Constructing a Safe Flame Thrower

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction and safety considerations of a homemade flamethrower, including its design, materials used, and potential risks associated with its operation. Participants explore both the technical aspects and the societal implications of using such a device.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a flamethrower design using a PVC tank pressurized to 80psi, connected to a metal pipe gun with a valve for releasing denatured alcohol.
  • The same participant mentions testing the system with water and reports no leaks or pressure issues, seeking feedback on safety and potential risks.
  • Another participant highlights the inherent risk of causing harm to oneself or others during operation.
  • A third participant notes societal concerns regarding the possession of flamethrowers, suggesting that it may attract negative attention or even violence.
  • Another participant expresses excitement about the project while acknowledging its dangers, requesting visual documentation of the flamethrower in action.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of concern regarding safety, with some acknowledging the excitement of the project while others emphasize the potential dangers. No consensus on safety measures or risks has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored all safety measures or potential risks, and there are unresolved questions about the implications of using such a device in society.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY projects, safety in experimental designs, or the societal implications of using flamethrowers may find this discussion relevant.

dusty8683
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my friend and i recently made a flame thrower that was posted on other forums. it has a tank made from pvc that we pressurize to 80psi, the tank connects to a hose, through a vacuum breaker, through more hose, to a gun made from 1.5in. metal pipe. the gun has a valve where you can open it to spray whatever is in the tank out. we've tested it with water and it works excellent... no leaks... pressure holds. to make it into a flame thrower, we would fill the tank with denatured alcohol and add a pilot light about 8in. away from the nozzel (propane torch). the stream of denatured alcohol would pass through the torch flame and create a massive flame. the vacuum breaker is to prevent any backflow into the tank. does anyone have any other suggestions on how safe this will be and what inherent risks we may have overlooked? thanks
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
inherent risk: torching your friend or yourself
 
Society tends to take a negative view of people with flamethrowers. Somebody might shoot you just to be on the safe side.

Njorl
 
sounds very cool, although slightly dangerous.

if and when you do it, take a picture of it, I would love to see that thing in action.
 

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