/skn Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 I'm not the most hands-on/technical person you'll find, my normal involvement in theatre is getting some hires from props previously used by local groups. BUT... sometimes I get immersed in something and this time it was a fake fire effect. I had a giant oven built for Sweeney Todd and was looking at having a flame effect within. I was quoted daft numbers to buy (and even hire) a vapour-based unit so ended up building one. Initially from an old pond filter and then 'upgraded' to one of those plastic storage boxes. Total cost around £250, but a lot of this was for the 220/12v transformers and I could build it cheaper second time around. So basically I have a 'sealed' (with the help of some silicone around the lid) 19 litre box with distilled (pre-boiled in my case) water. Inside the box is one of those 'mist makers' that make the water teeny airborne particles. This one has 3 heads, I might go for 5 or even 10 heads if I made it again. Then there is a 12v PC cooling fan built into the lid on an adjustable voltage (to change the speed) then a 40mm tank connector with pipework running into my prop. There is a bit of water build up in the pipework so having the lowest point NOT in the prop is sensible (only talking a few mm). Inside the prop is a row of 12 halogen bulbs - you need the heat from the halogens. They are all amber in colour. The water vapour is piped into a wooden box with an adjustable lid allowing just a thin section for the vapour to escape across the top of the halogens. The heat from the halogens then 'wafts' (told you I wasn't technical) the vapour and evaporates a lot of it - creating a flame-like effect. https://www.youtube....h?v=DGGx5qMt-AII'm pretty pleased, but also would do things differently if did it again. The transformers are under the halogens as part of the lighting unit and they got a bit warm (and saw occasional safety cut outs). I would have these away from the lights in future. Also it doesn't seem to be an exact science. A tiny adjustment to the speed of the fan, the size of the outlet and even adding/removing small obstacles to divert/move the vapour around within the box make huge differences. I had it running beautifully and thought I'd add some more water then film it. Even though the mist maker floats, for some reason just adding water changed the effect massively (for the worse). It needs some refinement, but might be useful for others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thirdtap Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 'lo, sorry got a bit lost in the description so looked at the you tube video. Well done that it a great effect! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alistermorton Posted April 21, 2016 Share Posted April 21, 2016 That works really well. Excellent bit of work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cedd Posted April 22, 2016 Share Posted April 22, 2016 That's fantastic! I was about to dig my silk flames out for a production of 39 Steps for a fireplace, but you've inspired me to have a go at building my own. I've got 6 single head ones on their way from China currently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmxlights Posted April 22, 2016 Share Posted April 22, 2016 Excellent, well done. I will be keeping this idea for again when I have to do a fake fire. I did one useing a battery powered someke machine, some 1"1/2 wast pipe and leds. It worked well for what I wanted but it could worked it better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbuckley Posted April 22, 2016 Share Posted April 22, 2016 Very, very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
/skn Posted April 22, 2016 Author Share Posted April 22, 2016 Thanks guys, I'm pleased with it considering my skills in such things. If any one wants to have a better explanation of building it, drop me a line (I'll no doubt use the wrong words, but you might get the idea). Lots of 'hydroponic' system videos on YouTube building the water vapour containers - then just added bit of heat, lighting and direction. There are a few vids of this as well, but a lot don't seem to want to share the 'tech' behind it. My 'mist maker' sits in a made-to-measure 'float' which keeps it the right distance under the surface - you might not get that with individual/standalone units. Those fake fireplace things (for the home) use the same concept, but a bit more refined - I like to think mine could be adapted to make stage bonfires, pressurised flame effects or whatever and is completely scalable. I tried with the vapour travelling within pipes all the way - holes drilled in the pipes over the halogens. Different sized/angled holes produce a range of styles - but it does get a bit warm in there (and I was in plastic pipe). Opted to just pipe into a wooden box, which again gets warm, but can be treated with retardant etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agermich Posted April 22, 2016 Share Posted April 22, 2016 Looks great. I've used those water vapourisers to do a fire in a pit in a small, above a pub studio theatre. I think the conversation went: Designer: We need a fire in a pitMe: Great, I'll find a way to fake itDesigner: I think it needs to be real flameMe: How long does it need to burn for?Designer: About 17 minutesMe: No way, I'll find a way to fake itDesigner: But the audience are so close, they'll know its fakeMe: Just, no Worked out perfectly and looked great in the end Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WiLL Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 The effect looks even better in video, well done that man. (I made the oven so I'm a little biased, but still, good job.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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