Ice fountain advice

[KidRay]

I play in a Tina turner tribute band and our singer has expressed an interest in using some sort of pyro for the "wow" effect. It's been a long time since I last used stage pyros (1982 IIRC), and I was looking at the new "Ice Fountain" type effects which seem to be a little safer than the gerb type effects.

 

If anyone has any pointers to their general use and safety I would be grateful. I'm trying to work out if it is viable to incorporate them into the show.

 

(P.S. I am 46 not 16, I have used pyros before, just a few years ago!)

[richb]

http://www.lemaitre.co.uk/productInformati...UKeyProduct=150

 

Safety data link down the bottom of page

[callumb]

The ice fountains are cool to the touch! Went to one of Le Maitre awareness course a week back and the woman gave us one and told us to wave our hand though it. Gave off no heat at all. So from a safety point they are safe!

[KidRay]

Thanks for that, they look suitable. I presume I would need suitable gerb holders and a keyed firing device?

 

The safety data sheet does not show recommended safety distances, any thoughts?

[callumb]

Le Maitre don't state safety distances with there products due to the nature of the items and there use. Also with these its is little danger with there use over all. IMO they are safer than sparklers. There are two ways of ignition: Match or electronic. The woman that was giving us the demo of them has used them in birthday cakes and such! So anything can be used to hold them that isn't flammable really.

[Brian]

The ice fountains are cool to the touch! ... So from a safety point they are safe!

 

 

...Also with these its is little danger with there use over all. IMO they are safer than sparklers. ...

 

No they aren't safe. There is no such thing as safe pyro. They are just safer than some other devices. They are still an explosive device. They still burn hot and whilst you might be able to wave your hand through the spark plume if you touch the burning front you'll still take the flesh off your finger. They'll still go bang if you mistreat them. They'll still take your eye out if you get too close.

 

 

Now, having got that out of the way...

 

Gerbs are available in a huge variety of durations and heights when bought as wire-in devices. It should be possible to find on to fit your needs unless you play on tiny stages. And to be honest, ice fountains don't really have that wow factor; they only go around 6" (or 12" for the larger size).

[Jivemaster]

Well chosen pyros are fine, Get yourself on Lincoln's course (pinned topic at the head of Effects and Pyro here. On that course you will see lots of sorts of effects and probably one will look better than an ice candle.

[KidRay]

And to be honest, ice fountains don't really have that wow factor; they only go around 6" (or 12" for the larger size).

 

That thought did occur to me, I don't want a Spinal Tap Stonehenge moment if I can avoid it! The singer didn't bring the subject up at tonight's rehearsal so I'll do a bit more research and say nothing for the moment!