- New! We now accept ACH Payments, View Payment Options
Forums > Technical Discussion > Ballchain, wraps and burns?
Login/Join to Participate
Posted:I'm going to get some new fire poi BUT cant decide whether to get fine chain or ballchain. I do loads of wraps but have images of strings of spot burns from the ballchain.
Is that the case or does it not transfer heat that well.
Is that the case or does it not transfer heat that well.
Delete Topic
newgabe
SILVER Member since Mar 2005
![newgabe]()
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
Location: Bali, Australia
Total posts: 4030
SILVER Member since Mar 2005
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
Location: Bali, Australia
Total posts: 4030
Posted:recently a mate who does a lot of wrappy things had some leather casings made for the bottom few inches of the chain...
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
DeletePosted:Think I'm going to go along those lines - Probably just sew a bit of kevlar round the bottom few inches.
Delete
pricklyleaf
SILVER Member since Mar 2005
![pricklyleaf]()
with added berries
Location: Manchester, England (UK)
Total posts: 1365
SILVER Member since Mar 2005
with added berries
Location: Manchester, England (UK)
Total posts: 1365
Posted:If you hunt around in the gallery, I saw a photo of someones hand with a ball chain burn, looked like a line of bubble wrap on along the back of his hand.
In the meantime, ballchain is meant to be better for wraps, but if you wrap fire then always make sure you wear a leather (of other suitable material) guantlet, to make sure you avoid any burns.
...theres always the one time when a wrap goes wrong...
edit: found the photo, and yeouch! ball chain burn ow!
EDITED_BY: pricklyleaf (1140460091)
In the meantime, ballchain is meant to be better for wraps, but if you wrap fire then always make sure you wear a leather (of other suitable material) guantlet, to make sure you avoid any burns.
...theres always the one time when a wrap goes wrong...
edit: found the photo, and yeouch! ball chain burn ow!
EDITED_BY: pricklyleaf (1140460091)
Live like there is no tomorrow,
dance like nobody is watching
and hula hoop like wiggling will save the world.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Posted:Ow!
Non-Https Image Link
Thats what I was concerned about.
I've got some spare wick lying around somewhere I'll just make a cover for the bottom of the chain and hope for the best for now. I'll soon know I guess.
Non-Https Image Link
Non-Https Image Link
Thats what I was concerned about.
I've got some spare wick lying around somewhere I'll just make a cover for the bottom of the chain and hope for the best for now. I'll soon know I guess.
Non-Https Image Link
Delete
Bird
GOLD Member since Aug 2003
![Bird]()
now available in "advanced"
Location: Cornwall, United Kingdom
Total posts: 6086
GOLD Member since Aug 2003
now available in "advanced"
Location: Cornwall, United Kingdom
Total posts: 6086
Posted:That'd have been my hand then!
I'd say ballchain is fine for wraps, the cause of the burn was purely my own stupidity. I held out the poi for someone to light their staff, then promptly wrapped the, now very hot, chain around my hand.
I've never had any problems with ballchain getting overly hot other than this incident.
I'd say ballchain is fine for wraps, the cause of the burn was purely my own stupidity. I held out the poi for someone to light their staff, then promptly wrapped the, now very hot, chain around my hand.
I've never had any problems with ballchain getting overly hot other than this incident.
My state of mind is not yours to define!
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Posted:That did look pretty nasty!
I bet it was one of those moments where you suddenly thought 'why did I do that' and THEN the pain kicked in.
I bet it was one of those moments where you suddenly thought 'why did I do that' and THEN the pain kicked in.
Delete
Bird
GOLD Member since Aug 2003
![Bird]()
now available in "advanced"
Location: Cornwall, United Kingdom
Total posts: 6086
GOLD Member since Aug 2003
now available in "advanced"
Location: Cornwall, United Kingdom
Total posts: 6086
Posted:Yup! I was able to watch it wrapping round my hand, while thinking "stupid, stupid, stupid". I didn't really notice how bad it was til I'd finished my fuel had run out and I'd finished my spin (by then it had already blistered).
My state of mind is not yours to define!
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Posted:It looked even more ouchy in the flesh! But if you will go wrapping hot metal around your hand Dave! 
I guess the lesson learned here is never wrap any ball chain or link chain if you have had your lit poi hanging still in the vertical position for a few mins.
Matty B, Rossco and a few others wear Kevlar arm covers. I think Dunc was selling them at one time. Try PM-ing him and asking him about them. The look like that surgical support tubing that you use on sprained wrists and ankles.
I guess the lesson learned here is never wrap any ball chain or link chain if you have had your lit poi hanging still in the vertical position for a few mins.
Matty B, Rossco and a few others wear Kevlar arm covers. I think Dunc was selling them at one time. Try PM-ing him and asking him about them. The look like that surgical support tubing that you use on sprained wrists and ankles.
Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!
Posted:Skully - I have been thinking about getting some.
If anyone wants some there are good ones here that have individual finger holes so your palms are protected too.
(at the bottom of the page)
If anyone wants some there are good ones here that have individual finger holes so your palms are protected too.
