Using a bug fogger and mineral oil for exterior smoke. Need input

P

peter917

Active member
I am doing a exterior night time woods scene. We want fog and we will need a lot. I wanted to go the route of a bug fogger and mineral oil.

I have a concern and no definitive answer. I know it uses propane to heat the mineral oil. We will be filming in the woods and with winter just ending its probably still pretty dry. What do I need to worry about in terms of catching fire? Does the smoke produced cause fire to dry objects or is it just the fogger unit itself to worry about? I plan to have a big bucket for holding the fogger when not being used.

I just want to know what my concerns should be.
 
I use them all the time. Slim chance of the oil catching fire and shooting it like a flame thrower. have a portable fire extinguisher near buy. Its good to have one on set anyway.

It works pretty well but once you cycle enough oil though the coil, it cools and you'll be shooting oil everywhere. you'll need to wait a bit before pumping more oil. Since you're in the woods you dont have to worry about leaving a mess of oil stains. Over time the nozzle will get clogged with sediment. buy more oil than you think you'll need.
 
jwalk said:
I use them all the time. Slim chance of the oil catching fire and shooting it like a flame thrower. have a portable fire extinguisher near buy. Its good to have one on set anyway.

It works pretty well but once you cycle enough oil though the coil, it cools and you'll be shooting oil everywhere. you'll need to wait a bit before pumping more oil. Since you're in the woods you dont have to worry about leaving a mess of oil stains. Over time the nozzle will get clogged with sediment. buy more oil than you think you'll need.
Click to expand...


Thank you for the input! How long would a gallon last?
 
That should do you plenty. I was getting the 16oz bottles from Target. I had 2 going that day I think we went through 6-7 bottles. That was heavy use.
 
Okay, I may just buy 2 or 3 gallons to be safe. Worried about wind and hang time. Really appreciate the help. Does it use a lot of propane? Should I get a few tanks?
 
The propane last quite a bit. I dont know your plans but I would be shocked if you went through 1 full tank.
 
sorry for hjacking OP. I had a similar project soon that need ton of smoke.
Can u use Glycerine misture use on fog machine instead of mineral oil on these fogger?
 
ph2003 said:
sorry for hjacking OP. I had a similar project soon that need ton of smoke.
Can u use Glycerine misture use on fog machine instead of mineral oil on these fogger?
Click to expand...

My understanding is that most foggers are designed to use one type of fog solution. And many of them only work well with a very specific mixture. Oil and water based fog fluids do not mix.
 
If it your 1st time it should work fine with no issue. Over time it they will clog up and not work as new. Mine still work but a lot slower. Going o try and jam guitar strings to break free some of the residue.
 
jwalk said:
If it your 1st time it should work fine with no issue. Over time it they will clog up and not work as new. Mine still work but a lot slower. Going o try and jam guitar strings to break free some of the residue.
Click to expand...

Got it thanks!
 
One thing I do with my insect fogger after use with fog juice is to remove fog juice and run distilled water through it to thoroughly flush it out when not in use.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top