Forums > Help! > what is the best fuel to use for fire poi
Login/Join to ParticipateSILVER Member
member
25 posts
Location: Sunderland
member
25 posts
Location: Sunderland
Posted:
id like to find a fuel that has quite a long burning time, as ive found that parrafin just doesnt seem to last that long, all thoughts and ideas would be much appreciated thanx
id like to find a fuel that has quite a long burning time, as ive found that parrafin just doesnt seem to last that long, all thoughts and ideas would be much appreciated thanx
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Posted:
Here's a link to the HOP article on fuel
https://www.homeofpoi.com/fuel.htm
Stick to paraffin is my advice. If you want longer burn times use bigger wicks or do a search on 'towel wicks' (they hold more fuel)
Here's a link to the HOP article on fuel
https://www.homeofpoi.com/fuel.htm
Stick to paraffin is my advice. If you want longer burn times use bigger wicks or do a search on 'towel wicks' (they hold more fuel)
"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."
--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
GOLD Member
Pooh-Bah
2,109 posts
Location: Philadelphia, PA - USA
Pooh-Bah
2,109 posts
Location: Philadelphia, PA - USA
Posted:
I second what OWD says. Paraffin lasts pretty long. What wicks are you using? If you have small tube cores or something, any fuel you use will burn out quick. Try cathedrals or monkey fists for nice length.
The only fuel I know of that I think burns longer is Kerosene but its very dirty and smelly which isnt worth the trade off IMO.
I second what OWD says. Paraffin lasts pretty long. What wicks are you using? If you have small tube cores or something, any fuel you use will burn out quick. Try cathedrals or monkey fists for nice length.
The only fuel I know of that I think burns longer is Kerosene but its very dirty and smelly which isnt worth the trade off IMO.
Let's turn those old bridges we crossed into ashes.
We'll blaze a new trail,
and torch the rough patches.
-Me
Flaming Lesbian
181 posts
Location: Portland, Oregon
181 posts
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posted:
yeah, like they said. it's more to do with your wicks than your fuel really.
here's my advice for fire heads:
take a bar mop and cut it in half, twist it up real tight, sew about 3 wraps of kevlar around it, and you've got yourself a poi head that will hold insane ammounts of fuel.
i can't spin out my towel heads, they burn too long even using white gas.
using parrafin with towel heads should give you very long burns
yeah, like they said. it's more to do with your wicks than your fuel really.
here's my advice for fire heads:
take a bar mop and cut it in half, twist it up real tight, sew about 3 wraps of kevlar around it, and you've got yourself a poi head that will hold insane ammounts of fuel.
i can't spin out my towel heads, they burn too long even using white gas.
using parrafin with towel heads should give you very long burns
Lights dancing off my skin as chains wrap round it.
Pain is in a little box and I'm so glad I found it.
GOLD Member
Pooh-Bah
2,109 posts
Location: Philadelphia, PA - USA
Pooh-Bah
2,109 posts
Location: Philadelphia, PA - USA
Posted:
Very VERY long burns
We're talkin a good 15 mins or so depending on how big they are.
My first wicks were made of towel...Bout 4 inches tall and bout 3 inches in diameter. By the end of my first burn (first burn ever) I was begging for them to go out
Very VERY long burns
We're talkin a good 15 mins or so depending on how big they are.
My first wicks were made of towel...Bout 4 inches tall and bout 3 inches in diameter. By the end of my first burn (first burn ever) I was begging for them to go out
Let's turn those old bridges we crossed into ashes.
We'll blaze a new trail,
and torch the rough patches.
-Me
SILVER Member
member
25 posts
Location: Sunderland
member
25 posts
Location: Sunderland
Posted:
thanx guys youve been really helpful, i shall take that info on board and give it a try and will let ya know how it goes
thanx guys youve been really helpful, i shall take that info on board and give it a try and will let ya know how it goes
SILVER Member
Your Face!
1,173 posts
Location: el paso, tx, USA
Your Face!
1,173 posts
Location: el paso, tx, USA
Posted:
Quote:LMAO!
My first wicks were made of towel...Bout 4 inches tall and bout 3 inches in diameter. By the end of my first burn (first burn ever) I was begging for them to go out
Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism - how passionately I hate them!
-Albert Einstein-
Peanut butter... It fills the cracks of the soul! -Paul Blart-
SILVER Member
.:*distracted by shiny things*:.
3,777 posts
Location: brizvegas, Australia
.:*distracted by shiny things*:.
