On 09/02/2013 10:20 PM, Erik Christiansen wrote:
> On 02.09.13 21:25, Daniel Cross wrote:
>> I should actually add a disclaimer to the above.
>>
>> Don't actually do this unless you are sure and safe in what you are doing!
>> :P
> Ahem, yes. The pyrotechnics of thermite were used in WW2 in small
> stick-like incendiary bombs, one of which incinerated a stook of half a
> dozen rain-sodden sheaves in a field on our family farm in Denmark,
> leaving only a few blackened straw ends in a rough circle. (Very tame
> compared to the morning of the invasion, I must admit, but still not an
> indoor activity.)
>
> The reaction reduces the ferric oxide to _molten_ iron (i.e. > 1500°C),
> and is used in the in-situ welding of railway lines. (Just not on total
> fire ban days.)
>
> This one is second-hand: I have a clipping from a woodworking magazine;
> the author had very finely divided aluminium powder on one of those
> narrow file-like belt sanders, then attacked some rusty iron. The sparks
> were enough to ignite the finely divided freshly produce Al powder and
> rust mix, creating an incandescent fireball enveloping his forearms,
> causing flash burns to his face, and leaving the skin on hands and lower
> forearms hanging loosely, in a well cooked state.
>
> It is a reaction to be treated with some caution.
>
>>> Incidentally, a discussion with a friend this evening lead us to the
>>> decision that a good way (although involved) to erase a drive would be:
> <pedantry>
> OK, it's in front of my nose now. Forgive me please. I can't resist,
> especially since it was used on the "disincorporation" thread as well.
> What ever happened to "led" as the past tense of "lead"? Almost wherever
> one turns, leading turns to a heavy metal once it's past tense. Are LEDs
> to blame?
> </pedantry>
>
>>> I might try this in coming months and report my results ;)
> Before summer, please, away from flammables, with a good visor, leather
> welding gloves, and cold water for plunging scalded body parts into,
> just in case. Have fun! =8-)
>
> Erik
> (Who once fed pure oxygen through a steel pipe into his operating
> crucible furnace, causing the steel pipe to burn back reasonably rapidly
> toward him, leaving a trail of molten steel. (Don't tell Daniel.))
>
I LUV the Linux sense of humour, Thanks very much to all who
contribute. OT though it is, it's a condition that welds our community.
Cheers
Roger
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