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wick attachment questions..

topic posted Tue, February 26, 2008 - 5:16 PM by  KaidaFire 		Share/Save/Bookmark
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several questions for you rockin' meteor engineers:
- what are the benefits (and cons too, I guess) of making a meteor (fire/practice doesn't matter) with a single piece of kevlar rope (such that the monkey's fists are directly *part* of the meteor, not attached in some way)?

- when making a monkey's fist as just described, should the knot be modified such that the rope doesn't come out one side, but rather in the middle of a set of fingers?

- if you weren't making the monkey's fist as part of the meteor, but instead used links and some chain, what's the best (read: most reliable, not going to *kill* someone during performance) way to attach the sucker?

I've some thoughts on the above, but I'm more than open to suggestions, as collaboration makes for faster development

; )

thanks!!
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KaidaFire
offline KaidaFire
Boston
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  • =Eric
    =Eric
    offline 26

    Re: wick attachment questions..

    Tue, February 26, 2008 - 9:37 PM
    Kevlar, or any other para-aramid/fiberglass wicking will not last very long as a meteor.

    The problem is flexing. It destroys the fiberglass which isn't very strong to begin with, and it separates the kevlar weave, making it more prone to degradation during a burn.

    No matter how thick the rope wick, I'd not use a meteor made solely of wick for more than ten or so burns. If you do a lot of wraps, body banging, and hitting the ground, it will not remain safe for that long. Gentler use will make it last longer. Eventually, regardless, the whole damned monkey fist torch head will wind up in the audience. It's just not a very safe tool.

    Also, be sure to put it out before the fuel runs out, and to crush or extinguish any remaining embers completely.
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    • Kaid...
      KaidaFire
      offline 124

      Re: wick attachment questions..

      Wed, February 27, 2008 - 7:31 AM
      thanks for the info!

      between what you and a few others have said, as well as material I've found online, it seems like making a meteor out of a single, continuous piece of rope is a bad idea. I'm a bit confused why folks seem to do it so frequently (for fire, not practice).

      I certainly don't agree with your comment about the wicks inevitably ending up in the audience.. it's a matter of care in design and construction, as well as during use and through multiple uses. I do believe these tools can be made and used in a safe (heh..) manner.. at least as safe as poi/staff/etc.

      Given all that I've read and can design in my head.. I think I'll take the personal hit to my physical well-being, and make detachable wicks with a sort length of ball-chain or some such. This will allow for replaceable wicks, cause the ground hurts, as well as keep the handle further from the fire.
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