Introduction: How to Make an Exploding Pumpkin Face (Blast-O-Lantern)

About: Random Weekend Projects
Exploding Pumpkin Faces! You could try making them this Halloween, but probably shouldn't.

Happy Halloween!

Step 1: Watch the Video!



This project was inspired by: SteveSpanglerScience (Exploding Pumpkins - Cool Halloween Science)

WARNING: This project is for demonstrational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be duplicated. CaC2 mixed with water produces acetylene gas which, when mixed with oxygen, creates an extremely flammable gas. Use of video content is at own risk.

Step 2: Forming the Gas

A very flammable gas (acetylene) is produced inside a pre-carved pumpkin shell by mixing CaC2 and water.  When the gas is ignited, the pressure inside builds rapidly, forcing the carved pieces to blast out dramatically.

Step 3: Ignition

I chose to ignite the gas with a pice of visco fuse.

I found it actually ignites most consistently with a hole just small enough to poke the fuse through, and works better at the back of the pumpkin. I only placed it at the top here so it would be visible.

In reality, placing the fuse near the opening at the top leads to pre-mature ignition more often than not, and isn't recommended.

Step 4: Exploding Pumpkin Faces

Step 5:

Happy Halloween!

For other project videos, check out www.thekingofrandom.com