Forums > Beginner Staff Moves > How do you wick your stick?
Login/Join to ParticipateGOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,617 posts
Location: Berlin, Ireland
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,617 posts
Location: Berlin, Ireland
Posted:
I'm thinking about re-wicking my 4 footers or maybe just building new 5 footers. I want LOTS of fire though.
Obviously this takes a lot of wick so trying to figure out how I'm going to do it. At the moment I'm thinking 2 sets of 2 feet of 4 inch wick, side by side on each side (8 inches of wick on each side, 2 feet long).
I wonder would 2 feet give me a decent enough burn time? 8 inches still doesn't seem that big when I look at it though
Bluecat, how's those sticks you use on O'Minero that have fire down the length wicked and how do they work?
As you all know wick is expensive so anybody's ideas or comments on what wick you have and how you find it would be gladly recieved.
James
I'm thinking about re-wicking my 4 footers or maybe just building new 5 footers. I want LOTS of fire though.
Obviously this takes a lot of wick so trying to figure out how I'm going to do it. At the moment I'm thinking 2 sets of 2 feet of 4 inch wick, side by side on each side (8 inches of wick on each side, 2 feet long).
I wonder would 2 feet give me a decent enough burn time? 8 inches still doesn't seem that big when I look at it though
Bluecat, how's those sticks you use on O'Minero that have fire down the length wicked and how do they work?
As you all know wick is expensive so anybody's ideas or comments on what wick you have and how you find it would be gladly recieved.
James
I live in a world of infinite possibilities.
PLATINUM Member
Flying Water Muppet
5,276 posts
Location: Edin-borrow., United Kingdom
Flying Water Muppet
5,276 posts
Location: Edin-borrow., United Kingdom
Posted:
Nah... Why do things by halfs? Get a 6 metres of 6cm wick and do two 1.5m long wicks at each end. Phat wicks is what you want... I think also if you could find 8cm wide kevlar it would be better, as well, you wouldn't have the gap... Or three lots of 4cm would do too...
And when you're attaching them I think it helps to wrap masking tape around the wicks before you start screwing in screws/bolts. It keeps the wick in place, and it makes the whole screwing process easier. (and it comes off at the end too! It's only masking tape.)
fire scares me.
Nah... Why do things by halfs? Get a 6 metres of 6cm wick and do two 1.5m long wicks at each end. Phat wicks is what you want... I think also if you could find 8cm wide kevlar it would be better, as well, you wouldn't have the gap... Or three lots of 4cm would do too...
And when you're attaching them I think it helps to wrap masking tape around the wicks before you start screwing in screws/bolts. It keeps the wick in place, and it makes the whole screwing process easier. (and it comes off at the end too! It's only masking tape.)
fire scares me.
"the now legendary" - Kaskade
"the still legendary" - Kaskade
I spunked in my friend's aquarium and the fish ate it. I love all fish. Especially the pink ones. They are my bitches. - Anon.
SILVER Member
That guy from Reno
556 posts
Location: Reno, Nevada USA
That guy from Reno
556 posts
Location: Reno, Nevada USA
Posted:
There is a staff version of the Canon balls.
I'll have to post a picture. Extreme amount of flame for the amount of wicking you use. When you wrap wicking over itself to bulk up the wick head, the covered wicking just becomes a sponge for fuel. It's not exposed to fire and as much heat. Use something else to bulk up the head then cover it with the expensive kevlar. There is pictures of the Canon balls in my gallery. Hopefully they'll give you some ideas. 
There is a staff version of the Canon balls.
I'll have to post a picture. Extreme amount of flame for the amount of wicking you use. When you wrap wicking over itself to bulk up the wick head, the covered wicking just becomes a sponge for fuel. It's not exposed to fire and as much heat. Use something else to bulk up the head then cover it with the expensive kevlar. There is pictures of the Canon balls in my gallery. Hopefully they'll give you some ideas. Cody Canon
Controlled Burn, Reno Nevada
SILVER Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,533 posts
Location: Hampshire College, MA, USA
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,533 posts
Location: Hampshire College, MA, USA
Posted:
i'm currently makeing a staff, and i was wondering how much kevlar i need to buy for a good, reasonable sized wick. any suggestions?
i'm currently makeing a staff, and i was wondering how much kevlar i need to buy for a good, reasonable sized wick. any suggestions?
