Heidi Norton
Backflow incense burners are beautiful and popular items, with smoke that cascades downward like a waterfall or a fountain, rather than rising upwards like standard incense burners. You can buy pre-made backflow burners and cones, but it is also possible to make your own. This can be a challenging process, and you may need to experiment with different designs and techniques to get it right. You will also need to source the right materials, such as wood, resin, herbs, and floral incense powders.
Can I make my own backflow incense burner?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wood, resin, herb, floral incense powders, essential oils, copper cap, funnel, plastic tube, tongue depressors, steel wool, glue, hand drill, small drill bit |
| Design | The burner should have a hollow cavern for the smoke to travel through and an opening for the smoke to escape. The top of the burner can be made from wood and can be designed to look like a waterfall or a lake with rocks. |
| Incense | Sandalwood, cedar, or store-bought backflow cones. |
| Tools | Hand drill, small drill bit, hole-cutting saw, hand saw, Dremel tool |
| Process | The process of making a backflow incense burner involves cutting and gluing wood to create a hollow structure that directs the smoke downward, resembling a waterfall. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right incense
Type of Incense
The type of incense you choose plays a crucial role in the overall experience. Backflow incense burners typically use cones instead of traditional incense sticks. The cones are designed to allow smoke to flow downwards, creating a mesmerising visual effect and reducing mess. However, if you prefer incense sticks, there are enclosed backflow burner options available, like the Bvknrre Ceramic burner, which prevent the smoke from escaping and causing a mess.
Scent
The scent of the incense is fundamental to achieving the desired atmosphere and benefits. Incense has been used for centuries to energise spaces, promote relaxation, and enhance meditation. Different scents can offer various emotional, psychological, and spiritual advantages. For example, lavender is often associated with calming properties, while citrus scents can provide an energy boost. Choose a scent that aligns with your intentions and preferences.
Material Compatibility
When choosing incense for your backflow burner, consider the material compatibility. Incense burners come in various materials, including ceramic, resin, glass, metal, and wood. Certain incense types may interact differently with these materials. For instance, some incense cones might leave residue on specific types of burners, requiring additional cleaning. Ensure that the incense you select is suitable for the material of your burner to avoid any potential issues or damage.
Size and Smoke Production
The size of the incense cone and the amount of smoke produced are also important considerations. Backflow burners rely on the smoke flowing downwards, so choosing incense that produces an adequate amount of smoke will enhance the visual effect. Additionally, ensure that the cone size is compatible with your burner to avoid uneven burning or an improper fit.
Design and Aesthetics
The design and aesthetics of your backflow burner should also influence your incense choice. Burners come in various styles, from traditional and simple to modern and decorative. Consider selecting incense that complements the design of your burner. For example, if you have a burner with LED lights or a water fountain feature, you might opt for incense with a corresponding scent or colour to enhance the overall sensory experience.
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Designing the burner
Firstly, decide on the overall design and theme of your burner. This could be a traditional theme with dragons or fairies, or you could opt for a more personalised theme, such as a lighthouse with fog over a lake, as described in a DIY project. The design should incorporate a hollow cavern for the smoke to travel through and an opening for the smoke to escape, creating the desired visual effect.
Next, gather the necessary materials. The base of the burner can be made from wood, with a suggested size of 4" x 4" x ½". You will also need a copper cap, a plastic tube, a plastic funnel, and various tools like a hole-cutting saw, drill, and steel wool. The internal fixture, which is crucial to the burner's function, can be made using a short piece of wood dowel, tongue depressors, and hot glue.
When assembling the burner, start by cutting a groove in the wood base to seat the plastic tube. Drill a ¼" hole in the centre of the copper cap and clean it with steel wool for a bright finish. Attach the plastic funnel to the inside of the copper cap using hot glue. This funnel is essential for directing the smoke downward, so ensure it is secure.
The internal fixture, as described in one guide, involves marking and cutting three 45-degree angles on a piece of wood. Cut grooves into these marks to fit the tongue depressors, which will guide the smoke. Secure the tongue depressors and the dowel rod to the wood with hot glue. This assembly will be fitted inside the burner, directing the smoke flow.
Finally, consider modifications and improvements to your design. For instance, you might paint the funnel black instead of hiding it, as suggested by another DIY enthusiast. They also recommend using a thick fender washer to protect the wood from burning and curving the vanes to better direct the smoke.
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Creating the internal fixture
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a short piece of 1/4" diameter wood dowel, a piece of wood measuring 4.25" x 0.75" x 0.18", and a few tongue depressors. You may also want to have some hot glue ready for assembly.
