The Juggling Edge - Citronella oil.

Phil Blackmore - 2012-04-14 15:00:54 UTC #

Citronella oil.

I usually use BBQ fuel on my fire torches.
Is citronella oil similar or good to use for fire juggling?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Phil

david - 2012-04-15 00:05:04 UTC - Parent #

Citronella oil is used as a mosquito repellent. Most people aren't crazy about the odor. I don't recommend it if you don't have lots of mosquitoes.

chase - 2012-04-15 08:23:04 UTC - Parent #

I would keep away from using citronella oil on any fire prop because it doesn't burn clean, and will really tear up your wicks in the long run. I use either denatured alcohol or white gas (Coleman fuel) because they burn clean, aren't too smelly, and are pretty easy to find. White gas burns a bit hotter than normal BBQ fuel FYI, but it is much brighter. Denatured alcohol burns very cool in comparison and is therefore a little dull, but is a good solvent for metal salts if you want to play with some colored flame (cupric chloride is my favorite).

Chase

Phil Blackmore - 2012-04-15 10:37:19 UTC - Parent #

Thanks for the replies :)

BBQ fuel is getting a bit harder to find in the Uk. A lot of places now sell BBQ gel instead, which is no good for me. Coleman fuel is hard to get here.

I guess I'll have to remember to stock up when I see it, rather than waiting until I run out.

It's a pity that citronella oil is no good. It was quite cheap and easy available in my local B & Q DIY superstore.

Thanks again,
Phil

Little Paul - 2012-04-15 10:52:02 UTC - Parent #

Hi Phil!

Paraffin is still easy to get in B&Q (in the greenhouse accessory section) and that's a better alternative than citronella oil if you can't get BBQ fluid. It's somewhat more smokey than BBQ fluid but doesn't smell as bad as the citronella. Although it's fine for outdoor gigs, it may be a problem if your gig is indoors (depending on the venue)

Another cleaner option is lamp oil, which can usually be found in shops that sell candles. I think Robert Dyas (or similar shops) probably carry it. Its flash point isn't as high as BBQ lighter fluid, so it's not as good for advanced eating (eg holds and transfers) but is fine for juggling/blowing.

What's described as "coleman fuel" in the USA can be bought in the UK, but it's *very* expensive in most camping shops. I'm not even 100% sure it's the same stuff though - may be worth asking what fuel they've got for liquid fuel camping stoves, make some notes based on the label and check it out carefully.

Not all camping fuels are equal!

Phil Blackmore - 2012-04-16 10:22:50 UTC - Parent #

Thanks Little Paul!

I have a container of paraffin in the garage as a back up, but almost all my shows are indoors so it smells a bit too much.
I've used lamp oil and that seems ok. I think it cost a bit more than BBQ fluid, but it's fine to use if I can't get BBQ fluid.

Phil