Forums > Beginner Staff Moves > Wire wool
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382 posts
Location: Southampton
382 posts
Location: Southampton
Posted:
So can this be done with staffs as well?
I've seen it done with poi enough times and I don't see why not but I've never heard of anyone doing it before and nothing came up when I searched for it in the staff section.
Anyone done it? I'm sure it'd look sick!
So can this be done with staffs as well?
I've seen it done with poi enough times and I don't see why not but I've never heard of anyone doing it before and nothing came up when I searched for it in the staff section.
Anyone done it? I'm sure it'd look sick!
A conspiracy of silence speaks louder than words...
member
26 posts
Location: Windsor, Berkshire, UK
26 posts
Location: Windsor, Berkshire, UK
Posted:
In regards to what to use to hold the wire wool onto the poi/staff heads/etc, Mad Mix and I have discovered the fabulously economic WIRE COATHANGERS!!! They are the bestest. And as a substance to use in the middle of the wrap---- curtain lining material (v cheap in UK) is flame retardant and keeps them pretty clean.
Hope this helps and see ya all at Glastonbury next year xxxxx
In regards to what to use to hold the wire wool onto the poi/staff heads/etc, Mad Mix and I have discovered the fabulously economic WIRE COATHANGERS!!! They are the bestest. And as a substance to use in the middle of the wrap---- curtain lining material (v cheap in UK) is flame retardant and keeps them pretty clean.
Hope this helps and see ya all at Glastonbury next year xxxxx
Fire Wire''Fire is the all consuming element, let it consume you.''
member
382 posts
Location: Southampton
382 posts
Location: Southampton
Posted:
Coathangers are a good idea.
I'd thought of using them but then I also discovered that if you pull the copper wire out of an electric cable it is as long as you want it to be and doesn't cost a penny.
See you at Glasto 2003 Fire wire!
Coathangers are a good idea.
I'd thought of using them but then I also discovered that if you pull the copper wire out of an electric cable it is as long as you want it to be and doesn't cost a penny.
See you at Glasto 2003 Fire wire!
A conspiracy of silence speaks louder than words...
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
Posted:
pyrophile, it may not cost a penny but make sure you dont steal the lead from something useful and dont try this while they are still plugged in
I have a reel of copper wire that I use for securing the denim/crepe bandage wicks onto my fire swords, cost about a fiver and I have still got loads left after making 5 swords and recovering my origonal one
Oh and btw I just got a text message from woody - he has had 25 bails of wire wool delivered today!!!!!!! time for some fun
Mark P
pyrophile, it may not cost a penny but make sure you dont steal the lead from something useful and dont try this while they are still plugged in
I have a reel of copper wire that I use for securing the denim/crepe bandage wicks onto my fire swords, cost about a fiver and I have still got loads left after making 5 swords and recovering my origonal one
Oh and btw I just got a text message from woody - he has had 25 bails of wire wool delivered today!!!!!!! time for some fun
Mark P
member
382 posts
Location: Southampton
382 posts
Location: Southampton
Posted:
sounds like a good weekend for you Mark!
By the way, can you or someone whos done this before just run over what I have done for my wire wool staff and check I'm doing it right.
1) I have secured a bit of towel around my wicks.
2) Wrapped the wire wool around the towel.
3) Secured the wire wool by creating a 'cage' over it using copper wire.
Now when I come to do it I should give each wick a quick dip in the paraffin before lighting and spinning.
Is there anything I've forgotten to do? Something I should have done differently?
I'll have a safety with me and I'll be on the beach and I know what moves I'll do to avoid getting burnt so I've got all of that pretty much covered, but if there is any last minute bits of advice on this you want to give me please feel free!
sounds like a good weekend for you Mark!
By the way, can you or someone whos done this before just run over what I have done for my wire wool staff and check I'm doing it right.
1) I have secured a bit of towel around my wicks.
2) Wrapped the wire wool around the towel.
3) Secured the wire wool by creating a 'cage' over it using copper wire.
Now when I come to do it I should give each wick a quick dip in the paraffin before lighting and spinning.
Is there anything I've forgotten to do? Something I should have done differently?
