GamFuel alternatives

WFair

Member
For an upcoming production, we will be using open flame effects (with relevant permits and licensed operators) and will be using several of the "GAM Torch" self-extinguishing torches. I have managed to get my hands on the required number of torches, however unfortunately GAM (now part of Rosco) has discontinued the manufacture of both the torch and the GamFuel pellets. I cannot find any documentation on what those white pellets were made of and I need an alternative smokeless solid fuel. Does anyone know the chemical composition of the GamFuel blocks or have any suggested alternatives? I have purchased several brands of "smokeless" fire tablets from Amazon (designed for camping/backpacking) but all of them still produce significant smoke and are definitely not the same thing. To anyone who reads the responses to this thread, please bear in mind that real fire should almost always be avoided in theatre and it poses an EXTREME hazard and liability and should only be attempted by licensed professionals under the supervision of a local fire marshall. Thanks in advance for any help!
 
Following. I have 2 of those torches and a handful of pellets left. Havent needed them in a long time and don't see anytime soon, but would be good to know.
And yes, I do talk to the FM for those uses...
 
I recently found out we would need to use our GAM torches for an upcoming production and the best I've been able to find are these little Weber Lighter Cubes: https://www.weber.com/US/en/accesso...oal-grill-accessories/lighter-cubes/7417.html

They look exactly like the GAM pellets, but the MSDS is slightly different. They're basically the same product though. I haven't gotten a chance to test them out yet, but will update here as soon as I do.
Circling back around to this to see if you've had a chance to test these out?
 
Circling back around to this to see if you've had a chance to test these out?
I did! They work exactly like the GAM fuel, they're just slightly smaller. So I used 2 of them in 1 torch and it gives the same torch flame you're looking to accomplish. I recommend it as an alternative for anyone who still use GAM torches but can't find any GAM Fuel anymore. These Weber pellets can be found just about anywhere -- Home Depot, ACE Hardware, Wal-Mart... basically anywhere that sells barbeque equipment probably carries them.

If your company has the financial backing/support to upgrade your pyro materials, I recommend looking into Le Torcia by Ultratec. This company sells them for a slightly lower price than everywhere else I found: https://www.jemfx.com/fire-effects/le-torcia. This page lists their rental rates, but give them a call and they'll help you out for purchases. They also sell the butane replacment cannisters for half the price you can find them anywhere else.
 

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