Next, take the 4.25" piece of wood and use a pencil to mark three 45-degree angles on it. These marks will guide where you need to cut the grooves for the tongue depressors. Using a hand saw, carefully cut along the pencil marks to create the grooves. Ensure the grooves are wide enough to fit the tongue depressors snugly.
Now, take the tongue depressors and cut them to a length of about one inch. Insert these cut pieces into the grooves, and secure them in place with hot glue. This assembly will form the guiding structure for the smoke.
The next step is to attach the wood dowel. Apply hot glue to the bottom of the assembled structure and affix the 1/4" dowel rod. This rod will act as a secure anchor for the fixture, fixing it to the wooden base of your burner.
Finally, add a finishing touch to direct the smoke. Take a tongue depressor and cut a piece that is 3/4" long. Using hot glue, attach this piece to the top of the wood stick at a 30-degree angle. This angled piece will serve as a landing platform, providing a large target for the smoke to hit and guiding it towards the vanes, where it will begin its downward cascade.
With these steps complete, you will have created the internal fixture, the heart of your backflow incense burner. Remember to refer to visual guides and adapt the measurements to suit your specific design and materials.
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Drilling holes in the incense
When creating your own backflow incense cones, it is important to ensure that there is a hole at the bottom of the cone. This can be done by drilling a small hole with a hand drill and a small drill bit (less than 1/8"). It is important to note that drilling a hole in the incense cone can be challenging, as the incense is more fragile once dried. Therefore, it is recommended to create the hole while the incense is still soft before drying.
Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made backflow incense cones, which already have the necessary hole. These cones are designed specifically for backflow incense burners and will ensure a proper flow of smoke. The hole in the incense cone should align with the hole in the incense burner, allowing the smoke to transfer and create the desired downward flow.
It is important to light the incense cone properly for the backflow effect to work effectively. Light the pointy end of the cone with a match or lighter, ensuring that the incense is immersed in the flame. Gently blow out the flame and look for a small glowing ember. When smoke starts coming out of the bottom, the incense is correctly lit and the smoke will flow downwards through the hole.
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Using a Dremel tool
To begin, you will need to gather the necessary materials and tools, including a Dremel tool, protective gear, and the desired incense burner base material such as wood, clay, ceramic, or metal. It is important to prioritize safety by working in a well-ventilated area and wearing protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to safeguard against any debris or sharp edges.
When using a Dremel tool to create your backflow incense burner, start by marking the material with a pencil to indicate the areas that need to be cut or shaped. For instance, you might mark the centre of the burner to indicate where the incense cone will sit and where the holes will be drilled. The Dremel tool can then be used to carefully cut or drill along these marked lines. If you are working with wood, you can use a Dremel tool with a suitable cutting attachment to create grooves or cut-outs for the internal fixture, similar to the process of using a hand saw.
To create the holes for the backflow effect, a Dremel tool with a drilling or rotary grinding attachment can be used. Drill a central hole from the top of the burner, ensuring it goes about halfway down. Then, drill a horizontal hole that connects with the vertical one, forming a pathway for the smoke to flow downward. Smooth the internal pathways with sandpaper to ensure a seamless smoke flow. Remember to clean any dust or debris to prevent blockages and optimize the backflow effect.
In addition to cutting and drilling, a Dremel tool can be useful for refining the surface of your burner. Use the appropriate attachments to smooth out any rough edges or irregularities, creating a polished finish. Once the basic structure and backflow mechanism are established, you can personalize your burner with paint and decorations. Apply acrylic paints, ceramic glazes, or other suitable materials to express your creativity and make the burner unique. Consider using a clear sealant over the painted surface for a more durable finish that protects against heat and smoke.
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Frequently asked questions
Backflow incense burners are designed to force the smoke from the burning incense downwards into an internal chamber, creating a waterfall effect.
You will need a base made from wood, a copper cap, a plastic tube, a plastic funnel, and a few tongue depressors. You will also need tools like a hand saw, glue gun, drill, and steel wool.
You can use specially-made backflow incense cones, which are hollow in the centre to allow the smoke to flow downwards. These can be purchased or handmade, but it is a time-consuming and expensive process. Sandalwood is a popular choice for backflow incense.
The internal fixture is key to directing the smoke. You can use a combination of tongue depressors and a wooden dowel, glued together and angled to guide the smoke downwards. The plastic funnel also helps to shape and direct the smoke.
You can get creative with the design of your burner. Many burners feature fantasy themes with dragons, fairies, or leaves. You can also create a more natural look, like fog over a lake, with a lighthouse as the burner.