3,777 posts
Location: brizvegas, Australia
Posted:
i thought paraffin and kero were the same thing??
i thought paraffin and kero were the same thing??
do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good to eat!
if at first you do succeed, try not to look too astonished!
smile! :grin: it confuses people!
GOLD Member
Pooh-Bah
2,109 posts
Location: Philadelphia, PA - USA
Pooh-Bah
2,109 posts
Location: Philadelphia, PA - USA
Posted:
::Deleted by me::
::Deleted by me::
Let's turn those old bridges we crossed into ashes.
We'll blaze a new trail,
and torch the rough patches.
-Me
SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
Bump cos HOP cant handle long URLs.
If we dont complian it wont get changed...
Bump cos HOP cant handle long URLs.
If we dont complian it wont get changed...
SILVER Member
your new best enemy
246 posts
Location: over the river, through the woods, USA
your new best enemy
246 posts
Location: over the river, through the woods, USA
Posted:
kerosene is dyed parrafin... but I was wondering... where does diesel fuel fit in? someone was telling me that diesel and kerosene were the same make up as well.
kerosene is dyed parrafin... but I was wondering... where does diesel fuel fit in? someone was telling me that diesel and kerosene were the same make up as well.
I'll get there too late if I shorten my stride, I'll get there too soon if I find me a ride, I'll never move forward if I try to hide this path that I've troden one step at a time.
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Posted:
It's more accurate to say that kerosene is paraffin- two names for the same fuel.
While kerosene is died, so is paraffin.
One of the reasons paraffin/kerosene is so toxic is because of the substances used to dye it, which tend to be quite nasty.
Apparently the purest form of paraffin is aviation fuel which has no additives.
It is possible to get pure paraffin which is the least toxic of all as it has no additives- the downside is that it's difficult to obtain and very expensive.
(I should also mention that, in different countries 'parafin' and 'kerosene' mean totaly different fuels- but, in the UK and USA paraffin=kereosene).
It's more accurate to say that kerosene is paraffin- two names for the same fuel.
While kerosene is died, so is paraffin.
One of the reasons paraffin/kerosene is so toxic is because of the substances used to dye it, which tend to be quite nasty.
Apparently the purest form of paraffin is aviation fuel which has no additives.
It is possible to get pure paraffin which is the least toxic of all as it has no additives- the downside is that it's difficult to obtain and very expensive.
(I should also mention that, in different countries 'parafin' and 'kerosene' mean totaly different fuels- but, in the UK and USA paraffin=kereosene).
"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."
--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Posted:
They're totally different.
Don't use diesel.
Stick to paraffin, it's the safest and best stuff to use.
Written by: jaero
... diesel fuel fit in? someone was telling me that diesel and kerosene were the same make up as well.
They're totally different.
Don't use diesel.
Stick to paraffin, it's the safest and best stuff to use.
"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."
--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
You could always try water...
You could always try water...
GOLD Member
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
playing the days away
7,263 posts
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingdom
Posted:
diesel
Now I'd love to see someone try to light that with a clipper.....you may aswell try and set fire to bricks or metal
diesel
Now I'd love to see someone try to light that with a clipper.....you may aswell try and set fire to bricks or metal Let's relight this forum 
GOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Posted:
If you are confused as to the name of a fuel in different countries you might like to look HERE . If you want material safety data sheets (MDSD) try HERE It doesn't help you with knowing burn times so sorry its a bit off topic but you might find the info useful for other reasons
If you are confused as to the name of a fuel in different countries you might like to look HERE . If you want material safety data sheets (MDSD) try HERE It doesn't help you with knowing burn times so sorry its a bit off topic but you might find the info useful for other reasons
Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!
Member
3 posts
Location: brisbane queensland australia
3 posts
Location: brisbane queensland australia
Posted:
Written by: Apparently the purest form of paraffin is aviation fuel which has no additives.[/quote
av gas has a higer octaine level and when i used it, its seemed to burn hotter and louder when twirling, but if you have eva seen what happens when this stuff gos up by mistake.......stick to pariffin or be very careful (it is fun but, to try driffent types of fuel)
make the bad man stop
BRONZE Member
Born on a green light daddy-o!!!
126 posts
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Born on a green light daddy-o!!!
