Katrina Rosales
Backflow incense burners, also known as incense waterfalls, waterfall incense burners, or incense fountains, are incense burners that force smoke to cascade downward like a waterfall or fountain rather than rising unimpeded. There are many tutorials and guides online that explain how to make your own backflow incense burner and cones, with some people choosing to design their own with a northern, or cabiny feel instead of the typical fantasy designs with dragons or fairies.
How to make a backflow incense burner
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoke | Cascades downward like a waterfall |
| Incense | Sandalwood, cedar, frankincense, myrrh |
| Design | Funnel, painted black, wood base, fender washer to prevent wood burning |
| Distance | Smoke wafts away if the incense is too far from the first tier of cups |
| Style | Fantasy-inspired with dragons, fairies, leaves, or cups |
| Time | Time-consuming to make |
| Cost | Expensive to make |
| Technique | Use molds, drills, and hand tools |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right incense
- Cone Size: Backflow incense cones come in various sizes, and it's important to choose the right size for your burner. Ensure the cone fits securely in the top piece of your burner. A well-fitted cone will burn more efficiently and create the desired downward flow of smoke.
- Scent: The scent of your incense will depend on your personal preference and the purpose of burning. Different scents offer various benefits, such as promoting relaxation, enhancing meditation, or energizing your space. Popular fragrances include sandalwood, which is known for its calming and purifying properties.
- Smoke Production: Consider the amount of smoke produced by the incense. Some incense cones emit more smoke than others, which can contribute to the visual display but may also be a concern if you are sensitive to smoke.
- Burn Time: The burn time of incense cones varies depending on factors such as cone size, wind strength, and the ingredients used. If you are looking for a longer-lasting fragrance, opt for larger cones or cones with natural ingredients known for their slow-burning properties.
- Purpose: Different types of incense are associated with specific purposes. For example, certain fragrances may be better suited for meditation, while others may enhance relaxation or space cleansing. Consider the intended use of your backflow burner and choose incense fragrances that align with your goals.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, choosing the right incense comes down to your personal taste. Experiment with different fragrances and scents until you find the ones that resonate with you the most. Explore a variety of incense types, including floral, woody, spicy, or herbal scents, to discover your favourites.
Remember, the beauty of backflow incense burners is the combination of visual aesthetics and aromatic experiences. By selecting the right incense, you can create a soothing atmosphere and elevate your space with a unique and innovative display.
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Designing the burner
The materials used for the burner can vary, but wood is a common choice. Ensure the wood is thick enough to prevent the incense from burning through it; you can also add a fender washer for extra protection. Consider the size of the incense cones or sticks you plan to use and accommodate them in your design. The burner should have a stand or holder for the incense, positioned in a way that allows the smoke to drip down and not waft away.
You can enhance the smoke flow by modifying the vanes to have curved or scooped shapes, which will direct the smoke more effectively. Additionally, you might want to paint certain parts of the burner black, such as the funnel, to improve its visual appeal and incorporate it into the design. If you're using a copper cap, as some designs do, you can paint it black instead of trying to hide it, making it a design feature.
When it comes to the incense itself, you have several options. You can use store-bought incense cones, but ensure they are specifically designed for backflow burners. Standard cones will not produce the downward flow of smoke you're aiming for. Alternatively, you can make your own incense cones or sticks using various wood, resin, herb, or floral incense powders. Experiment with different scents, such as sandalwood, cedar, or frankincense, and consider adding essential oils for a modern twist.
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Building the burner
The materials chosen for the burner play a crucial role in its functionality and aesthetics. Wood is a common choice for the base, but it's important to protect it from the burning incense, for example, by using a thick fender washer. Copper caps can be placed over the hole where the incense is lit, and their long sides can hide the funnel if desired. Alternatively, the funnel can be painted black and incorporated into the design. Modifying the vanes to have curved or scooped shapes can help direct the smoke for a better visual effect.
The distance between the incense and the first tier of cups or layers is critical to guiding the smoke in the intended direction. Adjust this distance to prevent the smoke from wafting away from the desired flow pattern. Additionally, ensure that the burner has a stand or platform for the incense to rest on securely. This stand should be designed in a way that facilitates the downward flow of smoke, creating the desired cascading effect.