I'll have a safety with me and I'll be on the beach and I know what moves I'll do to avoid getting burnt so I've got all of that pretty much covered, but if there is any last minute bits of advice on this you want to give me please feel free!
A conspiracy of silence speaks louder than words...
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Pyrophile, you look like your pretty much set to have sum fun with wire, Give it a try as you have made them up and see how they burn.
If you find that the spray of wire iznt happening as you want it them may i suggest:
1 - More wire!
2 - Minimal fixing.
What i mean by that is wrap the wire round and round until your staff heads look about (100 - 200mm) depending on how you feel about spoinning it. Then get a piece of decent workabble wire and wrap it around the centre then twist till its tight.
The main problem i found when i started playing with wire is that i tied it on to securely, forgetting that at the end of the day i want the lot to fly off, when spinning. If you keep that in mind your wire will go a long way!
Good luck mate, hope it helps - go have sum fun!
Strugz.
Pyrophile, you look like your pretty much set to have sum fun with wire, Give it a try as you have made them up and see how they burn.
If you find that the spray of wire iznt happening as you want it them may i suggest:
1 - More wire!
2 - Minimal fixing.
What i mean by that is wrap the wire round and round until your staff heads look about (100 - 200mm) depending on how you feel about spoinning it. Then get a piece of decent workabble wire and wrap it around the centre then twist till its tight.
The main problem i found when i started playing with wire is that i tied it on to securely, forgetting that at the end of the day i want the lot to fly off, when spinning. If you keep that in mind your wire will go a long way!
Good luck mate, hope it helps - go have sum fun!
Strugz.
"...We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing......."
member
382 posts
Location: Southampton
382 posts
Location: Southampton
Posted:
Cheers mate, much appreciated.
Cheers mate, much appreciated.
A conspiracy of silence speaks louder than words...
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
Posted:
Hi pyrophile,
Just a quick note to help if things arent working quite as well as you would expect.
When you take the wire wool out of the pack tease it apart to make it nice and airy before you wrap it. This will ensure that you have the best burn, if it is too clumpy then you will be more likely to form larger bits of molten steel, rather than the small shards that you want. (once the wire wool has been teased out it can be packed relatively tightly but is then uniform)
You shouldnt need any paraffin to burn the wire wool just make sure you have something that will be able to light each end at the same time, something like another staff would be the best idea.
You basically need to hold a relatively large flame to the wire wool until you see lots of little 'red/orange' bits on the outside of the wire wool (this is it starting to burn) and then as soon as this is happening the person lighting you runs away and you start to spin like a staffer possesed
I take it you have already had a spin, unlit, with the wire wool attached to the staff just to check that they are secured well enough and get used to the extra drag caused.
Basically go and have some fun (I really want to know what a horizontal rotor above the head looks like with wire wool I think it would be wicked!! )
Have Fun, Mark P
Hi pyrophile,
Just a quick note to help if things arent working quite as well as you would expect.
When you take the wire wool out of the pack tease it apart to make it nice and airy before you wrap it. This will ensure that you have the best burn, if it is too clumpy then you will be more likely to form larger bits of molten steel, rather than the small shards that you want. (once the wire wool has been teased out it can be packed relatively tightly but is then uniform)
You shouldnt need any paraffin to burn the wire wool just make sure you have something that will be able to light each end at the same time, something like another staff would be the best idea.
You basically need to hold a relatively large flame to the wire wool until you see lots of little 'red/orange' bits on the outside of the wire wool (this is it starting to burn) and then as soon as this is happening the person lighting you runs away and you start to spin like a staffer possesed
I take it you have already had a spin, unlit, with the wire wool attached to the staff just to check that they are secured well enough and get used to the extra drag caused.
Basically go and have some fun (I really want to know what a horizontal rotor above the head looks like with wire wool I think it would be wicked!! )
Have Fun, Mark P
member
382 posts
Location: Southampton
382 posts
Location: Southampton
Posted:
Hey cheers Mark!
Good advice mate, I have had a practise spin to check the weight, etc and I'm happy with it. I'm going to undo it and do it again based on your and Strugz's advice.
