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Posted: 2/5/2010 8:43:13 PM EDT
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What is the restrictions on the "building for personal fun"...a flame thrower?
Is this fourm where this question should be posted? |
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I don't think there is aa forum for flamethrowers ... because they are not regulated by federal law. So unless you live in a state which has its own laws regulating them, you can do whatever you want. There is one dedicated flamethrower forum (it's dead) and one or two sites where people who know flamethrowers pop up now and again. AFAIK, the only state that bans them is (surprise!) California. You can build them; they're a non-gun. HOWEVER, keep in mind that you are building something that involves carrying numerous gallons of a flammable substance on your back, running it through a hose, and lighting it on fire. YOUR GOAL IS TO DIE IN AN EXPLOSION IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG. Consider that long and well before even beginning such a project. Hospital burn units are not an enjoyable place to linger for a year or two while getting multiple surgeries and skin grafts. I'm not trying to push you in any specific direction. I am trying to push you to carefully consider all dangers associated with a homebuilt flamethrower. If it still seems like a good project AND you have the skills and equipment necessary, seek out QUALIFIED, COMPETENT assistance. Mike |
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The premis is simple.....but I do understand the ramifications of ONE mistake.
I have been in the metal fabrication buisness for 20yrs and have a good working knowledge of plumbing and HVAC. If I choose to build one....can I open a thread dedicated to the build? I need to make some inquirys on VA legality......bu I think it'd be a fun build. |
It's a good thing California banned those things. I hated visiting California before the flame thrower ban, the reason being because of all the gang bangers and criminals running around with those darned flame throwers, burning people all the time, doing drive-bys with flames shooting out the side windows of their low riders. Jeeze, you couldn't walk down the street and swing a dead cat without hitting some guy and his flame thrower. Good riddance I say! 
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It's a good thing California banned those things. I hated visiting California before the flame thrower ban, the reason being because of all the gang bangers and criminals running around with those darned flame throwers, burning people all the time, doing drive-bys with flames shooting out the side windows of their low riders. Jeeze, you couldn't walk down the street and swing a dead cat without hitting some guy and his flame thrower. Good riddance I say! 
Also, as we know the gang bangers and criminals follow banning legislation to the letter. 
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I don't think there is aa forum for flamethrowers ... because they are not regulated by federal law. So unless you live in a state which has its own laws regulating them, you can do whatever you want. There is one dedicated flamethrower forum (it's dead) and one or two sites where people who know flamethrowers pop up now and again. AFAIK, the only state that bans them is (surprise!) California. You can build them; they're a non-gun. HOWEVER, keep in mind that you are building something that involves carrying numerous gallons of a flammable substance on your back, running it through a hose, and lighting it on fire. YOUR GOAL IS TO DIE IN AN EXPLOSION IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG. Consider that long and well before even beginning such a project. Hospital burn units are not an enjoyable place to linger for a year or two while getting multiple surgeries and skin grafts. I'm not trying to push you in any specific direction. I am trying to push you to carefully consider all dangers associated with a homebuilt flamethrower. If it still seems like a good project AND you have the skills and equipment necessary, seek out QUALIFIED, COMPETENT assistance. Mike Lighten up Francis. |
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I don't think there is aa forum for flamethrowers ... because they are not regulated by federal law. So unless you live in a state which has its own laws regulating them, you can do whatever you want. There is one dedicated flamethrower forum (it's dead) and one or two sites where people who know flamethrowers pop up now and again. AFAIK, the only state that bans them is (surprise!) California. You can build them; they're a non-gun. HOWEVER, keep in mind that you are building something that involves carrying numerous gallons of a flammable substance on your back, running it through a hose, and lighting it on fire. YOUR GOAL IS TO DIE IN AN EXPLOSION IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG. Consider that long and well before even beginning such a project. Hospital burn units are not an enjoyable place to linger for a year or two while getting multiple surgeries and skin grafts. I'm not trying to push you in any specific direction. I am trying to push you to carefully consider all dangers associated with a homebuilt flamethrower. If it still seems like a good project AND you have the skills and equipment necessary, seek out QUALIFIED, COMPETENT assistance. Mike Lighten up Francis. Prebans is a very experienced, knowledgable FFL/SOT with an area of expertise focusing on DDs. In this case, I agree with him 100%. So there is no need to tell him to lighten up, because flamethrowers are potentially very dangerous to the operator. As far as Echo2 starting a thread here about his experiences and projects, as the moderator of this forum I have no objections. While flamethrowers do not legally fall under the Destructive Devices definition, IMHO they certainly are in the same relative category. Just remember, this is a technical forum, and it's important to both pay attention to legal and safety issues, and to stay away from emotional or reactionary responses. Carry on. 