When it comes to incense, there are various options available. Traditional Chinese incense uses powders, while modern Chinese incense makers may incorporate essential oils. Sandalwood is a popular choice, and you can experiment with different resins like frankincense or myrrh. However, be mindful that the proportion of binder is crucial, especially when forming the cone shape. The weight and shape of the incense cones also impact the drying time, which can take up to a week for backflow cones.
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Lighting the incense
Choosing the Right Incense:
Start by selecting the appropriate type of incense for your backflow burner. Standard incense burners typically use incense sticks, but backflow burners require special incense cones, often referred to as "waterfall incense cones." These cones are designed to create the downward flow of smoke that distinguishes backflow burners. You can purchase pre-made backflow cones, but they may be limited in variety, or you can modify regular cones by drilling small holes in their bottoms. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own cones with incense powders or oils, but this is a more intricate and time-consuming process.
Incense Placement:
Place the incense cone on the designated spot, usually a small hole or stand, at the top of your backflow burner. Ensure the cone is secure and properly aligned with the burner's design, as this will impact the flow of smoke. The distance between the incense and the first tier of the burner should be considered, as too much distance may cause the smoke to waft away instead of flowing through the intended path.
Using a lighter or match, carefully ignite the tip of the incense cone. Allow the flame to catch and burn for a few seconds before gently blowing it out. The incense should continue to smolder and produce smoke. If the flame doesn't catch initially, try again, ensuring the incense is lit properly.
Observing the Smoke Flow:
Once the incense is lit, the unique design of the backflow burner takes over. The smoke will be drawn downward, cascading over the tiers or cups of the burner, creating the illusion of a waterfall or flowing fog. Enjoy the mesmerizing visual display as the smoke gently fills the air and spreads across the landscape of your burner.
Safety Precautions:
Always exercise caution when working with fire. Ensure you have proper ventilation in the room, and keep flammable objects away from the burner. Do not leave the incense burner unattended, and always dispose of the incense ashes safely once the cone has burned out.
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Modifying the design
When modifying the design of a backflow incense burner, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the burner should be designed to guide the smoke downward, creating a visually appealing effect. This can be achieved by ensuring the incense is positioned close enough to the first tier of the burner to prevent the smoke from wafting away. The smoke path can also be enhanced by modifying the vanes to be curved or scooped, improving smoke direction.
The choice of materials is another important consideration. For the top of the burner, it is advisable to use a material that can withstand the heat of the burning incense, such as a thick fender washer on top of the wood to prevent the wood from burning. Alternatively, a copper cap can be used, as in the original design, but it is not necessary to hide it; instead, it can be painted black and incorporated into the overall design.
The visual appeal of the burner can be enhanced by incorporating themes or motifs that resonate with the user. For example, instead of the typical fantasy designs with dragons or fairies, a unique theme could be introduced, such as a lighthouse overlooking a lake, with the smoke resembling fog over the water. This personalised touch adds a layer of creativity and customisation to the burner's design.
Additionally, the size of the incense should be accommodated within the design. The burner should be proportioned to fit the incense cones or sticks while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance. This may involve sketching out ideas and planning the different textures and layers to create a visually appealing sculpture that also functions as an effective backflow incense burner.
Lastly, the type of incense used can be modified to improve the burner's overall experience. While backflow incense cones are essential for creating the waterfall or fountain effect, their quality can vary. Brightly coloured cones, for example, may have a less pleasant scent due to chemical additives. Opting for natural, aromatic incense that burns longer can enhance the sensory experience without compromising the visual appeal of the burner.
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Frequently asked questions
Backflow incense burners are often referred to as incense waterfalls, waterfall incense burners, or incense fountains. Unlike standard burners, backflow burners force the smoke to cascade downward like a waterfall or fountain rather than rising upward.
You will need to use backflow incense cones for a backflow burner. Standard incense cones will not work. You can buy pre-made backflow cones or make your own.
Making your own backflow incense cones can be time-consuming and expensive. You will need various wood, resin, herb, or floral incense powders. You can also experiment with adding essential oils. The proportion of binder is extremely important due to the cone shape.
You can design your burner however you like. You will need to include a stand for the incense to sit on that allows for a hollow cavern for the smoke to travel through and an opening for the smoke to escape from.
Place the backflow incense cone on top of a hole on the burner and light it. The smoke will then begin to flow downward.