Also, I'm definitely going to do the helicopter spin when I have a go! Should be sick!
My safety is also going to take some piccies, we're going to a nice spot for it so hopefully they'll come out well, maybe even enough to enter in the comp against that quality photo you entered!
Hey cheers Mark!
Good advice mate, I have had a practise spin to check the weight, etc and I'm happy with it. I'm going to undo it and do it again based on your and Strugz's advice.
Also, I'm definitely going to do the helicopter spin when I have a go! Should be sick!
My safety is also going to take some piccies, we're going to a nice spot for it so hopefully they'll come out well, maybe even enough to enter in the comp against that quality photo you entered!
A conspiracy of silence speaks louder than words...
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
Posted:
lol nice one pyrophile - I look forwards to seeing the piccies
Good luck,
Mark P
lol nice one pyrophile - I look forwards to seeing the piccies
Good luck,
Mark P
member
382 posts
Location: Southampton
382 posts
Location: Southampton
Posted:
Well I tried it out last night for the first time and I'm fully hooked!
Unfortunately some of it flew off in little clumps but generally it was all good and Mark, the helicopter spin with it really is sick!
My mate forgot his camera but when we do it tomorrow with the camera it should be good. Piccies will follow.
I'm just so pleased about it, it's like doing your first burn again!
Well I tried it out last night for the first time and I'm fully hooked!
Unfortunately some of it flew off in little clumps but generally it was all good and Mark, the helicopter spin with it really is sick!
My mate forgot his camera but when we do it tomorrow with the camera it should be good. Piccies will follow.
I'm just so pleased about it, it's like doing your first burn again!
A conspiracy of silence speaks louder than words...
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Nice one mate, glad to hear you had a good burn, spinning wire is the strangest feeling, did you feel all the little bits hit the back of your neck!
Ive tried about 3times spinning wire on a staff, for some reason it feels a little bit more dangerous than poi, i think thats what makes it so tempting to do.
Ive been toying with the idea of doubles and wire, what do you think? If i give it a go ill most certanly take pictures / video.
Anyhow pyrofile welcome to the world of wire!
Nice one mate, glad to hear you had a good burn, spinning wire is the strangest feeling, did you feel all the little bits hit the back of your neck!
Ive tried about 3times spinning wire on a staff, for some reason it feels a little bit more dangerous than poi, i think thats what makes it so tempting to do.
Ive been toying with the idea of doubles and wire, what do you think? If i give it a go ill most certanly take pictures / video.
Anyhow pyrofile welcome to the world of wire!
"...We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing......."
member
382 posts
Location: Southampton
382 posts
Location: Southampton
Posted:
Cheers strugz!
It was an amazing experience, but I didn't feel it hitting me for some reason, probably the 5 pints in the pub first had something to do with it!
And I think the idea about the doubles is a great one, more wire, more sparks, just more!
Cheers strugz!
It was an amazing experience, but I didn't feel it hitting me for some reason, probably the 5 pints in the pub first had something to do with it!
And I think the idea about the doubles is a great one, more wire, more sparks, just more!
A conspiracy of silence speaks louder than words...
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
Posted:
doubles with wire: eeep! !!! :eek !!
be careful boys
doubles with wire: eeep! !!! :eek !!
be careful boys
Geologists do it in the dirt................ 
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
Posted:
doubles with wire
doubles with wire
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Well it looks as though ive laid down the challenge now doesnt it, i will prep some staffs, some video tape, a big bucket of water and shit loadz of wire. If i get a chance this weekend i may have to give it a go!
Roz - dont worry, 'everything is under control'
well as much as it can be in my world anyway.
Ill make really small onez first to see how they go, and if i feel confident enough, ill make them bigger
Let you know how things turn out.
Strugz.
Well it looks as though ive laid down the challenge now doesnt it, i will prep some staffs, some video tape, a big bucket of water and shit loadz of wire. If i get a chance this weekend i may have to give it a go!
Roz - dont worry, 'everything is under control'
well as much as it can be in my world anyway.