126 posts
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Posted:
I was reading this subject b/c i just got my fire poi yesterday and was wondering what fuel to use, it seems pariffin is the fuel of choice, I was wondering where would i get it? Also I was wondering do I just submerge the wick in the fuel for a second or long enough till I think it is fully saturated? Oh and one more question:) Once they go out and I'm ready to put them up is there anything I can do to make them last longer like how to wrap the wick up or anything? Thanks a bunch guys:)
I was reading this subject b/c i just got my fire poi yesterday and was wondering what fuel to use, it seems pariffin is the fuel of choice, I was wondering where would i get it? Also I was wondering do I just submerge the wick in the fuel for a second or long enough till I think it is fully saturated? Oh and one more question:) Once they go out and I'm ready to put them up is there anything I can do to make them last longer like how to wrap the wick up or anything? Thanks a bunch guys:)
When you're already walking on thin ice...why not dance?
GOLD Member
Member
48 posts
Location: Canada
Member
48 posts
Location: Canada
Posted:
This is true, I was told the exact same thing, and I've purchased 18L bottles of the stuff it's labled "Kerosene" but it's really just high grade diesel fuel.
https://zenstoves.net/Fuels.htm
(read about the kerosen, yes it's also called paraffin, not to be confused with paraffin wax)
Written by: jaero
someone was telling me that diesel and kerosene were the same make up as well.
This is true, I was told the exact same thing, and I've purchased 18L bottles of the stuff it's labled "Kerosene" but it's really just high grade diesel fuel.
https://zenstoves.net/Fuels.htm
(read about the kerosen, yes it's also called paraffin, not to be confused with paraffin wax)
SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
"long enough till I think it is fully saturated"
Is the right answer.
"long enough till I think it is fully saturated"
Is the right answer.
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
And once your wick is fully saturated, it will then be necessary to 'spin off' some so that you don't get little drops of flaming fuel flying about when you first light up. Most people do this by spinning for a few seconds unlit first, then light up. This has the effect of sending little drops of fuel around anyway, onto other people, the grass, cameras etc. They aren't as scary or dangerous as lit sparks, but in the long run will hurt the grass, etc
The nicest thing is to make some spin off or shake off jars as described here by the lovely Nick Woolsey.
Enjoy!
And once your wick is fully saturated, it will then be necessary to 'spin off' some so that you don't get little drops of flaming fuel flying about when you first light up. Most people do this by spinning for a few seconds unlit first, then light up. This has the effect of sending little drops of fuel around anyway, onto other people, the grass, cameras etc. They aren't as scary or dangerous as lit sparks, but in the long run will hurt the grass, etc
The nicest thing is to make some spin off or shake off jars as described here by the lovely Nick Woolsey.
Enjoy!
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
GOLD Member
sneaky little kitty
251 posts
Location: Missouri, USA
sneaky little kitty
251 posts
Location: Missouri, USA
Posted:
pesonally, i use a mixture of Coleman fuel (white fuel) and paraffin (lamp oil) about 1\2 and 1\2. i get burn times between 5-10 minutes. you can get both at sporting goods stores. as far as soak times, i have left them in for up to 10 minutes and as little as 1. doesn't seem to make much difference.
pesonally, i use a mixture of Coleman fuel (white fuel) and paraffin (lamp oil) about 1\2 and 1\2. i get burn times between 5-10 minutes. you can get both at sporting goods stores. as far as soak times, i have left them in for up to 10 minutes and as little as 1. doesn't seem to make much difference.
you want the truth? you can't handle the truth!
mmmmm...cheesecake
SILVER Member
member
37 posts
Location: Norwich, UK
member
37 posts
Location: Norwich, UK
Posted:
I leave my poi soaking in parrafin. Makes them last a lot longer than just dipping them in the fuel.
I leave my poi soaking in parrafin. Makes them last a lot longer than just dipping them in the fuel.
The world is a park. Go play in it. x x x
SILVER Member
Dirty Hippie
347 posts
Location: Norwich Norfolk, United Kingdom
Dirty Hippie
347 posts
Location: Norwich Norfolk, United Kingdom
Posted:
hmm, i think its parrafin that i use, me n my friend syphoned it out of the central heating fuel tank into a bucket and let to poi soak, it lasted for about 10 mins, but then you can always just dunk them back into the fuel.
hmm, i think its parrafin that i use, me n my friend syphoned it out of the central heating fuel tank into a bucket
and let to poi soak, it lasted for about 10 mins, but then you can always just dunk them back into the fuel. for every minute angry, you loose 60 seconds of happiness
Carpal \'Tunnel
7,193 posts
Location: in the trees
7,193 posts
Location: in the trees
Posted:
isn't that a bit dodgey?
