Prop Awareness

Every time you go to spin fire the first thing you should remember to check is your prop. Make sure that all of the components are in good shape and tightly in place (eg. Quicklinks, Splitrings). You also want to make sure that your Kevlar is still holding well to your prop and if it isn't apply some Elmer's Glue or sew it with Kevlar Thread. If you are at all unsure of your prop holding together while spinning, don't burn with it.

The best way to keep your wicks in good shape is to avoid burning them for too long. Kevlar burns at about 900F and all fuels burn well above that. But thanks to evaporation, while there is still fuel in your wicks, your wicks won't burn. However once the excess fuel burns away the Kevlar itself will begin to burn. So if you see your fire start to look patchy, it is a good time to put out your prop. Though there is not reason not to burn to the end, it may result in having to replace your prop sooner.

As you become a better spinner you will likely move towards lighting up your props and get attach to that form of spinning. Now we all love to show off our fiery skills to friends and family, which sometimes requires us to get onto planes. Happily it is easy to get your props on the plane, in check-in luggage or even carry-on (as Ben Drexler has done).

There are no rules against you taking your burnt props on the plane, at least not any set by the TSA. Where you might run into problems is the airlines. They aren't all that enthusiastic about having things that have been in contact with fuel on their planes. So if they ask what it is just say juggling or exercise equipment, tends to do the trick. Now if you are going to be carrying around some staffs you will have to get a special bag to fit them (Snow board bags are pretty popular for this).

Another recommendation is to make your props look unburnt and to make sure they don't smell like fuel. Haven't heard of any problems with this, but TSA officers can't like to smell white gas emanating from a checked bag.