(at the bottom of the page)
Delete
Posted:Here's another type that I've seen posted around:
http://hatch-corp.com/lawpages/ks16_19.html
br>
You can search for Hatch Kevlar Sleeves to hunt around for a good price.
http://hatch-corp.com/lawpages/ks16_19.html
br>
You can search for Hatch Kevlar Sleeves to hunt around for a good price.
Definition of poi- A Hawaiian food made from the tuber of the taro that is cooked, pounded to a paste, and fermented.
Ahnold discussing poi - "It is naht a toober!"
newgabe
SILVER Member since Mar 2005
![newgabe]()
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
Location: Bali, Australia
Total posts: 4030
SILVER Member since Mar 2005
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
Location: Bali, Australia
Total posts: 4030
Posted:is there not a risk that kevlar can accidentally get fuel into it when redipping, and lightup?
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
Delete![[Nx?]](https://www.homeofpoi.com/ubbthreads/images/users/796.jpg)
Posted:and its not so gay looking as leather vambraces....
T
T
This is a post by tom, all spelling is deleberate
-><- Kallisti
Posted:Written by:
is there not a risk that kevlar can accidentally get fuel into it when redipping, and lightup?
I would imagine it's the same risk as with any other sleeves/gloves and even skin. However, the fact that they are heat resistant is helpful I'm sure. I'd be generally more worried about getting fuel on the grips, specially with some of those grips out there.. self locking grips don't seem the best idea around..
is there not a risk that kevlar can accidentally get fuel into it when redipping, and lightup?
I would imagine it's the same risk as with any other sleeves/gloves and even skin. However, the fact that they are heat resistant is helpful I'm sure. I'd be generally more worried about getting fuel on the grips, specially with some of those grips out there.. self locking grips don't seem the best idea around..
Definition of poi- A Hawaiian food made from the tuber of the taro that is cooked, pounded to a paste, and fermented.
Ahnold discussing poi - "It is naht a toober!"
Posted:That burned hand image is permanently etched into my psyche. it's one of those stupid accidents I might have had if I hadn't seen that photo.
Stainless steel is supposed to have a lower heat capacity/thermal conductivity than regular steel, so chain composition is worth considering as well as type.
Stainless steel is supposed to have a lower heat capacity/thermal conductivity than regular steel, so chain composition is worth considering as well as type.
Delete
KaelGotRice
GOLD Member since Jul 2003
![KaelGotRice]()
Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
Location: Angel's Landing, USA
Total posts: 1584
GOLD Member since Jul 2003
Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
Location: Angel's Landing, USA
Total posts: 1584
Posted:suibom is right.
I'd also recommend kevlar/leather gloves as well. at least thin ones, if you don't want to be crazy like NYC and do fire freehand
The problem is that any heated metal will sear your hand/skin instantly. So it's worth having any sort of barrier between your skin and the metal. It'll give you the split second to throw the poi off if you should ever screw up. And boy, have I screwed up, even with many hours of practice.
I'd also recommend kevlar/leather gloves as well. at least thin ones, if you don't want to be crazy like NYC and do fire freehand
The problem is that any heated metal will sear your hand/skin instantly. So it's worth having any sort of barrier between your skin and the metal. It'll give you the split second to throw the poi off if you should ever screw up. And boy, have I screwed up, even with many hours of practice.
To do: More Firedrums 08 video?
Wildfire/US East coast fire footage
LA/EDC glow/fire footage
Fresno fire
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ubbrollsmile.gif" alt="" />
Posted:Written by:
heated metal will sear your hand/skin instantly. So it's worth having any sort of barrier between your skin and the metal. It'll give you the split second to throw the poi off if you should ever screw up.
I really need to heed that.. I've been doin a fair amount of spiral wraps with no protection recently. I've never come into a dangerous situation yet, and it's cold enough out here (low 30's and colder) that the chains remain fairly cool. But all it takes is one handcuff, and I can imagine the damage, specially now that we're heading out of winter...
heated metal will sear your hand/skin instantly. So it's worth having any sort of barrier between your skin and the metal. It'll give you the split second to throw the poi off if you should ever screw up.
I really need to heed that.. I've been doin a fair amount of spiral wraps with no protection recently. I've never come into a dangerous situation yet, and it's cold enough out here (low 30's and colder) that the chains remain fairly cool. But all it takes is one handcuff, and I can imagine the damage, specially now that we're heading out of winter...
Definition of poi- A Hawaiian food made from the tuber of the taro that is cooked, pounded to a paste, and fermented.
Ahnold discussing poi - "It is naht a toober!"
Bird
GOLD Member since Aug 2003
![Bird]()
now available in "advanced"
Location: Cornwall, United Kingdom
Total posts: 6086
GOLD Member since Aug 2003
now available in "advanced"
Location: Cornwall, United Kingdom
Total posts: 6086
Posted:Written by: stout
it's one of those stupid accidents I might have had if I hadn't seen that photo.
Glad to be of service!
Better that I make a tit of myself so that others can learn from my stupidity, than for other people to make the same mistake!
it's one of those stupid accidents I might have had if I hadn't seen that photo.
Glad to be of service!
Better that I make a tit of myself so that others can learn from my stupidity, than for other people to make the same mistake!