Ill make really small onez first to see how they go, and if i feel confident enough, ill make them bigger
Let you know how things turn out.
Strugz.
"...We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing......."
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
Posted:
Thats the spirit strugz
Got news from woody that he tried 1lb of wire wool in each of his cages the other day but it had to be a bit tightly stuffed so it didnt all burn - I am off to buy some more chicken wire to make bigger cages
Mark P
Thats the spirit strugz
Got news from woody that he tried 1lb of wire wool in each of his cages the other day but it had to be a bit tightly stuffed so it didnt all burn - I am off to buy some more chicken wire to make bigger cages
Mark P
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Chicken Wire! such a versitile material. do you make square cages Mark?
I spent about two days making circular wire cages the size of small footballs, they looked brilliant but were destroyed in one burn, i find they go out of shape really easy.
I found that cylindrical cages are best, fewer corners to catch on your legs!
What size are your cages Mark? I still have sum rectangular cages that are pretty big (i think) have a look and tell me if im mad, or just as insane as yourself? Ill mail sum pix to ya, only coz i dont know about this UBB business!
Strugz
Chicken Wire! such a versitile material. do you make square cages Mark?
I spent about two days making circular wire cages the size of small footballs, they looked brilliant but were destroyed in one burn, i find they go out of shape really easy.
I found that cylindrical cages are best, fewer corners to catch on your legs!
What size are your cages Mark? I still have sum rectangular cages that are pretty big (i think) have a look and tell me if im mad, or just as insane as yourself? Ill mail sum pix to ya, only coz i dont know about this UBB business!
Strugz
"...We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing......."
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
Posted:
Hi Strugs,
My original cages (which are now a bit battered and will soon need replacement) were cycliders about 12 inches long and 5 or 6 inches in diameter
They seem to give a fairly good run time and I am just about completely out of breath after doing a full set
Mark P
Hi Strugs,
My original cages (which are now a bit battered and will soon need replacement) were cycliders about 12 inches long and 5 or 6 inches in diameter
They seem to give a fairly good run time and I am just about completely out of breath after doing a full set
Mark P
member
382 posts
Location: Southampton
382 posts
Location: Southampton
Posted:
Damn, it's pissing it down out there!
I was supposed to get those photos for the competition doing the wire wool tonight! Mark, you rigged it with the weather man didn't you? Admit it!!!!
Damn, it's pissing it down out there!
I was supposed to get those photos for the competition doing the wire wool tonight! Mark, you rigged it with the weather man didn't you? Admit it!!!!
A conspiracy of silence speaks louder than words...
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
Posted:
well, where as bender seems to have quite good control of the poi gods I speak frequently to the weather gods
It is good to have a friend in the Gods
well, where as bender seems to have quite good control of the poi gods I speak frequently to the weather gods
It is good to have a friend in the Gods
BRONZE Member
old hand
904 posts
Location: India/Bristol
old hand
904 posts
Location: India/Bristol
Posted:
heh guys
just stumbled on this thread as im more of a poi peep, although have just got the weave with 2 staff going - woohoo
basically looking 4 a cheap&particularly un-nasty source 4 wire wool, preferably on the net as my friend in copenhagen(where we.re doing fireshows doesnt have access to non-soaped 1s)
be much appreciated
sorry i didnt get 2 meet up with as many fire twirlers as i would have liked, but those who i did u were lookin goooood
thanx in advance
heh guys
just stumbled on this thread as im more of a poi peep, although have just got the weave with 2 staff going - woohoo
basically looking 4 a cheap&particularly un-nasty source 4 wire wool, preferably on the net as my friend in copenhagen(where we.re doing fireshows doesnt have access to non-soaped 1s)
be much appreciated
sorry i didnt get 2 meet up with as many fire twirlers as i would have liked, but those who i did u were lookin goooood
thanx in advance
Feel the Flame
Phirenix
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Hi Rob,
2 be honest mate, i have no idea where you can buy wire wool on the net, if you did find a place im pretty sure it wouldnt be the cheapest way of obtaining it. Tiny local hardware shops are the way forward for bulk loadz of cheap wire, failing that B&Q (warning expensive, but garunteed!) spelt that wrong havnt i.