-James
"How do you know if you're happy or sad without a mask? Or angry? Or ready for dessert?"
stranger
7 posts
Location: Sydney
7 posts
Location: Sydney
Posted:
I have 8 inches of wick on each end of my stick, which is about 4-5 feet total length.
Its hot and scary enough with 8 inches I would not recommend going any more unless you have a very long stick. 8 inches is practically too much as it is, if im not twirling it, it gets burny handy.
It burns for a long time, more than enough to get me tired, and does not go out easily, which is great if you want to go fast.
The sound is very impressive as well.
I have 8 inches of wick on each end of my stick, which is about 4-5 feet total length.
Its hot and scary enough with 8 inches I would not recommend going any more unless you have a very long stick. 8 inches is practically too much as it is, if im not twirling it, it gets burny handy.
It burns for a long time, more than enough to get me tired, and does not go out easily, which is great if you want to go fast.
The sound is very impressive as well.
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
6,207 posts
Location: "In your ear", United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
6,207 posts
Location: "In your ear", United Kingdom
Posted:
i use on my staffs that i sell... 50cm of 4 inch wick on easch end as a base
this gives a really good visual burn time, as as the tick is wrapped tightly the fule can not escape as eaily as with a lose wick, meaning teh fire draws it out better and thus a better burn
if you wish to extend you wicks then butt up next to it the desired length
i would start with adding maybe about 2inches to your 4, or if you wish add 4 to four right up next to it
this will give you a differnet style flame size, and a larger flame at burn off, but more wick means more fire, so be carefull, you dont wnat to have so much wick the staff is unusable due to teh lames lick up the staff and burn your hands, and also yuo dont wnat it to produce so many fumes that it makes you ill
the most i have had on a staff os 16 inches, and taht hurt!
the flames rose up teh staff and burn my hands so that they tingled it was not very nice, shorty afater the staff was killed and teh wick used on different toys!
if you can have a look at other peoples stcisk around you at your next meet, you might find a 6inch flame is teh right way to go for you
strugz has a 6inch wick after he saw mine a while back, and taht what i like, although at the mo im using 4 inch wicks ill be going back to 6 when i make my new toys
enjoy
i use on my staffs that i sell... 50cm of 4 inch wick on easch end as a base
this gives a really good visual burn time, as as the tick is wrapped tightly the fule can not escape as eaily as with a lose wick, meaning teh fire draws it out better and thus a better burn
if you wish to extend you wicks then butt up next to it the desired length
i would start with adding maybe about 2inches to your 4, or if you wish add 4 to four right up next to it
this will give you a differnet style flame size, and a larger flame at burn off, but more wick means more fire, so be carefull, you dont wnat to have so much wick the staff is unusable due to teh lames lick up the staff and burn your hands, and also yuo dont wnat it to produce so many fumes that it makes you ill
the most i have had on a staff os 16 inches, and taht hurt!
the flames rose up teh staff and burn my hands so that they tingled it was not very nice, shorty afater the staff was killed and teh wick used on different toys!
if you can have a look at other peoples stcisk around you at your next meet, you might find a 6inch flame is teh right way to go for you
strugz has a 6inch wick after he saw mine a while back, and taht what i like, although at the mo im using 4 inch wicks ill be going back to 6 when i make my new toys
enjoy
Step (el-nombrie)
GOLD Member
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Posted:
I was think about wrapping the wicking down the staff until it was as long as i needed it to be and then adding layers as required.
my question would be whats the minimum number of layers you can get away with.
right now i have 6 2ft lengths of 4inch whid wick just waiting to be gobbled yup by a fire monster.