My state of mind is not yours to define!
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Posted:Written by: Seye
I'm going to get some new fire poi BUT cant decide whether to get fine chain or ballchain. I do loads of wraps but have images of strings of spot burns from the ballchain.
Is that the case or does it not transfer heat that well.
Fine chain is probably more secure than ballchain. Ball chain has to be attachd by those flimsy ball connectors (i don't know what the name for them are) which are basically a thin bit of metal wrapped round the ball. Chain can at least be directly connected with quicklinks which are very strong
I'm going to get some new fire poi BUT cant decide whether to get fine chain or ballchain. I do loads of wraps but have images of strings of spot burns from the ballchain.
Is that the case or does it not transfer heat that well.
Fine chain is probably more secure than ballchain. Ball chain has to be attachd by those flimsy ball connectors (i don't know what the name for them are) which are basically a thin bit of metal wrapped round the ball. Chain can at least be directly connected with quicklinks which are very strong
The insults of your enemy are a tribute to your bravery
KaelGotRice
GOLD Member since Jul 2003
![KaelGotRice]()
Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
Location: Angel's Landing, USA
Total posts: 1584
GOLD Member since Jul 2003
Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
Location: Angel's Landing, USA
Total posts: 1584
Posted:wraps are loads easier with ballchain from my experience.
So that's the issue, going for strength and tough wraps, or easy wraps and replacing every 6+ months.
I'm leaning towards the latter. It isn't bad with #15 SS ballchain.
So that's the issue, going for strength and tough wraps, or easy wraps and replacing every 6+ months.
I'm leaning towards the latter. It isn't bad with #15 SS ballchain.
To do: More Firedrums 08 video?
Wildfire/US East coast fire footage
LA/EDC glow/fire footage
Fresno fire
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ubbrollsmile.gif" alt="" />
JayKitty
GOLD Member since Nov 2004
![JayKitty]()
Mission: Ignition
Location: Central New Jersey, USA
Total posts: 534
GOLD Member since Nov 2004
Mission: Ignition
Location: Central New Jersey, USA
Total posts: 534
Posted:I remember the first time i did wraps I was using home-made towel wicks wraps in metal gaardening wire. Looking back it wasn't the best idea, I still have the scars to prove it... and sear my skin it did, it looked like I had gashes all our my forarms.
Since then I've gotten kevlar sleeves and well as proper kevlar wicks as well as ball chain and I wrap the day away... well, the night mostly, but hey, it's still fun.
Since then I've gotten kevlar sleeves and well as proper kevlar wicks as well as ball chain and I wrap the day away... well, the night mostly, but hey, it's still fun.
Don't mind me, just passing through.
Delete
Posted:hehe.. that burn looks yummy! 
anyway. i do lots of wraps with my ball and chain practice pair (yet to do fire do to lack of funds) they work wonders.. tho i think i have a bunch of bruses/scratches from then on my sholders O.o
anyway. i do lots of wraps with my ball and chain practice pair (yet to do fire do to lack of funds) they work wonders.. tho i think i have a bunch of bruses/scratches from then on my sholders O.oYou know what I'm thinking about right now? That's right, Tacos!
DeletePosted:Nice burn! How long did it hurt?...
My point is that no matter what, playing with fire sonner or later you get burned... it's like living without taking into account that it ends one day...
Ballchains are really not so much my fancy anymore, they have a funny behaviour when doing buzzsaw and stuff, they physically harm my fingertips... to an extent where spinning really gets uncomfi.
Wraps I haven't done too many, but have noticed that a longsleeve shirt helps a fair bit... I tend to keep the wraps more to the beginning of the performance, where screws and chain are not that hot yet - but with properly drained Poi (otherwise the longsleeve or pant may catch fire)..
My point is that no matter what, playing with fire sonner or later you get burned... it's like living without taking into account that it ends one day...
Ballchains are really not so much my fancy anymore, they have a funny behaviour when doing buzzsaw and stuff, they physically harm my fingertips... to an extent where spinning really gets uncomfi.
Wraps I haven't done too many, but have noticed that a longsleeve shirt helps a fair bit...
I tend to keep the wraps more to the beginning of the performance, where screws and chain are not that hot yet - but with properly drained Poi (otherwise the longsleeve or pant may catch fire).. the best smiles are the ones you lead to 
Posted:I quite like the buzzsaw action from ball and chains tho. But that's just me.
You know what I'm thinking about right now? That's right, Tacos!
DeleteSimilar Topics
Using the keywords [ballchain wrap* burn*] we found the following similar topics.1. Forums > Definitive Listing of Wraps (56+ wraps listed) [101 replies]
2. Learn > Fire Training > Fire training and safety > First Aid for Burns *help/resource
3. Learn > POI > Wraps > Definitive Listing of Wraps *help/resource
4. Learn > POI > Wraps > Waist wrap Spiral wrap *help/resource
5. Learn > POI > Advanced Weaves > Weave Waist Wraps *help/resource
Show more..
© 1998 - 2018 Home of Poi Ltd,
New Zealand unless otherwise stated.
All rights reserved
*All prices converted to United States dollars using XE.com.