Seamus Hammond
Wood backflow incense burners are beautiful, with the smoke cascading downward like a waterfall. Unlike standard incense burners, where smoke escapes upward, backflow burners force the smoke downward, creating a unique effect. You can create your own backflow incense burner from wood or even upcycle everyday items like beer cans. For example, you can use a wood dowel, tongue depressors, and a hand saw to create the internal fixture that guides the smoke. Alternatively, you can recycle a beer can by cutting it with tin snips or heavy-duty scissors, forming a base and a lid for the burner, and using the leftover scraps as legs. Whether you're crafting with wood or upcycling cans, making your own backflow incense burner allows you to customize the design and create a unique, functional piece.
Characteristics and Values Table for a Wooden Backflow Incense Burner
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Design | The top of the burner can be designed with the same size wood as the base. A thick fender washer can be fitted on top of the wood to prevent incense from burning the wood. |
| Internal fixture | A short piece of 1/4" diameter wood dowel, a 4.25" x 0.75" x 0.18" thick, and a few tongue depressors. |
| Functionality | The smoke from the burner cascades downward like water over a fall, unlike standard incense burners where smoke escapes upward. |
| Materials | Wood, plastic tube, copper cap, aluminum, tin snips, heavy-duty scissors, file or sandpaper, protective gloves, and incense cones with holes at the bottom. |
| Additional tools | A Dremel tool, a hand drill, and a small drill bit can be used to create holes in the incense cones. |
| Design inspiration | The design can be inspired by the Midwest, featuring a lighthouse over a lake with waves, water, and rocks, instead of typical dragons or fairies. |
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What You'll Learn
Planning the design
Identify the Purpose and Function:
Start by understanding the purpose of your incense burner. Do you want it to be purely functional, or do you want it to be a decorative piece as well? Considering its function will guide your design choices. For example, if you want the burner to be portable, you'll need to choose a compact design and lightweight wood.
Choose the Right Wood:
Selecting the right type of wood is essential. Opt for a variety that can withstand heat and won't easily catch fire. Some suitable options include hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut. Consider the colour and grain pattern of the wood as well, as these will contribute to the overall aesthetic of your burner.
Determine the Size and Proportions:
Decide on the size of your incense burner. Consider the size of the incense cones or sticks you plan to use and ensure your burner is proportionate. A larger burner can accommodate longer-burning incense, while a smaller one might be more suitable for shorter meditation sessions or decorative purposes.
Sketch Your Design:
Put your ideas on paper by sketching a basic design. Consider the overall shape of the burner and how you want the smoke to flow. Include key elements such as the base, the lid, and any decorative features you want to incorporate. For example, you might want to add a wave, water, and rocks to create a unique visual effect, as mentioned in one of the sources.
Decide on Additional Materials:
In addition to wood, you'll need other materials to create the internal fixture and direct the smoke flow. Referring to the Instructables source, you'll need a short piece of wood dowel, tongue depressors, and a plastic tube. You might also want to include a copper cap to enhance the design and direct the smoke.
Plan the Construction Process:
Finally, create a step-by-step plan for assembling your incense burner. Mark the wood according to your design, cut the pieces to size, and secure them together using strong adhesives or joinery techniques. Ensure that your plan addresses safety concerns, such as preventing the wood from catching fire and providing adequate ventilation for the smoke.
Remember, the design process is iterative, and you might need to make adjustments as you bring your wooden backflow incense burner to life. Enjoy the creative process, and don't be afraid to experiment and make improvements along the way!
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$11.99
Cutting the wood
When it comes to cutting the wood for your backflow incense burner, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, gather the necessary materials and tools. You'll need a piece of wood that's about 4.25" long, 0.75" wide, and 0.18" thick. You'll also need a pencil, a hand saw, tongue depressors, a 1/4" wood dowel, and some hot glue.
Start by using the pencil to mark three 45-degree angles on the 4.25" long piece of wood. These marks will guide your cuts. Take your time with this step, as accurate markings are crucial for the next steps. Once you're happy with the markings, use the hand saw to carefully cut grooves along the pencil marks. The grooves should be wide enough to fit the edge of the tongue depressors.
Next, cut the tongue depressors to about an inch in length. You'll need enough tongue depressors to fit securely into the grooves. Insert the cut tongue depressors into the grooves and secure them in place with hot glue. This assembly will form the internal fixture of your incense burner, so ensure that everything is securely attached.
Now, it's time to attach the wood dowel. Apply hot glue to the 1/4" wood dowel and carefully attach it to the bottom of the wood base. This rod will act as a secure anchor for the fixture. Make sure it's firmly attached before moving on to the next step.
Finally, cut a 3/4" length of a tongue depressor and glue it to the top of the wood stick at a 30-degree angle. This will create the landing platform for the smoke to hit and direct it downwards, creating the distinctive backflow effect. Again, ensure everything is securely attached before proceeding to the next steps of assembling your incense burner.