I was think about wrapping the wicking down the staff until it was as long as i needed it to be and then adding layers as required.
my question would be whats the minimum number of layers you can get away with.
right now i have 6 2ft lengths of 4inch whid wick just waiting to be gobbled yup by a fire monster.
Love is the law.
GOLD Member
member
53 posts
Location: Washington D.C.
member
53 posts
Location: Washington D.C.
Posted:
I just burned with my double wicks......it was great. A lot of fire. best time of my life. :Smile:
I just burned with my double wicks......it was great. A lot of fire. best time of my life. :Smile:
And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze? Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war
for a lead role in a cage?
--Pink Floyd
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Another way of wicking a stick for lots of fire surface are using kevlar rope.
Cut out a groove across the top of the staff, lay the rope in it and then twist away. It should look like one of those twister lollies when done but it dont arf get hot!
The end is finished with a screw and washer to hold in place (part timber core)
Burn time is about 6-7mins and its surprising the fuel they hold - this was with 1/4inch rope.
Scroll down a little but - my stix
I made them ages ago and the pix are not great nut they will give you an idea of what im going on about............
Have fun
Another way of wicking a stick for lots of fire surface are using kevlar rope.
Cut out a groove across the top of the staff, lay the rope in it and then twist away. It should look like one of those twister lollies when done but it dont arf get hot!
The end is finished with a screw and washer to hold in place (part timber core)
Burn time is about 6-7mins and its surprising the fuel they hold - this was with 1/4inch rope.
Scroll down a little but - my stix
I made them ages ago and the pix are not great nut they will give you an idea of what im going on about............
Have fun
"...We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing......."
GOLD Member
old hand
834 posts
Location: Wellington somerset, UK
old hand
834 posts
Location: Wellington somerset, UK
Posted:
strugz.......could i get you to make me some sticks if i give you some cash? as i want a pair that are not bendy like mine
strugz.......could i get you to make me some sticks if i give you some cash? as i want a pair that are not bendy like mine
Drawings by chalk minds, strech between the stars
Kyle Mclean-
Contact without dance is like sex without wiggling.
A) it does feel as good
B) it does not look as good on film
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Check pmz 2moz, got to go work now
but yeh
EDITED_BY: strugz (1112874754)
Check pmz 2moz, got to go work now
but yeh
EDITED_BY: strugz (1112874754)
"...We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing......."
GOLD Member
old hand
834 posts
Location: Wellington somerset, UK
old hand
834 posts
Location: Wellington somerset, UK
Posted:
thank you
thank you
Drawings by chalk minds, strech between the stars
Kyle Mclean-
Contact without dance is like sex without wiggling.
A) it does feel as good
B) it does not look as good on film
SILVER Member
member
43 posts
Location: Helensburgh, Australia
member
43 posts
Location: Helensburgh, Australia
Posted:
how do u get the wicks to stick to the staff ???
how do u get the wicks to stick to the staff ???
Horsepower is how fast u hit a tree. Tourqe is how far the tree goes with u
stranger
19 posts
Location: nz
19 posts
Location: nz
Posted:
u can u wire
drill a hole threw the staff wrap the kevla around
push wire through then twist it
it gets hot if u dont drill same holes further down the staff
have any 1 tried different hole sizes 4 different harmonics ??
u can u wire
drill a hole threw the staff wrap the kevla around
push wire through then twist it
it gets hot if u dont drill same holes further down the staff
have any 1 tried different hole sizes 4 different harmonics ??
ignorance is bliss but knowledge is power
SILVER Member
member
43 posts
Location: Helensburgh, Australia
member
43 posts
Location: Helensburgh, Australia
Posted:
with towel wicks y do people say to cover in in PVA glues wats does PVA glue do ???
with towel wicks y do people say to cover in in PVA glues wats does PVA glue do ???
Horsepower is how fast u hit a tree. Tourqe is how far the tree goes with u
newbie
9 posts
Location: Brisbane, QLD
9 posts
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Posted:
I'm really lazy. When I run out of whick, I just buy a new staff.
