Q&A for How to Make a Flamethrower

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  • Question
    What is the legal status of these improvised flamethrowers?
    Community Answer
    Flamethrowers are legal in most of the US, they only have some regulations in like California. Be sensible, as throwing them at people, animals or dry vegetation is not legal and you'll get into major trouble if injuring anyone or harming the environment and causing property loss.
  • Question
    How do I prevent the flame from reaching the fuel reservoir?
    Community Answer
    Fire it in shorter bursts, if it is crawling up the stream, stop firing for a moment.
  • Question
    Is it okay to use gasoline to make a flamethrower?
    Community Answer
    If you can atomize the fuel (make a fine mist), then kerosene or diesel would be better. Gasoline is more flammable and more apt to climb back into the fuel tank.
  • Question
    Is there a way to get the "medium burn" to come out in a stream?
    Community Answer
    Yes, use something like Hot Shot or any wasp/hornet spray. It will make a huge 10-15 ft flame.
  • Question
    If the fuel supply is slowed down, can't the flame reach the fuel chamber and cause an explosion?
    Community Answer
    No. You need a fine mix of fuel and oxygen to keep the flame, and have some way to remove the carbon dioxide. In most cases, the nozzle has such a small diameter that the flame will extinguish itself because of the carbon dioxide.
  • Question
    Are flame throwers legal to use on private land if I am not harming others or the environment?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they are.
  • Question
    I've heard that hairspray has a greater risk of causing an explosion or injury. What is something safer to use?
    Community Answer
    Body spray is a good one to use. Just make sure to blow it out when you are done, or it might explode.
  • Question
    Are the fumes poisonous?
    Community Answer
    The fumes may not be poisonous, but they can be dangerous to your health if inhaled.
  • Question
    Are flamethrowers legal in Texas?
    Community Answer
    It is legal to own a flamethrower in Texas and many other states.
  • Question
    Could I repaint the water gun so it looks less cartoony?
    Community Answer
    You could, but keep in mind that kids have actually been killed by police who mistook toy guns for the real thing, so you'd need to be very careful about where you played with it.
  • Question
    Is it legal to make a flamethrower in South Africa?
    Community Answer
    It depends who you are and what you do with it. If you plan to use it for controlled fires for burning trash, it should be fine. Just be careful.
  • Question
    What do I do if my hairspray just blew out the candle even when I tried bursts?
    The Pyro
    Community Answer
    It is probably because your hairspray bursts too powerfully. Try using weaker flow, or you could get another can.
  • Question
    Can I use a flamethrower in public for entertainment?
    Community Answer
    No, you cannot.
  • Question
    How do I find out if it is legal to build and own flamethrowers in my state?
    Community Answer
    The only state that flamethrowers are illegal in is California. You can also Google "laws concerning flamethrowers" for more detailed information.
  • Question
    Can I use rubbing alcohol or ethyl alcohol in the water gun instead of lighter fluid?
    Community Answer
    If you want to use alcohol, it needs to be 100 percent alcohol, in liquid form.
  • Question
    What age restrictions does the flame gun have?
    Community Answer
    It generally should be for adults or for older children with adult supervision.
  • Question
    How far will the flame from a Super Soaker flamethrower shoot?
    Community Answer
    It should shoot at least 5 meters.
  • Question
    Is hairspray prone to explosion? If so, how can I avoid it?
    Community Answer
    Try increasing the distance between the spray and the candle, or reduce the strength of the spray, or even add a handle to the flamethrower.
  • Question
    How does the maximum stream work? Most flammable liquids only burn when atomized, and water guns usually shoot in a stream.
    Community Answer
    When the fuel touches fire, it burns, no matter what shape or power the fuel is.
  • Question
    What keeps the water gun from exploding in my face?
    Community Answer
    The fact that the tank is pressurized keeps the fluid going out, and at first the accelerate is moving too fast for the flame to follow it. By the time it tapers out, you will have pumped it again. Also, the small nozzle prevents oxygen from entering because even a slow flow of accelerate leaving will create an almost airtight seal. If it does travel back after you pumped it, then it will not be full of pressure and might burst into flames or melt, but nothing like a large-scale explosion. The ratio of the back travel and the heat from the fire remains constant, so as long as you cool it after use, you will be fine.
  • Question
    What type of water gun is best for the optimum results?
    Community Answer
    The best water guns are the ones that hold more fuel, can shoot fast, and can be cleaned easily.
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