The new Mad Max movie is getting a lot of buzz, and a few people are calling it a modern classic. There’s a flamethrower guitar in the movie, which means it’s time for cosplay accouterments. Our ‘ol buddy [Caleb] loves flamethrowers and poofers, so hacking together a Doof Warrior inspired flamethrowing ukulele was natural for him.
The fuel for this uke is a can of butane actuated with a caulking gun. This setup is actually pretty clever; by removing the locking tab on the caulking gun, butane is released when the gun’s trigger is squeezed, but stops when the trigger is released. The igniter is a simple grill igniter is used to light the gas.
[Caleb] is rather famous for his flamethrowing creations. His life-size fire-breathing piranha plant uses a similar setup to shoot fire.
Video below.
Nothing about that movie inspired me.
He likes flamethrowers and pooftahs? What?
HA! The flame systems you usually see in big fire installations are often called “poofers”.
I never see big fire installations… Probably because I’m not 9.
I love them and I’m not ashamed of it. Massive columns of flames you can feel from 50 feet away, emerging from rust and steel …. mmmm love it! If it doesn’t interest you, no big deal! To each their own.
This was one of the most insane things about the movie. A flamethrower on a guitar Bruning in a multi Day solo while driving in a world almost out of oil.
I know It is a metaphor for how we are currently burning through our oil reserves but the V8 religion was enough!
That is the most manly ukulele ever, which is to say the only manly ukulele ever, nice work!
Thanks!
Anyone see the original Mad Max movie where Mel drive around in a panel van with his chickadee? That was a bad (as in not very good) movie!
Haven’t seen the new Mad Max yet (want to). Don’t own a Ukulele yet (want to). But I have met Caleb and think this is a cool hack!
Caleb, you’re insane. In the good way.
…I think :)
Thanks!
It will take some time but a proper carbon fiber/nano tube construct will enable us a proper mandolin rail-gun. :)
BTW, if you weren’t inspired by any of the Mad Max movies in which a man was able to adapt to his surroundings and make use of tools available to survive… well. *shrug*
A propane set up would be much safer than liquid fuel, and produce better “poofs” too. It would also be more likely to pass a safety inspection at events like Burning Man or any number of regional events where flame effects are allowed.
it would also be much bigger. I agree propane would be the proper way to go though.
How about a flamethrower banjo for a Rammstein inspired bluegrass tribute band?
Banjo was my first choice, but I didn’t have one sitting around at the moment.
Vinyl hose going direct to the flame outlet will eventually end in flame effects where you don’t want them. Soft copper tube is better suited as the carrier and not much more expensive than braided hose.
If you look at the one I’m using, there’s a brass tip where all the heat is. I started with some thin copper tubing but kept getting pinches when I bent it.
It’s nice to see Caleb on HACKADAY again!
thanks!