I'm really lazy. When I run out of whick, I just buy a new staff.
Love,
- Eric
GOLD Member
co-director of A.C.B.I.S.H.A.
761 posts
Location: in the corner beside the filing cabinets, 2nd floo...
co-director of A.C.B.I.S.H.A.
761 posts
Location: in the corner beside the filing cabinets, 2nd floo...
Posted:
a quick wuesion , should the wick be rolled tight on the staff, or a little looser , or realy loose.. i thought that a little loose would be best, cos then the fuel can get into the middle that bit easier.. any advice/ suggestions out there?
a quick wuesion , should the wick be rolled tight on the staff, or a little looser , or realy loose.. i thought that a little loose would be best, cos then the fuel can get into the middle that bit easier.. any advice/ suggestions out there?
There's no place like 127.0.0.1, There's no place like 127.0.0.1, There's no place like 127.0.0.1,
"in most of our friends we're the hippies. but we have hippie friends of our own.. its like a dog having its own pet" - H. Sinoquet 19-03-2005
GOLD Member
Clique Infiltrator, Cunning Linguist and Master Debator
4,219 posts
Location: Edinburgh burgh burrrrrr, United Kingdom
Clique Infiltrator, Cunning Linguist and Master Debator
4,219 posts
Location: Edinburgh burgh burrrrrr, United Kingdom
Posted:
PVA glue gets harder and harder when it burns and stops the edges from fraying - so I'm told
Written by: razza
with towel wicks y do people say to cover in in PVA glues wats does PVA glue do ???
PVA glue gets harder and harder when it burns and stops the edges from fraying - so I'm told
Always use "so's your face" and "only on Tuesdays" in as many conversations possible
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,617 posts
Location: Berlin, Ireland
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,617 posts
Location: Berlin, Ireland
Posted:
I thought looser, meant a faster brighter burn, with more air, better burn offs etc.
Ben told me tighter is better and I am converted at the moment. Burn offs are still fine, burns longer and plenty bright.
I think tighter'll have the wicks last longer tooo....
I thought looser, meant a faster brighter burn, with more air, better burn offs etc.
Ben told me tighter is better and I am converted at the moment. Burn offs are still fine, burns longer and plenty bright.
I think tighter'll have the wicks last longer tooo....
I live in a world of infinite possibilities.
BRONZE Member
Still wiggling
5,967 posts
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Still wiggling
5,967 posts
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Posted:
Yep... wicks last longer if they are tighter (I've found)... not too tight though, cos then the fuel doesn't get into it properly.
Yep... wicks last longer if they are tighter (I've found)... not too tight though, cos then the fuel doesn't get into it properly.
Getting to the other side 
GOLD Member
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Posted:
I like em tight..
I like em tight..
Love is the law.
addict
663 posts
Location: Glasgow
663 posts
Location: Glasgow
Posted:
I always fray one of the corners at the end of the wick so that they are easier to light.
I always fray one of the corners at the end of the wick so that they are easier to light.
Have faith in what you can do and respect for what you can't
enthusiast
220 posts
Location: The village of Edinburgh
220 posts
Location: The village of Edinburgh
Posted:
Give them a couple of weeks and they'll get there on their own I usually dip the ends in glue to stop them fraying so quickly and thus greatly lengthening the life of the stick.
When you are wicking them pull a few strands out of the cut edge and let them stick out. This gives you an easy to light end without having to kick start the fraying process.
Written by: OvertlyFlirtatiousSpork
I always fray one of the corners at the end of the wick so that they are easier to light.
Give them a couple of weeks and they'll get there on their own
I usually dip the ends in glue to stop them fraying so quickly and thus greatly lengthening the life of the stick. When you are wicking them pull a few strands out of the cut edge and let them stick out. This gives you an easy to light end without having to kick start the fraying process.
