Bacon Torch Burns Hot, Hot Water Burn Baby

Some guy went and built a thermal lance (cutting torch) that runs on pure oxygen and the fat from bacon (well, prosciutto). As you can see from the picture, the 5,000°F grease-flame is hot enough to burn through a pan, and straight to our hearts. *swoon*

A thermal lance, typically made of iron instead of bacon, is used to cut up scrap metal and rescue people from collapsed buildings. It works by blowing pure oxygen gas through a pipe packed with iron and magnesium rods. These metals are surprisingly flammable in pure oxygen, releasing a huge amount of heat as they are consumed. The result is a jet of superheated iron plasma coming out of the end of the pipe. For sheer destructive force, few tools match a thermal lance. But iron isn't the only thing that's flammable in a stream of pure oxygen.

There's a video after the jump that explains how he made it, but I'm not into following directions so I just glue-sticked a bunch of bacon to grandma's oxygen mask. Here goes nothin'! *FWOOOSH!* Uh-oh, looks like I'm gonna need another grandma. Quick -- to the old folks home before my parents get back!

Hit the jump for an instructional video.

Bacon: the Other White Heat [popsci]

Thanks to Tom G., bob, Anexio, meeotch, bigwoodenhead and towhee, who urge you to remember: only YOU can prevent bacon fires.

• Fire Hazard: The Wrist Mounted Flamethrower

  August 31, 2009

  If you've been reading long enough, you may recall Everett Bradford's Pyro System from early last year. Well now Everett is back with the Pyro System 2.2. Basically, it's a bunch of 3rd degree burns waiting to happen. Ever seen a man melt his own face off before? I have, bu... / Continue →
• Steampunk 'Massager' Really Steam Powered

  May 4, 2009

  This steampunk vibrator was created by metal worker Ani Niow and really works, provided you don't mind melting your hand off to pleasure yourself (I came close once after a 14 hour marathon). While it technically does run off steam, Niow cautions you'll need to wear insulated ... / Continue →
• It's Like Music To My Ears: The Sound Of A Red-Hot Ball Of Nickel Being Dropped Into A Cup Of Water

  January 9, 2013

  This is a short video of a red-hot ball of nickel being dropped into a cup of water, and the resulting noises it makes. They're funny. I especially liked the very end, it reminded me of the sound you hear whenever you teleport somewhere. Speaking of -- I can't even tell you... / Continue →