I want to throw a party with a foam machine, but they're really
expensive. I can think of a few ways to recreate the effect, but I'm
wondering if there is a known, tried design I can borrow. Please
don't show me the website in your index from the ZBT frat at MIT.
Their design isn't ideal. |
Request for Question Clarification by
drdavid-ga
on
25 Oct 2002 10:35 PDT
Obviously, you know a little bit about foam parties and equipment
already! There are machines available to buy and to rent to fit
various size spaces and budgets. Apparently these still don't fit your
budget and you want to build your own? The ZBT design appears to be
the sort of thing you want. If it "isn't ideal," what do you want
that's different? To produce an answer that will satisfy you, we need
to know what your budget is (roughly) and what would satisfy you as an
answer. What characteristics are you seeking to reproduce?
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Clarification of Question by
tallview-ga
on
25 Oct 2002 11:30 PDT
good point. OK, I'd like to keep it around $100, total. The ZBT
solution seems too bulky -- I don't want to have a kiddy-pool and
large trash can sitting in the middle of the room. From their
photo-essay, it also appears that the foam density wasn't that great,
nor did it produce that much (I realize that this last part is
dependent on the size of the space and how long they ran their machine
for).
Obviously, these machines are able to produce a prodigious amount of
dense foam with a smaller mechanical "footprint". That would be my
ideal solution.
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Request for Question Clarification by
alienintelligence-ga
on
25 Oct 2002 19:40 PDT
Hi tallview...
Is the "known, tried design" part integral to
your answer or would another design that doesn't
necessarily have a corresponding website work
as well?
What are the ways you have thought to recreate
the effect and why are they not feasible for you?
Since you mention size a few times, can you give
us the limits to sizing? Presumably a machine that
can sit to the side would be best also?
thanks
-AI
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Clarification of Question by
tallview-ga
on
26 Oct 2002 09:58 PDT
Any design that works is fine, no need for a corresponding site (my
guess is there isn't one).
As for design ideas, here's where I've gotten:
- Maybe not necessary to use air to agitate solution and create foam
-- water pressure may be sufficient
- Ideal solution would produce little 'waste' (ie, excess water,
efficient use of solution, etc.)
- Smaller "blowers", used for drying carpets, may be able to
distribute the foam instead of shoveling
- Foam may not neeed a distribution mechanism if it's small/light
enough to be suspended (this speaks to the size issue)
- Maybe one of the main issues preventing development so far is a lack
of knowledge of existing 'legacy' equipment that I can appropriate to
perform some of the necessary functions. Perhaps suggestions of
equipment well-suited for key tasks would be helpful
As to the size issue:
- Yes, preferable to be able to move it to the side, out of the way
- Lightweight preferable as well
I also have limited time to construct and test this device:( The
party's on Nov. 2nd
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Request for Question Clarification by
alienintelligence-ga
on
28 Oct 2002 11:16 PST
Hi tallview...
A few points we haven't covered
yet... what about noise levels? Do
you have some type of limit in mind?
Do you want to distribute the foam
before, during or both?
thanks
-AI
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Clarification of Question by
tallview-ga
on
28 Oct 2002 13:30 PST
Noise level can be sacrificed, unless, of course, it deafens my
guests. In fact, I was considering using a series of blender motors,
and use a discrete feed of solution and water... just an idea.
In terms of distribution, well... obviously, we want to prep
before-hand, and reiterate based on how long the foam solution can
maintain its integrity. so, i would say we would need to re-fill
sporadically throughout the night, but not something perpetually
creating foam.
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