Written by: Theo_
you can always just dunk them back into the fuel.
isn't that a bit dodgey? GOLD Member
sneaky little kitty
251 posts
Location: Missouri, USA
sneaky little kitty
251 posts
Location: Missouri, USA
Posted:
no, you can put them back in as soon as they go out. actually i think it is supposed to preserve the wick if you keep them in the fuel.
no, you can put them back in as soon as they go out. actually i think it is supposed to preserve the wick if you keep them in the fuel.
you want the truth? you can't handle the truth!
mmmmm...cheesecake
newbie
2 posts
2 posts
Posted:
be careful what you are throwing back into fuel.
hot heads are 'ok' in kerosene. i don't use white gas when im spinning cos i don't like how explosive it is. and i hate that sizzle it makes even with my torches for eating. ( althogh the smoke in the jar is cool)
you should use fuel that you know exactly what it is, and
i always wait a moment for my toys to cool before redipping.
i read somewhere that just the fumes from a litre of kero would explode like a stick of dinomite!
also its pretty toxic. it will get into your blood stream through your skin and damage your liver and kidneys.
be careful what you are throwing back into fuel.
hot heads are 'ok' in kerosene. i don't use white gas when im spinning cos i don't like how explosive it is. and i hate that sizzle it makes even with my torches for eating. ( althogh the smoke in the jar is cool)
you should use fuel that you know exactly what it is, and
i always wait a moment for my toys to cool before redipping.
i read somewhere that just the fumes from a litre of kero would explode like a stick of dinomite!
also its pretty toxic. it will get into your blood stream through your skin and damage your liver and kidneys.
newbie
4 posts
4 posts
Posted:
How does citronella go compared to other fuels? I've only used citronella for the past few years, but I find i don't get enough burn time. (I use staff, but I was directed here) Is it still necessary rto saok for a minute or so when using staff? I have kevlar wick 5cm wide, maybe 2cm thick on each side
How does citronella go compared to other fuels? I've only used citronella for the past few years, but I find i don't get enough burn time. (I use staff, but I was directed here) Is it still necessary rto saok for a minute or so when using staff? I have kevlar wick 5cm wide, maybe 2cm thick on each side
GOLD Member
Pooh-Bah
2,109 posts
Location: Philadelphia, PA - USA
Pooh-Bah
2,109 posts
Location: Philadelphia, PA - USA
Posted:
Citronella is about the same as regular lamp oil. If you want the longest burn out of your fuel, Ultra Pure Lamp Oil is the stuff. Please disregard my earlier posts saying kerosene burns longest. Kero actually burns for less time than regular lamp oil and regular burns for less time than ultra pure.
White gas < Kero < Lamp Oil < Ultra Pure
Citro is kinda pointless to use. Its dirty and smelly... Though, I suppose its a little better than kero... But I tend to stick with white gas, lamp oil, or ultra pure depending on what Im doing and where Im doing it.
Citronella is about the same as regular lamp oil. If you want the longest burn out of your fuel, Ultra Pure Lamp Oil is the stuff. Please disregard my earlier posts saying kerosene burns longest. Kero actually burns for less time than regular lamp oil and regular burns for less time than ultra pure.
White gas < Kero < Lamp Oil < Ultra Pure
Citro is kinda pointless to use. Its dirty and smelly... Though, I suppose its a little better than kero... But I tend to stick with white gas, lamp oil, or ultra pure depending on what Im doing and where Im doing it.
Let's turn those old bridges we crossed into ashes.
We'll blaze a new trail,
and torch the rough patches.
-Me
BRONZE Member
stranger
18 posts
Location: USA
stranger
18 posts
Location: USA
Posted:
I jus got my own poi set so im not to experienced with different fuels but i used a half and half mixture of ultra pure lamp oil and kero with had a really long burn time.... I waz spinning for a good 5 or 6 minutes and they were still burning strong...... It burns with a kool bright orange flame too......
I jus got my own poi set so im not to experienced with different fuels but i used a half and half mixture of ultra pure lamp oil and kero with had a really long burn time.... I waz spinning for a good 5 or 6 minutes and they were still burning strong...... It burns with a kool bright orange flame too......
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,895 posts
Location: Cambridge UK
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,895 posts
Location: Cambridge UK
Posted:
*bump*
mainly because I was looking for this rather useful webpage for anyone interested in spin-off buckets
actually, I was looking for the video but it seems its no longer about.
credit to Nick Woolsey
*bump*
mainly because I was looking for this rather useful webpage for anyone interested in spin-off buckets
actually, I was looking for the video but it seems its no longer about.
credit to Nick Woolsey
Because ActiveAngel sounds like a feminine deodorant
Like sex, I'm much more interesting in real life than online.
'Be the change you want to see in the world around you' - Ghandi
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