I got the wood at the same salvage lot. I like the whethered look of it and the oil stains and rust stains. I intend to make the screws rust as well.
Here's some pictures of it running [(35k), (37k), (47k), (57k) resp.]:
I wish these pictures captured at least some of the subtle blue flames which envelop the water. Also, in the bottom pool, the leftover fuel burns mostly blue, and little jets of flames burst off occationally to each side as the leftover droplets which aren't in contact with the flames spread across the surface and finally ignite. Just lovely.
The powdery white residue on the wood is from droppers of alcohol mixed with boric acid, which burn a lovely green. (I can't use alcohol in the fountain proper as it mixes with water and doesn't float, and I can't use boric in the fuel because it doesn't dissolve in the fuel... Too bad.) Droppering the alcohol directly into the water causes the fire to go out for some reason. Not sure if it emulsified the fuel or if it simply burns quicker and thus burns up the air.
The black is soot. I cleaned it off and sprayed it with silicone lubricant (which can take the heat) so the water flows out better. The soot seems to stick less too.
These are during the day with it off. [(74k), (41k) resp.]
Plans for the future:
The water gets a bit hot while running. I'd like to add a radiator on the back of the board to help cool it.
I also have a problem leaving it alone, since it can't relight -- I
have to babysit it at parties.
So I'd like to build something to auto-light it, or a pilot light
or something.
I'd also like build a better base so it'll fold up for transporting.
Where it's been
I've taken the Ceramic Thing to a number of parties!
Please send me some email.