The insults of your enemy are a tribute to your bravery
BRONZE Member
member
154 posts
Location: Cornwall, United Kingdom
member
154 posts
Location: Cornwall, United Kingdom
Posted:
i've started gaffa taping my wicks when not on fire, saves wear when they hit the floor and makes them nice and fluffy and easy to light when you remove it, and you can have them ready soaked underneath, ready to burn.
i've started gaffa taping my wicks when not on fire, saves wear when they hit the floor and makes them nice and fluffy and easy to light when you remove it, and you can have them ready soaked underneath, ready to burn.
newbie
10 posts
Location: Melbourne, VIC
10 posts
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Posted:
ok... so i plan on re-wicking (if that's a word) my current staff. it's got 2" wicks atmn but i wanna out 4" ones on it.
How should i go about it? what materials do i need and how do i attach it? A friend told me the kevlar (obviously) and the screws which i think i already have from my staff at the moment, but HOW?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated:)
ok... so i plan on re-wicking (if that's a word) my current staff. it's got 2" wicks atmn but i wanna out 4" ones on it.
How should i go about it? what materials do i need and how do i attach it? A friend told me the kevlar (obviously) and the screws which i think i already have from my staff at the moment, but HOW?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated:)
SILVER Member
Elusive and Bearded
3,597 posts
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Elusive and Bearded
3,597 posts
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Posted:
1. Remove old wicking.
2. Use masking tape to secure one end of the new wicking to the shaft. This is best done by starting the masking tape on the shaft, wraping it around so it overlaps, then sticking it to the wicking, about 3 or 4 inches onto the wicking is best.
3. Best if this can be done in a vice, but start to wrap the wicking around and around, pulling it TIGHT (see why the vise is useful?). I will usually wrap once then PULL, wrap around again and PULL, rinse and repeat.
4. Once you get towards the end of your new wicking i like to fold it back under itself. This is useful because you can adjust where the wicking ends and makes the little flap hanging over double thick.
5. Pull folded end into place (tightly) and wrap more masking tape around the wick to hold it. I like to wrap it all the way around the wick.
6. Drill a hole STRAIGHT down through the Kevlar and tubing using a drill bit that is slightly smaller then your screws, you should be able to feel the bit either hit and old hole or stop for a second while drilling a new hole in the metal.
7. Screw in the screws, i reccomend using washers as well. With 4 inch wicks i will usually only use 2 screws.
8. Flip your stick and refer to #1.
1. Remove old wicking.
2. Use masking tape to secure one end of the new wicking to the shaft. This is best done by starting the masking tape on the shaft, wraping it around so it overlaps, then sticking it to the wicking, about 3 or 4 inches onto the wicking is best.
3. Best if this can be done in a vice, but start to wrap the wicking around and around, pulling it TIGHT (see why the vise is useful?). I will usually wrap once then PULL, wrap around again and PULL, rinse and repeat.
4. Once you get towards the end of your new wicking i like to fold it back under itself. This is useful because you can adjust where the wicking ends and makes the little flap hanging over double thick.
5. Pull folded end into place (tightly) and wrap more masking tape around the wick to hold it. I like to wrap it all the way around the wick.
6. Drill a hole STRAIGHT down through the Kevlar and tubing using a drill bit that is slightly smaller then your screws, you should be able to feel the bit either hit and old hole or stop for a second while drilling a new hole in the metal.
7. Screw in the screws, i reccomend using washers as well. With 4 inch wicks i will usually only use 2 screws.
8. Flip your stick and refer to #1.
O.B.E.S.E.
Owned by Mynci!
Similar Topics
Using the keywords [wick stick] we found the following existing topics.
- Forums > how would i make a portable fire staff? [8 replies]
- Forums > Huge balls of flame! [4 replies]
- Forums > Boric acid powder/Salt dipping [3 replies]
- Forums > New type of staff [17 replies]
- Forums > Towel wicks: Any tricks? [29 replies]
Show more..
© 1998 - 2025 Home of Poi
All prices converted to United States dollars using XE.com