Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2004 22:27:22 -0500
From: Joe <joe-AT-dunfee.com>
Subject: Re: PUPT: smoke effects question


>Problem with inconsistency of smoke action due to 
>clogging and positioning of hoses in the cornstarch container.

  Cornstarch is VERY prone to clogging with even a little moisture.  Talcum
powder is much more likely to stay as a powder.  Also, Cornstarch can ignite
from a nearby flame when it is in a cloud... definitely change over to
talcum powder which is not flammable.

  When I've tried the effect, I had the air blow into a chamber with the
talcum, and actually into the talcum itself.  The outlet was a separate tube
which was well above the level of the talcum.

  I know there is a type of commercial insecticide duster which may be
possible to modify.  Of course, you don't need the pump part, but the other
part might be a good thing to check out.  I've seen them in dollar stores,
so just buy one to take apart and see if it has any ideas worth copying.

  I've also played with a "Zero Blaster" gun from www.robotstore.com (I
think that was the url).  It is a toy which puts out smoke rings.  What
intrigued me was that it has a small smoke generator in it.  The smoke part
could easily be removed, unnecessary parts trimmed off, and installed inside
a puppet.  However, it really doesn't generate much smoke... so I wouldn't
recommend it for your dragon.

  Also, there is a device I've read about, which is sold to magicians.  It
apparently has a small squeeze bladder, which will fit into your palm.  When
it is compressed, it produces a small poof. (it mixes the vapors from two
chemicals and will produce many,many poofs before needing recharged)

Joe Dunfee  joe-AT-dunfee.com
Gordonville, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.



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