Hoq long do you soak your wicks?

[Burner-Girl]

We have had repeated debate over how long to soak fire wicks in our group. We used to have a member that insisted that her wicks needed to soak for about 5 mintues or they went out too early. She would hold up performances and leave an empty stage because she "wasn't finished fueling".

We are in a troupe, so we spin regularly. It has been my personal experience that if my wicks aren't completely dried out (which takes a couple weeks or so of non-use) they soak up all the fuel they are going to in less than one minute. I also started measuring how much fuel I put in my soak can and measuring how much fuel was in my spin-off cans. I find when I soak longer, I just end up spinning off more excess fuel.

I purposely bought a set like the ones "super soaker" uses. I also have a set twice the size of hers. I soak each of my sets a couple of minutes before the first burn and LESS than one minute each soak after that. I continuously outburn her long soaks.

I just wanted to know how long the rest of you soak your wicks and if you feel that leaving them soaking for long periods of time actually gives you a NOTICABLY longer burn time. (as in at least a minute or 45 seconds).

Any thoughts on the matter? Thanks!

[Stunt Man Jeff]

I used to think that also. But it seems that when you stop seeing bubbles the wicks are finished. The fuel displaces the air so when all the air is out all the fuel is in. Usually takes less than one minute with most wicks even big ones.

[Burner-Girl]

that was my thought on the matter. Thanks!

[Loki]

I agree... One of the guys who got me into spinning used to always soak for at least 2 or 3 minutes, but I always out-burned him time wise with less than a minute soak.
Peace

[spinner-ruthie]

I think it somewhat depends what what feul you use. Lamp oil burns much longer than white gas, but the gas burns way brighter. If I want a longer spin, I usually mix 1/2 lamp oil, and 1/2 white gas. That way you get the long burning effect of one, and the bright flame effect of the other. I have never soaked mine for a long time, anyone I know saturates them for about thirty seconds and spins the excess off.

[Kind Vapour]

I dont even think i soak mine for a for minute!
i use monkeyfists 3.5in I think... an empty paint can, and lamp oil. i just pour a few good "bloops" on them and roll em around in the can so the can soak up the excess. i Always have excess. but 30 secs & i'm good to go.
Also i dont "spin off" at all. I prefer the "Blot" method with a towel. It works great for me! in fact come to think of it, the only time i ever even had excess after the blot, was with a very small cheap-o fire poi set.

overall i get a 6+ minute burn if i spin nice a slow, and about 5 if im spinning fast and furious.

so id say spinning style determins burn time more so than long soak times.

i could be off, but observe. see if faster spinners burnout quicker.

Kind

[Burner-Girl]

Another variable I did not consider. I will watch and keep an eye out for that, thanks!

[Reuben]

I think that i have to soak mine for about 5 minutes if they are bone dry, but when the fire heads are HOT they soak upo fuel a hell of a lot faster, so really you only need about 10-20 seconds to refuel if you've just extinguished them. :)

[Kind Vapour]

always let them cool down a few minutes before each spin. Important fire safety tip!
too hot of heads may possibly ignite and lingering fumes.

[Reuben]

That hasnt happened to me yet and ive been spinning most weekends for a couple of years now. but if the fumes did ignite it wouldnt do anything any damage and could be easily extinguished.

[Kind Vapour]

yes. its just a precuation. specially if one is ill fated enough to try it with gasoline. in the right conditions, i hear that gas fumes can linger in cold and humid conditions for like 30 min! after i hear that, even thought id never use gasoline, or anything with a low flash point, ive just read too many horror stories that all started with good intentions, but failed due to 1 to 4 things (and no, i am Not incinuating that you are any of these, its just an example) Over confidiant, cocky, lazy, or drunk.
so me personally, strive to be the opposite. so to speak.
and again, im not accusing you of any of this. just carring on the conversation.
(sorry for the extra clairifacation. i so often misunderstood. LOL)
Kind

[Loki]

Good points Kind...
It's always better to be safe than sorry (if you'll excuse the overused expression).
Peace everyone
Loki

[Burner-Girl]

Good words of advice! I always wait for my wicks to cool. I use white gas (colemans) and if the heads were too hot and set off the fuel, it would be right into our faces, since we are over the soak cans when we are putting the wicks in. NOT something I want to experience.

We also cover our soak cans in between use and make sure that the fuel can is securely closed in between fillings of the soak cans. We actually charge a $1 fine anytime the soak can is left uncovered in between uses. It saves on the amount of fuel that evaporates as well as makes it a safer environment to work in.

I totally agree with the 1 to 4 things, however I would add stupidity to the list too. And not on the spinner's part, but the "audience". We have a LOT of trouble with people thinking that yellow caution keep out tape does not apply to them. They think the no smoking signs and flammable signs don't mean them... We have had people cut through our fuel area (properly roped off and signs posted everywhere) with lit cigarettes. And then there are the morons that think it is cute to stand there and act like they are going to flick their cigarettes in at us. There are some Seriously stupid people in the world!