Thread: Question about making smoking props

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Anyone out there have experience making props that smoke? Not props like a dragon that could use a regular fogger - but props like handguns or backpacks.
Basically, I was considering how to make steampunk stuff more "steamy" by adding smoke such as might come from a coal furnace - or steam from an engine.
Ideally, the solution would be battery operated so it could be portable / wearable. I would also like it to puff intermittently like a steam engine, though continuously might work sometimes too.
I have been looking at "smoke units" for model trains. These appear to use solutions similar to those used by foggers. They are powered by the track - usually at least 15 volts. Has anyone out there actually used one of these units for a prop other than a model train? Any advice on brand, sourcing, or modifications?
Anyone have a better idea maybe? I think it would be pretty cool to see steam coming from a steampunk ray gun, or to make my steampunkins actually look steam powered. I just don't know the best way to do it. If the internet has taught me anything, it's that whatever the idea, someone else has already had it and probably done something with it. I'm reaching out to my peeps first.

this might not be quite what you are looking for but I am sure many will find it interesting none-the-less. [URL="http://www.smokemachines.com/products.htm"]http://www.smokemachines.com/products.htm[/URL However upon further searching I found this...http://www.sciencebobstore.com/produ...Generator.html It might just be what you need.

That wizard thing may be just the ticket for backpacks and steampunkins!

Yeah, magic shops are going to be your best bet. I could swear I once saw a belt attached fog maching, but can't locate it now.

As a practicing magician, there are a few products out on the market that are self contained / activated for an added effect of "magical smoke" when things appear or disappear in your hands as discussed on a few of our magic forums.....these devices start at a few hundred dollars. I have one of the better unites i got on a great deal at $210 that could be modified to push "smoke" into a steam punk type apparatus that you are holding ( device is activated while wearing it ). The other that just came out is similar to it but the refills become much more expensive & not that much less then mine cost.......

With my version I can control how much "smoke" comes out, a little or a lot, works great for the close-up or stage effects i do. The newest one is the same size large puff of smoke.

You could always make a simple unit that makes "smoke" with baby powder, fish tank tubing & a squeeze ball (like a turkey baster),.......cheaper solution for you maybe.....

I've thought about trying to use an e-cigarette with non-nicotine neutral fluid in it for this kind of effect, but I don't know how much smoke it would actually be able to produce.

Originally Posted by Xane

I've thought about trying to use an e-cigarette with non-nicotine neutral fluid in it for this kind of effect, but I don't know how much smoke it would actually be able to produce.

Funny you mentioned that, the 2 "smoke" from hands effects uses that as a basis for they're gimmick & they use a quality fog fluid ( couple drops in a filter ). When air is pumped into it, it lites up the controller pretty much like an E cig & pushes heat into filter- water misted "smoke" is pushed out.......& a pretty decent amount of it !
Just look up "Pure Smoke" on youtube, several vids to give you an idea of how much smoke can be released by these.

My smoke unit is called Magic Smoke V2 from Illusioncraft, a much more compact unit & the size of a Sharpie pen vs the Pure Smoke........but for what I use it for & Halloween cost was well worth it for me. Pure Smoke unit a little more clumsy to wear and use.........& for magic use, not as quiet as Magic Smoke. Pure smoke will run you $150,+ $25 for extra cartridges + shipping & cost of batteries.......etc

An E cig I don't think would produce a very large puff of smoke.....but would be interesting to see if it could produce a decent amount of smoke with some Froggy's swamp fog in it.....

Thanks, everyone! I just saw a new post on Instructables that does produce smoke from a model train unit. It was made in Germany, but maybe I can find the hardware.

Hey JustJimAZ - Try this link...... it could be something that will help.

http://willers.employees.org/~joesto...l/breather.htm


PB

Very cool invention!