Forums > Technical Discussion > Telescopic firestaff-Help

Posted: 4th Feb 2005
Hello...
I've been looking into this for a while now and the first thing you have to decide is if the staff should be able to telescope out (or in) mid-spin.

I've looked at two mechanisms, in the main one a depressed button (flush with the surface) releases a catch that prevents the staff extending. The staff can then be made to extend by centripetle force (spinning) or just put a spring in it.

Be careful though.... my first attempt with a spring left me holding the grip and basically fired the wick's in either direction, would have been a disaster if they were lit.

As for how to build it, I got ideas from extending umbrellas and hospital crutches!

Let me know how you get on I'd love to see a working and reliable model.

"Whats wrong with the cat?" - Mrs Schrödinger

Posted: 7th Feb 2005
Thanks I will give it a try and let you know how it goes.

To play it safe is not to play