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(Don't) Make Your Own Fire Tornado

Posted by samzenpus on from the adut-supervision-please dept.

Flash Modin writes "In the last two weeks, both water and fire tornadoes have been widely covered by the media. As any physicists would have, we immediately thought 'I want to do that!' SO... You should absolutely, under no circumstances, not attempt to recreate the following fire tornado; but if you did, here's exactly what you would need, how you would do it, and what it would look like."

6 of 86 comments (clear)

  1. There's an easier way... by johnhp · · Score: 5, Informative

    The version in the story is too complicated, but there's an easier way. The catch is that it has to be really cold outside... I'd say at or below freezing.

    All you have to do is acquire a bottle of lighter fluid and a lighter. A zippo lighter works best. Spray a puddle of lighter fluid on cold pavement. Light the fluid (may take a while, it's difficult to ignite when cold). Once it's burning, stand back and spray a steady stream of lighter fluid into the flames. After a spray or two, a fire tornado will develop. I've made fire tornadoes that were an inch or two thick and at least ten feet tall.

    1. Re:There's an easier way... by MightyMartian · · Score: 4, Insightful

      +5 Interesting but Insane

      --
      The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
    2. Re:There's an easier way... by 6Yankee · · Score: 4, Funny

      I worked at a small airport, and trained as crash crew.

      Part of the training involved a six-foot-square metal pan full of oil, which the instructor lit.

      It was while standing there with the hose, hand on the lever but thinking that the foot-thick tornado of fire towering over me was way too beautiful to put out, that I realised I maybe wasn't the best person for the job...

  2. Make sure the screen is really secure... by Chocolate+Teapot · · Score: 4, Funny

    We're using Play-Do!

    --
    Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise. - William Shakespeare
  3. You call that a flame tornado? by NetDrain · · Score: 5, Informative

    Here's a real flame tornado: Nate Smith, a gent I know personally, doin' his thing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qulN52bR9vk

    1. Re:You call that a flame tornado? by NetDrain · · Score: 4, Funny

      Get on /b/ and post a video of yourself punching a kitten.