Introduction: The "Pyro Jam Can"


What does a used can of soup, old PC speaker, and propane equal ? A "Pyro Jam Can" of course! Inspired by a Rubens tube that I built the "Pyro Jam Can" is flame spitting candle that likes to jam to the rhythm of the beat. Finished eating your soup and ready get building? Lets light this can so you can jam out!

!!!!!!!!!WORD OF CAUTION!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU BUILD THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. BE SAFE. KEEP A FIRE EXTINGUISHER NEAR BY. HAVE A FRIEND NEAR BY TO ASSIST IF THINGS GET OUT OF CONTROL. ONLY USE IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA WITH NOTHING CLOSE BY.
BE SURE TO TRIPLE CHECK FOR ANY LEAKS. NOT CHECKING FOR LEAKS COULD CAUSE A GAS POCKET THAT WILL IGNITE! TURN GAS OFF IMMEDIATELY IF FLAME BURNS OUT AND WAIT FOR ROOM TO CLEAR OUT BEFORE REIGNITING.

OK, now on to the build ;-)

Step 1: Materials

Parts List:
  • PC Speaker with built in amplifier
  • Scrap wood, I used 3/4" plywood cut down to 5" squares x 2
  • Propane Tank
  • Propane regular hose
  • 3/8" Plastic tubing
  • 3/8" OD PTC x 3/8" flare adapter (used to attach to regulator hose)
  • 3/8" x 1/4" Hose barb
  • 3/8" male NPT x to 3/8" OD PTC
  • Misc Bolts
  • Wood Glue
  • Helium rated balloon
  • Primer and paint
  • All weather caulk/silicone.

Step 2: Building the Speaker Box

Reference the pictures for clarification.
  1. Cut your plywood to be about 1/2" or so bigger then the diameter of the size can your using. Cut two pieces.
  2. Cut out the center equal to a little more then the diameter of the can.
  3. Cut the other pieces center out just a little smaller then the diameter of the speaker your using.
  4. Drill a hole in each corner of the speaker piece so we can attach stand offs so the speaker doesn't bottom out.
  5. Attach the bolts and glue the can piece on top of the speaker piece.
  6. Sand for a smooth finish.
  7. Tape off bolts using masking tape.
  8. Primer with latex primer.
  9. Spray paint red or whatever color you want.

Step 3: Preping the Can

  1. Strip the labeling form can ( fire hazard lol).
  2. Cut the end off the balloon and stretch the closed end over the open end of the can.
  3. Drop the speaker in.
  4. Set the can into the completed speaker box and mark the hole for the barb. Doing so while the can is inserted assures the barb wont bottom out. Mounting the barb too high and the can will tip.
  5. Once marked use a nail and hammer to put an indention in the can so we can drill a hole without the bit slipping.
  6. Start drilling out the hole using a small bit and slowly working your way up using bigger bits. You want the hole slightly smaller then the barb.
  7. Thread in your bard, it should tap itself.
  8. Seal the barb from the inside of the can using some outdoor all weather caulk/silicone.
  9. On the bottom of the can drill a 1/16" hole in the center.

Step 4: Plump the Tank

  1. Attach the hose regulator to your tank.
  2. Attach flare adapter using some Teflon tape.
  3. Attach hose
  4. Attach hose to can barb using a hose clamp.

Step 5: Hook Up and Adjustment

  1. Drop the speak in the speaker box.
  2. Attach wire leads from speaker to amplifier PCB board.
  3. Cut the end off of the helium rated balloon and stretch the closed end over the open end of the can.
  4. Drop the can into the speaker box.
  5. Attach hose to the barb and secure with a hose clamp.
  6. Place unit in a open, well ventilated area.
  7. Slowly open the regulator. YOU ONLY NEED TO OPEN IT EVER SO SLIGHTLY.
  8. Light the can.
  9. TURN GAS OFF IMMEDIATELY IF FLAME BURNS OUT AND WAIT FOR ROOM TO CLEAR OUT BEFORE REIGNITING.
  10. Adjust flame to about an 1 1/2". You may need to experiment. To small of a flame and it will burn out. To big and you wont get much of a response.

Step 6: Light This "can"dle on Fire!

Once you have the flame adjusted simply hook up any audio source and watch the fire dancing start!

Thanks for checking out this ible. If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments section or send me a shout. Have fun and BE SAFE! ;-)

Make It Glow Challenge

Participated in the
Make It Glow Challenge

The Mad Science Fair

Participated in the
The Mad Science Fair