stem Roses available, a set of Vining Sweet Pea starter plants, and last but not least, a new concept he’s dubbed the Solar Blade.
Jon Sarriugarte |fire gardens, custom forged furniture| Form & Reform
Kitty Hutton |paintings, mixed media|
Zach Wetzel |fire sculpture| South 50 Studio Dorklandia |I don’t know but I cant wait|
Dave Andres |fire sculpture, jacobs ladder|
Please join us for an evening of light and art. And don’t miss a chance to win a Long Stem Rose at the RAFFLE!!! Raffle held at 9:00 pm, tickets available at the show.
Winner must be present to win.