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Assembling the fixture
To assemble the fixture, you will need a short piece of 1/4" diameter wood dowel, a 4.25" x 0.75" x 0.18" thick piece of wood, and a few tongue depressors.
On the 4.25" long piece of wood, use a pencil to mark three 45-degree angles. Using a hand saw, carefully cut grooves along the pencil marks. The grooves should be wide enough to fit the edge of the tongue depressors. Cut the tongue depressors to about an inch in length and insert them into the grooves, securing them with hot glue.
Next, hot glue the 1/4" dowel rod to the bottom of the wood piece. This rod will be used to secure the fixture to the wood base. To complete the fixture, hot glue a 3/4" length of a tongue depressor to the top of the wood stick at a 30-degree angle. This will create a landing platform for the smoke to hit and direct it downward.
Once the glue has dried, you can attach the fixture to the wood base. Ensure that the base is stable and secure before proceeding. Place the plastic tube over the fixture and fit it into the round grove in the wood base. The copper cap can then be placed on top of the plastic tube, with the 1/4" hole aligning with the landing platform on the internal fixture.
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Adding the finishing touches
Smoothing and Polishing:
Use sandpaper or a file to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces on the wood. Pay particular attention to the areas where the incense cone will be placed and the path the smoke will follow. You want to ensure there are no obstructions or sharp edges that might interfere with the incense or the smoke flow. A smooth finish will also give your burner a more refined appearance.
Assembly and Testing:
Now, it's time to bring all the components together. Secure the plastic tube over the fixture, ensuring it aligns with the groove in the wood base. Place the copper cap on top of the plastic tube, with the 1/4 hole positioned directly above the landing platform on the internal fixture. Test the placement by placing an unlit incense cone on top of the hole in the copper cap. Ensure the incense cone is properly seated and doesn't wobble or tilt. If it seems secure, you're ready for the final step.
Final Touches and Customization:
Before lighting your incense, consider adding some personal touches to your burner. You can paint or decorate the wood to match your style or the theme of the space where it will be used. If you plan to use it on a particular occasion, you might want to adorn it with relevant decorations. For example, if it's for a meditation session, you could add some calming motifs. Alternatively, keep it simple and natural, allowing the beauty of the wood to shine through.
Lighting the Incense:
Now, it's time to light your incense and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Place an incense cone on the copper cap, ensuring the hole in the cone aligns with the hole in the cap. Light the incense, and as the ash builds up, you'll start to see the smoke cascade downward in a mesmerizing display. Remember to always burn incense in a well-ventilated area and on a heat-resistant surface.
Your wooden backflow incense burner is now complete, and you can enjoy the beauty of flowing smoke and the wonderful aroma of your chosen incense. Remember, you can always experiment with different types of incense to find your favorite fragrances.
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Testing the burner
Prepare the Workspace:
Before testing the burner, ensure your work area is well-lit and well-ventilated. Incense smoke can be strong, and you want to avoid any potential hazards. Gather all the necessary tools and materials, including safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection.
Assemble the Burner:
Carefully assemble your wood backflow incense burner, following the instructions you've previously used. Ensure that all components are securely attached and aligned correctly. Check that the internal fixture, which is crucial for directing the smoke, is in place and secure.
Choose the Right Incense:
Select the appropriate incense for your burner. Backflow incense cones are designed to work with backflow burners. Check the bottom of the cone to ensure there is a hole, as this is essential for the backflow effect. If you can't find pre-made cones with holes, you may need to drill small holes yourself using a hand drill and a small drill bit.
Light the Incense:
Place the incense cone on the burner, following the specific instructions for your burner's design. Light the incense and observe the smoke. Initially, the smoke will rise, but as ash builds up, it will block the smoke from rising, causing it to flow downward, creating the desired backflow effect.
Observe the Smoke Flow:
Pay close attention to the smoke flow. Ensure that the smoke cascades downward smoothly and doesn't waft away from the intended flow pattern. If the smoke is not flowing as desired, you may need to adjust the distance between the incense and the first tier of cups or make adjustments to the internal fixture.
Safety Precautions:
Always exercise caution when working with fire and incense burners. Keep a close eye on the burner during testing to ensure there are no safety hazards. Make sure the burner is placed on a heat-resistant surface and that flammable materials are kept away.
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Frequently asked questions
Backflow incense burners are designed to force the smoke to cascade downward like water over a fall, as opposed to standard incense burners where smoke escapes upward.
A backflow incense burner can be made from wood, or by recycling everyday materials such as an empty beer can.
Tin snips, heavy-duty scissors, a utility knife, a file, sandpaper, and a pair of pliers.
The internal fixture is the heart of the burner. It can be fashioned from a short piece of wood dowel, tongue depressors, and a copper cap. The fixture is then secured to a wooden base.