Hope ya find sum.
Strugz
Hi Rob,
2 be honest mate, i have no idea where you can buy wire wool on the net, if you did find a place im pretty sure it wouldnt be the cheapest way of obtaining it. Tiny local hardware shops are the way forward for bulk loadz of cheap wire, failing that B&Q (warning expensive, but garunteed!) spelt that wrong havnt i.
Hope ya find sum.
Strugz
"...We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing......."
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
Posted:
Hey Strugs,
Been good weather here this weekend you managed to get those piccies yet??
Mark P
Hey Strugs,
Been good weather here this weekend you managed to get those piccies yet??
Mark P
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Mark, im affraid not, you are right the weather has been good. I have made the staffs, they are ready to go, however i seem to be having a bit of a camera problem.
A friend of mine has borrowed mine and is yet to return it, i was expecting it back last friday, strangley i still havnt heard from him - i wonder if hez still my friend!
I refuse to spin doubles with wire unless video / photographic proof can be obtained!
will keep ya posted......
Strugz.
Mark, im affraid not, you are right the weather has been good. I have made the staffs, they are ready to go, however i seem to be having a bit of a camera problem.
A friend of mine has borrowed mine and is yet to return it, i was expecting it back last friday, strangley i still havnt heard from him - i wonder if hez still my friend!
I refuse to spin doubles with wire unless video / photographic proof can be obtained!
will keep ya posted......
Strugz.
"...We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing......."
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
Posted:
lol good luck,
...and if you find out he isnt your friend anymore then you have 2 staves ready and primed for a full on attack
lol good luck,
...and if you find out he isnt your friend anymore then you have 2 staves ready and primed for a full on attack
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Indeed Mark P - your judgment serves you well, that is exactly what i intend to do if my camera does not return.
I will stand in his front garden and let rip! hahahaha.
Indeed Mark P - your judgment serves you well, that is exactly what i intend to do if my camera does not return.
I will stand in his front garden and let rip! hahahaha.
"...We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing......."
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Indeed Mark P - your judgment serves you well, that is exactly what i intend to do if my camera does not return.
I will stand in his front garden and let rip! hahahaha.
Strugz.
Indeed Mark P - your judgment serves you well, that is exactly what i intend to do if my camera does not return.
I will stand in his front garden and let rip! hahahaha.
Strugz.
"...We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing......."
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
Posted:
Strugz,
For maximum effect venture inside and use his lounge (or if it is his parents house then sneak in through his window and use his bedroom )
Strugz,
For maximum effect venture inside and use his lounge (or if it is his parents house then sneak in through his window and use his bedroom )
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,964 posts
Location: Southampton - Possibly..., United Kingdom
Posted:
hahahahaha! At the weekend just gone i did it, ............ after much hesitation and uncertanty i grabbed some old cloths, a decent hat, some fine shades (some may say that woz more for the look than the protection) and boldy went were no one i know has gone before!
Doubles with Wire!!!!..............biggest rush ive had for sum time.
Pix are on there way Mark, i had my brother takin sum, problem is i think hes a distant relation to Mr Shakey Hand Man!. they are a bit blury, However im still wating for some others to get develpoed. Ill put them up on this site as soon as they appear.
Anyhow must dash, working today (apparently!)
Strugz.
hahahahaha! At the weekend just gone i did it, ............ after much hesitation and uncertanty i grabbed some old cloths, a decent hat, some fine shades (some may say that woz more for the look than the protection) and boldy went were no one i know has gone before!
Doubles with Wire!!!!..............biggest rush ive had for sum time.
Pix are on there way Mark, i had my brother takin sum, problem is i think hes a distant relation to Mr Shakey Hand Man!. they are a bit blury, However im still wating for some others to get develpoed. Ill put them up on this site as soon as they appear.
Anyhow must dash, working today (apparently!)
Strugz.
"...We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing......."
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
old hand
1,031 posts
Location: Bath, England
Posted:
Nice one Strugs
looking forwards to seeing those piccies
Nice one Strugs
looking forwards to seeing those piccies
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