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About 6 or 8 years ago you could pick up almost new surplus Russian or Chineese flame throwers for about $500 as they were selling just about anything to make some money. Now you can find the same flame throwers from the same sources selling for $6,000 +.
MadDog
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Prebans is a very experienced, knowledgable FFL/SOT with an area of expertise focusing on DDs. In this case, I agree with him 100%. So there is no need to tell him to lighten up, because flamethrowers are potentially very dangerous to the operator. As far as Echo2 starting a thread here about his experiences and projects, as the moderator of this forum I have no objections. While flamethrowers do not legally fall under the Destructive Devices definition, IMHO they certainly are in the same relative category. Just remember, this is a technical forum, and it's important to both pay attention to legal and safety issues, and to stay away from emotional or reactionary responses. Carry on.
Thank you for your kind words, but I'm no expert! I'm just somebody who has an interest in DDs, has been lucky enough to meet some REAL DD experts, and who knows enough to be careful when a reloading press for a gun involves converting a log splitter... ...or when it involves wearing tanks of flammable liquids on my back. In my book, bigger DOES mean better! But it also means more pauses for caution and forethought. Echo6, I didn't know anything about your background–– hence all of the warnings. The last fellow who asked me about flamethrowers actually intended to use an old fire extinguisher as a tank, had ZERO fabrication and welding knowledge, etc. While I didn't counsel him NOT to do his project, I did counsel him regarding the science behind a flamethrower and the strength of an old, used fire extinguisher. He decided on his own to go back to the drawing board.  Anything can be done–– it's just a matter of doing it safely.
My first advice is to find a copy (e-copy/Kindle copy, printed copy, or original) of TM3-375 "Portable Flame Throwers M1 and M1A1." Be wary of discount CDs with multiple military manuals; sometimes these have poor scan jobs and occasionally pages are missing. A list of other flame thrower FM/TM/etc. (with some additional stuff) can be found at http://www.military-info.com/MPHOTO/p060e.htm. Try Googling the military number before spending money on books; I've found loads of stuff available for free with 5-7 minutes of dedicated searching. But start with military technical manuals! It's good to see how successful models were made when you're trying to recreate something.
Take care, Mike |
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I understand that it's like wearing a bomb on your back.
Once I have determined the the legality...i'll start a new thread with the litature and materials I have on hand. I've been reading up on the many different styles for a couple years now....and have had a dialouge going with a fellow in the islands who has built many of them for burning off cane feilds. not to mention I have a full set of firemans "turn out gear", nomex hood and gloves, and SCBA gear. also....there is no way in hell that I would wear this thing for it's maiden voyage. I was born at night...but not last night 
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Echo2, glad to hear you're being so safety-conscious.
The upside and downside to the internet is when you see the first post on a subject, you don't know anything about the person. Could be a serious project ... or someone wanting to try a new stunt to impress his friends, or out-do the latest youtube vid. Sounds like you've got the right approach, and I look forward to reading about it.
