Good smoke for testing drafts?

[2xw]

Hi, we're trying to test a number of drafts swirling I'm and out of our digs.
I bought some plumbers flue testing ones from Amazon but they say "do not inhale" in big letters. Anyone recommend something they've used that is safe for human consumption - or should I just give up on this idea entirely? I have used incense but I don't smell good

 

[Maj]

Try aerosol theatrical smoke or Magicians smoke. The Reservoir Hole diggers used it in Magic Smoke Dig.

 

[Pitlamp]

Last aerosol I got was called "Magican" and it came from RS I think.

Try their website.

Braveduck may be able to give better detail if you PM him, as he was the person who first showed me this stuff

 

[Bob Cromer]

Be careful using the magicians smoke, we used it and it made our dig disappear !

 

[Graigwen]

I agree, Magic Smoke is the best stuff for draught tracing in digs and new caves. The "smoke" is neutrally buoyant and hangs at the same level for some time, making it superior to joss-sticks and other sources of hot smoke. I understand that the smoke is finally dispersed droplets of olive oil, so best keep it away from cigarettes and carbide lamps.

It is cheaper if you buy in bulk, my source was Stage Electrics. Magic Smoke

 

[marsrat]

Joss-sticks are good.

 

[Winnat's Caver]

Crack works well for me. Meth if you're in a pinch.

 

[cap n chris]

Joss sticks. Rely on your nose rather than your vision.

 

[Fulk]

I assume that what is needed is something to test draughts; although, oddly, someone who creates drafts (preliminary drawings or texts) is a draughtsman/woman (which logically should mean someone who creates air-currents) in UK English.

 

[Graigwen]

I assume that what is needed is something to test draughts; although, oddly, someone who creates drafts (preliminary drawings or texts) is a draughtsman/woman (which logically should mean someone who creates air-currents) in UK English.

You can call someone whose job is to create drafts a punkah wallah. Smoke testing detects drafts, but hopefully does not make them.

.

 

[oldfart]

Try a good mundungus. I recommend Southlinch obtainable from The Prancing Pony, Bree.

 

[Leclused]

I saw a set-up with a vape (electronic cigarette) a while back. But I can't find it anymore.

5 minutes later Found an other example used in cosplay but the same method

How the make a mini smoke machine from an e-cigarette.

 

[Leclused]

An other diy smoke machine but with glycerine

If you search on "micro smoke machine diy" you'll find all kind of solutions

 

[Ali M]

We have found smoke matches excellent for draught testing and usually buy a tub of 100. https://www.toolstation.com/arctic-...VWuftCh3dzgQ0EAYYASABEgIUJfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Graigwen]

We have found smoke matches excellent for draught testing and usually buy a tub of 100. https://www.toolstation.com/arctic-...VWuftCh3dzgQ0EAYYASABEgIUJfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The only disadvantage of the Magic Smoke canisters is their size. Perhaps when going to underground sites with very constricted access smoke matches might have advantages, but I have never used them personally.

How many do you carry (presumably not 100)? How do you get them going underground? (For years I had 3 windproof matches and striker taped inside my helmet, but never actually used them. ).
.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

The good Mr O'Doc tried bubbles. Basically he has daft ideas but it seemed to work.

 

[Graigwen]

The good Mr O'Doc tried bubbles. Basically he has daft ideas but it seemed to work.

I confess I tried bubbles a few years ago. They seemed to have some promise although often sinking quickly to the ground. I switched to Magic Smoke for convenience of use - often bursts need only be a second or two and no preparation time is needed. Also I was looking at a lot of surface outcrops or rock piles and Magic Smoke was less affected by surface wind.
.

 

[Graigwen]

I confess I tried bubbles a few years ago. They seemed to have some promise although often sinking quickly to the ground. I switched to Magic Smoke for convenience of use - often bursts need only be a second or two and no preparation time is needed. Also I was looking at a lot of surface outcrops or rock piles and Magic Smoke was less affected by surface wind.
.

...because you can direct the spray to where it is needed.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Another daft idea from Mr O'Doc was to inflate a big weather balloon to stop the draught or reduce the area it came from. We have to put up with this nonsense.

 

[Ali M]

The only disadvantage of the Magic Smoke canisters is their size. Perhaps when going to underground sites with very constricted access smoke matches might have advantages, but I have never used them personally.

How many do you carry (presumably not 100)? How do you get them going underground? (For years I had 3 windproof matches and striker taped inside my helmet, but never actually used them. ).
.

We normally take about 10 with us at a time in a small watertight container. Plus you need to carry a lighter. They have proved excellent for work in Longwood Valley sink. I don’t advise smoke pellets. We only tried these once at another digging site. They produced far too much smoke and exiting in a thick fog was interesting.