Folding Finger Spinning Fire Fans

Just a quick update again, attached is a picture of the new wick attachment i'm contemplating, it's stronger, will last far longer, and it's also quicker so will keep the cost down.

Under the rivet there is a brace which holds the whole flap down.

Shiny....

I really have no problem with a bit of metal on the wick as long as its not sticking out in any way. The rivet system seems to be amply tucked deep enough inside the kevlar, so it shouldnt be any problem for making skin trails or fire eating whatsoever. My only concern is, is there going to be a problem in removing the old kevlar when it needs to be replaced?

I've been really wanting go get my hands on fans with a much larger hole for spinning- in Kiew they had constructions where all four fingers fitted in so you spin around the palm directly. Starting and stopping is a merely a flick of the thumb away. Its really a lot easier to handle and you never have to worry about it spinning off your hand (which was a problem for me with the one finger holes Ive tried), but I realize that such a large hole for your construction is potentially not possible. Is this maybe something you've tested?

Really like the construction, definitly interested, and I really hope a 160 option is available

Thats good to know thanks entheogen.

There is pretty much a 95% chance of a 140deg spread now, 140 has the aesthetic advantage that when the two fans are evenly back to pack, you get 10 evenly spaced flames as opposed to 8 at 180.

Though if you want a custom one at 160deg this can always be arranged.

As for the hand sized spin run, this isn't really possible or practical on this design.

Woohoo! This ranks right up there at the top, next to Christmas.

I realized when you spun it, and stopped it with your thumb from a spin, that spoke kinda jerked a little. Is there a chance that with a more intense spin, that spoke might close even greater?

The spin hole looks fine. I think people will find a way to get around it by maybe having the middle finger in the spin hole and the other fingers might find a natural resting spot elsewhere. Yay for big hands. You know what they say about people with big hands!

That's right they wear big gloves.

Also, nice hat. And tattoos.

Hey Hexacoto,

Yes well spotted, I've decided to fit the spin fans with double springs still even at 140 to prevent that in the long term, as the springs do bed/soften over time.

I found another advantage at 140deg, it's actually possible to squeeze them closed in hand (with practice and perhaps bigger hands).

And cheers, the hat hides my new hair doo (or lack there-of), and the tattoos are a constant work in progress, hurts about the same as some fire eating tricks but leaves a prettier mark

Last few questions:

How easy are the fans to maintain? Given the mobile parts, how durable are the fans? Can they withstand an elephant doing the macarena on it? Are there any form of warranty/assurance on it? What happens when the springs weaken? Do we buy replacement springs?

I assume it'll be available through HOP?

Haha so many questions. Sorry to bombard you with them, but you had to be a genius and make these shiny things! =)

Maintenence is pretty much non-existant, all working parts are separated by 1 or 2 nylon washers to ensure wear and tear is kept pretty much to a minimum. an infrequent tighten of the main bolt may be required in the long run if the action is used a lot. This area requires the most accurate tolerance for happy operation, it spreads it's load over larger and more nylon to keep friction at a minimum.

These fans are designed to be danced WITH, not [i]ON[i/], due to their lighter construction they are not as robust to abuse as a normal fan, though they are also (within reason) easier to correct any bends if they occur. The reason they are more susceptable to abuse is when lying down they do not have a flat profile like non folding fans, thus the top/high blade undergoes a massive amount of stress when forced to bear weight in this manner and naturally bends, it's not really avoidable even an unobtanium or titanium alloy would not prevent this.

These come with the same warranty as any other prop supplied by me or HoP.

Yes HoP will be stocking these, and any other store you convince to contact me and do so also could get in on the action

As for springs, I have designed this product to have replaceable parts, and replacements are available by contacting me directly, when i get time i will produce a rebuild kit that will include an instructional DVD to help people get it right (this is still the one part of the manufacturing always done personally by my or under direct observation as it's critical).

Generally by the time the springs wore out on the original fans the wicks needed replacing anyway so the fans came back to me. I think the new style wicks will last much longer so spring replacement may be required on an annual basis or so, It's hard to say as there are so many variables for their life...

anywho ill continue this later, my plane is boarding

Hi Charlie, not to sound pushy, but the fans are not up on sale yet, both on HOP and your site. You reckon it'll come on by this month, because I'm anticipating to use them in September (already)?

Thanks.

Having a ring in a folding fan is awesome.
i would like to point out that Charlie is awesome.
that is all.

Heh, Thanks bender.

The current delay is that the welder guy i use broke his welder that he needs to weld this type of metal.

He's promised them by Sunday my time, if he pulls through, then i can start rolling out the finger spin fans next week, all the other bits are made, ready and waiting.

Okay So, UPDATEEEE

My welder fixed his welder


He's done enough for me to get about 10 sets built, which as soon as my day job (which hasn't given me a day off this month and has me working an average of 9 - 16 hours/day) allows, I'll get onto asap,

Thanks all for your patience, especially those with pre-orders!!

There are pre-order options???? Where?

Not on the HOP forum as that would be slightly commercial

Last Update!!!!