Wrist-Mounted Flamethrower
Objective Summary
Build an Iron Man-like flamethrower that I can strap to my wrist. Why? Cause why not?
Further Background
I was bored during Covid lockdown. What better way to spend my time than to build a flamethrower?
Process
When I press a button trigger beneath my finger, the device fires compressed butane stored within a series of pipe fittings at a modified electric windproof arc lighter. When the aerosolized gas hits the arc, it combusts into flame. My design considerations included making everything one-handed, having enough fuel capacity to launch multiple bursts of flame, and ensuring all obvious safety precautions were in place.
Seen here: the electronics behind the flamethrower. I disassembled an off-the-shelf windproof arc lighter to replace its switch with one of my own. Furthermore, I use a 6V solenoid valve to open and close the flow of butane through the system. Everything is powered by a handful of AA batteries. In the electronics demonstration to the right, the first device shown is the modified arc lighter, and the second device shown is the solenoid valve (each click is the solenoid opening/closing). I use a random switch from an electronics hobby kit, but in the final product, a momentary double pole double throw (DPDT) switch activates both the arc lighter and temporarily opens the solenoid valve at the same time.
The mechanical hardware within the flamethrower is quite simple. I used a fireproof BBQ glove inside of a wrist brace cast for injured arms as the apparel to mount all the components. Heat-resistant JB-Weld steel-reinforced epoxy was used to fix a series of pipe fittings (nozzle, regulator valve, solenoid valve, etc) and aluminum brackets to hold everything in place. All the various electronic components were simply zip-tied to convenient locations away from the flames.
Safety Notes
I included a handful of precautionary procedures for safety reasons.
- There is a backup redundant safety switch in the battery holder just in case the main trigger discharges when unintended.
- The front half of the flamethrower is completely devoid of any flammable material.
- I made the flamethrower extremely easy to remove, just in case any flames crawl back up the device and onto my clothes.
- I always made sure to fire the flamethrower INTO the direction of the wind, and never against it.
- I always kept a fire extinguisher on hand just a few feet away when operating the flamethrower.