Torch (juggling) facts for kids
Juggling torches are special tools used by people who juggle. They are a type of prop that jugglers throw and catch. These torches are usually bought from stores and are made from wood or metal. They have a special wick at one end. Before using them, the wick is soaked in a liquid fuel, like paraffin (also known as kerosene in the US), and then lit on fire.
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What Are Juggling Torches Made Of?
Juggling torches are built to be strong and safe for juggling. They have a few main parts that work together.
How Torches Are Built
Most juggling torches are built around a wooden stick called a dowel. This dowel goes from the very bottom of the torch to the top. The bottom part, about 8 to 10 inches long, is the handle. This is where the juggler holds, catches, and throws the torch. The handle can be covered with plastic, cloth, or leather for a good grip.
The middle part of the torch is often wider than the handle. This wider section helps to balance the torch, making it easier to juggle. The top part of the wooden dowel is usually covered with metal, often aluminum. The very top section is where the wick is attached. The wick is wrapped around the top several times and held tightly with screws that go into the wooden core.
What Wicks Are Used?
The wick is the part of the torch that burns. The two most common materials used for wicks on juggling torches are:
Both of these materials come in long rolls. About 40 to 80 centimeters of wick are wrapped onto each torch. It's important to secure the wick very well, often using nuts, bolts, or strong Kevlar thread. This keeps the wick safely attached to the torch.
What Fuel Powers the Flames?
Choosing the right fuel for juggling torches is important. Different fuels have different qualities. Jugglers pick a fuel based on how safe it is, how easy it is to find, how long it burns, and how hot the flame gets.
Common Fuels for Torches
In the United Kingdom, fire jugglers almost always use paraffin (kerosene) or lamp oil. Lamp oil is a type of treated paraffin that creates less smoke, which is better for performances. Alcohol is generally not a good fuel for juggling torches because it burns differently and can be less safe for this use.
Can You Juggle Fire Balls?
Yes, it is possible to buy special juggling balls that can be set on fire. These are different from torches.
How Fire Balls Work
When juggling fire balls, performers often need to wear gloves. However, some fire balls are designed so that the flame stays a few centimeters above the juggler's hand, right in the middle of the ball. While juggling balls is generally easier than juggling clubs or torches, juggling fire balls can look very impressive.
The challenge with fire balls is that your hands must briefly touch or hold the flaming balls. This is called "dwell time." Because of this, the flame on fire balls must be smaller and burn for a shorter time to prevent the juggler's hands from getting too hot, even with gloves on. For these reasons, all fire juggling balls sold in stores have smaller wicks and flames compared to standard juggling torches. Some people have tried to make their own fire balls using Kevlar rope soaked in fuel and wearing welding gloves, but they usually can't juggle for more than 30 seconds before the gloves start to catch fire.
