Antonio Mcgowan
Backflow incense, also known as waterfall incense or an incense fountain, is a relatively new type of incense. Unlike traditional cones, backflow incense emits smoke that flows in the opposite direction — downwards instead of upwards. The smoke creates a mesmerizing waterfall effect, but the widely available backflow cones are often made with synthetic ingredients and smell unpleasant. However, it is possible to make your own backflow incense cones using natural ingredients and your favourite scents. Drilling a hole into the bottom of a conventional incense cone can also create a backflow effect, but it can be challenging to determine the correct depth and apply the right amount of pressure to prevent the cone from breaking.
Characteristics and their values regarding turning ordinary cones into backflow cones
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Drilling a hole at the bottom of the cone |
| Drill Bit Size | 1/16" |
| Distance to Drill | Stop drilling about a quarter inch before you hit the top |
| Challenges | Judging how far to drill and being gentle to avoid breaking the cone |
| Alternative | Grinding down and recasting cones |
| Backflow Incense Burners | Special design with a hole at the base where the cone sits |
| Backflow Incense Burn Time | Approximately 25 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Drilling a hole at the base of the cone
Mark the desired depth on the drill bit using paint or any other suitable marker. This will help you know when to stop drilling to avoid piercing the top of the cone. Gently start drilling at the base of the cone, being careful not to apply too much pressure, as the cone can easily break. Stop drilling when you reach the marked depth, leaving approximately a quarter of an inch before reaching the top of the cone.
It is crucial to work slowly and carefully throughout the process. Drilling too fast or with too much force can cause the cone to crack or break apart. Once the hole is drilled, let the cone dry before use. This method allows you to transform an ordinary incense cone into a backflow cone by creating a hollow tunnel for the smoke to flow downward, producing the captivating waterfall effect that backflow incense is known for.
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Using a small drill bit to avoid breaking the cone
Drilling a hole into the bottom of an incense cone is a simple way to make an ordinary incense cone into a backflow cone. However, this method must be done with care to avoid breaking the cone.
To start, select a small drill bit for your drill. A 1/16" bit should be suitable. It is important to choose a small bit because a larger bit will increase the risk of breaking the cone.
Once you have your drill and bit, gently secure the incense cone in place. You can use a marker or paint to indicate how deep you want the hole to be. This will help you avoid drilling too far and damaging the cone.
Slowly and carefully, begin to drill into the bottom of the cone. Stop drilling when you reach your marked depth, or about a quarter of an inch from the top of the cone. This will ensure the cone remains intact.
By using a small drill bit and taking your time, you can successfully create a backflow cone without breaking it. Remember to always exercise caution when handling power tools and follow all safety guidelines.
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Creating a mesmerising waterfall effect
To achieve the mesmerising waterfall effect, follow these steps:
- Place the backflow incense cone upright on the burner, ensuring it covers the hole. This alignment is essential for the smoke to flow correctly.
- Light the pointy end of the incense cone with a match or lighter. Ensure that the incense is immersed in the flame until it ignites with a small flame.
- Gently blow out the flame or remnants of the flame. If you see a small glowing ember and smoke starts coming out of the bottom, the incense has been correctly lit.
- Be patient, as the backflow effect takes a few minutes to start. After several minutes, the smoke will start to pour from the bottom of the cone, creating the mesmerising waterfall effect.
It is important to note that the incense cone must be placed on a backflow burner to achieve the waterfall effect. If placed in a regular incense cone burner, the backflow incense cone will produce smoke from the top of the cone, just like a regular incense cone.
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Using natural ingredients for a pleasant scent
While it may be possible to turn an ordinary incense cone into a backflow cone by drilling a small hole in it, many people have reported that backflow cones smell nasty. This is because they are not made with real incense and instead contain synthetic fragrances. If you want to create a pleasant scent, it is better to use natural ingredients.
Natural incense typically has a deep, woodsy, soft lingering scent. It is crafted from natural ingredients such as essential oils, wood powder, gum arabic, and makko powder. Essential oils, in particular, play a crucial role in creating the distinct fragrances of incense sticks. These oils are derived from various plants, flowers, or resins and create rich and long-lasting scents. Common examples include sandalwood, frankincense, and myrrh. These essential oils not only provide pleasant aromas but also often carry significant religious and cultural importance in different traditions.
Wood powder is another essential component of natural incense sticks as it serves as a combustible base material. It is often made from soft, fragrant woods such as sandalwood or agarwood. Other natural ingredients that can be used to create incense include flowers, musk, resins, ground roots, barks, and herbs.
When choosing essential oils for your incense, it is important to note that only certain types of essential oils work for burning. Be wary of incense manufacturers that offer a wide range of scent profiles, as this may indicate the use of synthetic fragrances. Look for incense with an ingredients list and avoid those that contain "parfum" or "fragrance", which are typically petroleum-derived synthetic fragrances.
By using natural ingredients, you can create a unique, pleasant fragrance that burns cleanly and creates a calming and enjoyable atmosphere.
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Using a backflow burner to achieve the reverse smoke flow
Using a backflow burner can help you achieve the reverse smoke flow, creating a mesmerizing scenery with downward-flowing plumes of smoke. Backflow incense burners, also known as incense waterfalls or fountains, are designed to guide the smoke downwards instead of upwards. This effect is achieved by using incense cones with a small, hollow tunnel in the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom.
To use a backflow burner effectively, follow these steps:
- Light the pointy end of the incense cone with a match or lighter. Ensure that the incense is immersed in the flame until it ignites with a small flame.
- Gently fan or blow out the flame or its remnants.
- Check if there is a small glowing ember, and if smoke starts coming out of the bottom, the incense has been correctly lit.
- After the incense has finished burning, do not touch the remnants or the metal parts of the burner right away as they may still be hot. Allow several minutes for cooling.
- To dispose of the burnt cone, move a trash bag or garbage can close to the burner. Gently tip the small metal plate that the cone is sitting on, disposing of the entire burnt cone into the trash. This method is considered the easiest and cleanest.
It is worth noting that handmade backflow incense cones may be more challenging to light than machine-made ones. If you are using a handmade cone, keep the tip immersed in the flame for a longer period, up to 10-15 seconds. Additionally, you can let the flame die down naturally instead of fanning it out.
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Frequently asked questions
Backflow incense cones are specially designed to produce a reverse smoke flow, where the smoke cascades downwards, creating a waterfall-like effect. This is achieved by placing the cone on a backflow burner, which has a hole at the base where the cone sits, allowing the smoke to flow downward.
The backflow cones that are widely available are often made of cheap synthetic incense, which smells unpleasant. By making your own, you can use natural ingredients and your favourite scents to create a better experience.
You will need a mixing bowl, a spoon or spatula, a mould (optional), a small object or toothpick to create the air hole, and your chosen combination of base powders such as sandalwood, agarwood, cedarwood, and a binder like makko powder or tragacanth gum.
First, prepare a dough-like mixture by combining 2 parts base powder with 1 part binder and gradually adding water until you achieve a firm but not sticky consistency. Then, shape the mixture into cones using a mould or by hand, and create a small hole at the base of each cone using a toothpick. Allow the cones to dry thoroughly, which can take up to a week.