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| I'm quite interested in this project. I wanted to see about the feasibility of using a high-voltage arc to ignite the stream and see if it would be feasible to use the large-capacity paintball C02 tanks to pressurize the thing. With those two components, you could reload your igniter with a couple AA batteries and most sporting good stores could gas you up for cheap. |
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I know this may seem obvious, but please don't use this near anything flammable; also, keep away from anything that could become flammable upon exposure to a lot of flames or sunlight.
I think they're cool as hell (built a small one), but I only used it in the pouring rain or with 6"+ snow on the ground. |
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From what I've read.....compressed air....due to avalibility....is common.
CO2 is a interesting idea......very inert....I like that. ignition systems are fairly wide ranging.....the one I'm leaning toward is a spark ignighted propane....dual nozzel setup for reliability. The two nozzels are aimed so they will cross at the same point as they intersect the fuel stream...picture a cone with a pitch of 60 degrees +/- with a 2" base.....fire, fire, and fuel...intersect at the cones point.....from spacing of 120 degrees around the base. Once agian....I'll be doing research and posting as I nail down componet designs. It helps to have more than one set of eyes looking at you plans anyway.....sometimes you cant see the forest for the trees. It helps to have a outsice influence checking your notes. |
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there is a couple bazillion different recipes for gelling the fuel.
that will be one of the variables for determining the nozzel type. the unit will be tested using a similar vescoscity water base liquid...to see how far the stream will "shoot". I asked a lawyer friend to do a bit of research for me.....and spoke w/ a state trooper...he said he knew of no restricitions....but he wants to play when I get it done. both said to be careful where I play with it....that could be where the real liability lies. I need to find a good back pack frame to modify. found a couple tanks that may work for the main tank...aluminum med grade HP O2 tank. we'll see. |
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A standard ALICE frame should be good to go as far as the base framework is concerned. As for the main tank, I was visualizing something around 5 gallons capacity with internal baffling and TIG welded (steel? aluminum?) construction. The Inert Gas pressure tank would be mounted via a centered rear bracket, utilizing steel lines of the correct pressure rating to mate the pressure tank to the main tank. The adjustment valve being mounted on a boom that comes around my left side. The main tank would be filled via a gasketed, wide-mouth screw cap on top of the tank. But of course, that is just my version. Yours may be different. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I would figure all tanks would be held in using a strap system. welding to the tanks themselves seems like a bad idea.
The tank I'm leaning toward...is a aluminum high pressure O2 tank....about 10" diameter...and about 24" tall. The hosing I found that I like is a high pressure, fuel grade, stainless steel braid over synthetic.....offered in a varity of sizes. I looked a three types of used backpack frames....the ALICE frame liiks to me to be the most likely candidate....due to the fact it is made from the heavier material.....I will have to TIG to the frame. I'll post some pics once I have most the peices. (say that five times fast)
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| wow im glad i stumbled on this thread because it happens i am building one myself the tank is made from an LMTV airtank that i strapped to an alice pack with 1 inch nylon strapping with quick release buckles i put a pressure guage on the top of the tank as well as a plug i can remove to fill it and in the center a ball valve with a air compressor quick release valve to pressurize it with a standard compressor the wands guts are done bunch of fittings and check valves as well as a squeeze valve to release the fuel but i have not made a housing for it yet the pilot is a butane torch head with a sparker i mounted in an ar-15 plastic pistol grip ive tested it for leaks with water i get about 13 feet of spray for about 16 seconds if i can figure out how to post pics ill put some up on here i do alot of reading but not much posting |
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wow im glad i stumbled on this thread because it happens i am building one myself the tank is made from an LMTV airtank that i strapped to an alice pack with 1 inch nylon strapping with quick release buckles i put a pressure guage on the top of the tank as well as a plug i can remove to fill it and in the center a ball valve with a air compressor quick release valve to pressurize it with a standard compressor the wands guts are done bunch of fittings and check valves as well as a squeeze valve to release the fuel but i have not made a housing for it yet the pilot is a butane torch head with a sparker i mounted in an ar-15 plastic pistol grip ive tested it for leaks with water i get about 13 feet of spray for about 16 seconds if i can figure out how to post pics ill put some up on here i do alot of reading but not much posting cool...I'm going to snap some pics this weekend.....unless the wife has other plans...
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| This site shows how a Flame thrower works.http://science.howstuffworks.com/flamethrower3.htm |
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I don't think there is aa forum for flamethrowers ... because they are not regulated by federal law. So unless you live in a state which has its own laws regulating them, you can do whatever you want. There is one dedicated flamethrower forum (it's dead) and one or two sites where people who know flamethrowers pop up now and again. AFAIK, the only state that bans them is (surprise!) California. You can build them; they're a non-gun. HOWEVER, keep in mind that you are building something that involves carrying numerous gallons of a flammable substance on your back, running it through a hose, and lighting it on fire. YOUR GOAL IS TO DIE IN AN EXPLOSION IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG. Consider that long and well before even beginning such a project. Hospital burn units are not an enjoyable place to linger for a year or two while getting multiple surgeries and skin grafts. I'm not trying to push you in any specific direction. I am trying to push you to carefully consider all dangers associated with a homebuilt flamethrower. If it still seems like a good project AND you have the skills and equipment necessary, seek out QUALIFIED, COMPETENT assistance. Mike Lighten Light'emup Francis. So fixed! 
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I don't think there is aa forum for flamethrowers ... because they are not regulated by federal law. So unless you live in a state which has its own laws regulating them, you can do whatever you want. There is one dedicated flamethrower forum (it's dead) and one or two sites where people who know flamethrowers pop up now and again. AFAIK, the only state that bans them is (surprise!) California. You can build them; they're a non-gun. HOWEVER, keep in mind that you are building something that involves carrying numerous gallons of a flammable substance on your back, running it through a hose, and lighting it on fire. YOUR GOAL IS TO DIE IN AN EXPLOSION IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG. Consider that long and well before even beginning such a project. Hospital burn units are not an enjoyable place to linger for a year or two while getting multiple surgeries and skin grafts. I'm not trying to push you in any specific direction. I am trying to push you to carefully consider all dangers associated with a homebuilt flamethrower. If it still seems like a good project AND you have the skills and equipment necessary, seek out QUALIFIED, COMPETENT assistance. Mike Lighten Light'emup Francis. So fixed!
hehehehehe.....
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I built one back in the 1980s while working at Pope AFB. I ran the Entomology shop and shared an office with the Grounds shop. Every year they burned off the duff and old weeds using torches and brooms dipped in diesel fuel. The first year I watched them take a week to get the job done and decided there had to be a better way. The next year I took my 100 gallon sprayer and experimented with different mixtures of gas, diesel and liquid soap and figured out a proper mixture for effective distance squirting of the fire. I could shoot about 30 yards with a great ball of fire and the tank was mounted on a Cushman cart that could do about 35 miles an hour with the tires I had mounted on it. While driving down the flight line it looked like a comet. I extended the nozzle about 8’ because the heat was just too much to deal with, without wearing the fire resistant suit borrowed from the fire department. We ended up being able to burn the grass off the base in one day after that. The day of the first burn we were burning the kudzu ditch where tank creek went through the base. Next to the sand ramp where the equipment shop stored their paving equipment we found out that someone had pushed some barrels of a flammable fluid into the ditch and the kudzu over grew the drums. When the fire heated the sealed barrels to the right temperature there was a sudden WOMP and a flaming drum went flying into the air like an atomic bomb. We thought the shit was going to hit the fan when we saw the wing and base commander driving up and they got out to speak with us. We were quite surprised when we discovered they were not pissed. The base commander even commented that “well there is some hazardous waste we are not going to have to worry about getting rid of”.
I'll cling to my God and my guns, and you can keep the "Change". |
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