Combining science, history, and DIY pyrotechnics, this book for the workbench warrior explains humankind’s most useful and paradoxical tool: fire. William Gurstelle, author of the bestselling Backyard Ballistics, presents 25 projects with instructions, diagrams, photos, and links to video demonstrations that enable people of all ages to explore and safely play with fire. From Franklin’s stove to Diesel’s engine, explosive and fascinating tales are told of the great pyromaniacs who scientifically revealed the mysteries of fire such as “Gunpowder” Joseph Priestly, who discovered oxygen; Antoine Lavoisier, the father of chemistry; and Humphrey Davy, whose chemical discoveries and fiery inventions saved thousands of lives. By following the directions inside, the curious can replicate these breakthrough scientists’ experiments and inventions from the simply fascinating one-candlepower engine to the nearly magical fire piston and an incredible tornado of fire.

Combining science, history, and DIY pyrotechnics, this book explains humankind's most useful and paradoxical tool: fire. Gurstelle presents 25 projects with instructions, diagrams, photos, and links to video demonstrations that enable people of all ages to explore and safely play with fire.

These are the homemade machines that you’ve dreamed of building, from the high-voltage Night Lighter 36 spud gun to the Jam Jar Jet, the Marshmallow Shooter, and the Yagua Blowgun. Including detailed diagrams and supply lists, Gurstelle’s simple, step-by-step instructions help workshop warriors at any skill level achieve impressively powerful results. With Whoosh Boom Splat, you can build: - The Jam Jar Jet—the simple pulse jet engine that roars - The Elastic Zip Cannon—a membrane-powered shooter that packs a wallop - The Mechanical Toe—a bungee-powered kicking machine - The Vortex Launcher—a projectile shooter that uses air bullets for ammunition - The Clothespin Snap Shooter—the PG-17 version of a clothespin gun that fires fiery projectiles - The Architronito—the steam-powered cannon conceived by Leonardo da Vinci And many more! In addition to learning how to make these cool gadgets, you’ll find sections packed with information on what makes each machine unique. Gurstelle describes the machine’s historical origins as only he can: with verve, fun, and the sort of quirky details his legions of fans love. Whoosh Boom Splat is a must-have for every extreme tinkerer.

To become a ninja master, one needs discipline, a silent footstep, and an impressive personal arsenal. Author and toy designer John Austin shows even "little grasshoppers" how to turn disposable pens, rubber bands, old CDs, toothpicks, erasers, mint tins, and binder clips into miniaturized stealth weaponry. Clothespins, craft sticks, playing cards, pushpins, and recycled milk jug caps make a cotton swab-launching Hwacha Rocket Cart. Rolled magazines, book rings, and duct tape can be fashioned into a set of working but harmless nunchucks. And a carefully folded sheet of paper can become an origami boomerang. This handy resource provides detailed, step-by-step instructions with diagrams to show stealth warriors how to build 37 different ninja weapons for the modern era. All of the projects in MiniWeapons of Mass Destruction 4 are built from common household and office items-plastic utensils, markers, clothespins, paper clips, wire hangers, and discarded packaging-all clearly detailed on materials lists. Builders are offered a variety of samurai stars, blowguns, throwing darts, siege weapons, and ninja tools to choose from. Once they've assembled their armory, the author provides novices several targets to practice their shooting skills. Nested paper cups become a dragon; chopsticks and a paper plate, a tripod bulls-eye. Armed, trained, and shrouded in black, they are now prepared for missions of reconnaissance, sabotage, and other grim errands. John Austin is a professional toy designer and author of MiniWeapons of Mass Destruction series, as well as So Now You're a Zombie. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Written for reasonable risk takers and suburban dads who want to add more excitement to their lives, this daring combination of science, history, and DIY projects explains why danger is good for you and details the art of living dangerously. All of the projects - from throwing knives, drinking absinthe, and eating fugu to cracking a bull whip, learning baritsu, and building a flamethrower - have short learning curves; are human-focused, as opposed to technology-centric; are affordable; and demonstrate true but reasonable risk.

"Using items that can be found in the modern junk drawer, troublemakers of all stripes have the components they need to assemble an impressive arsenal of miniaturized weaponry"--Page [4] of cover, volume 1.

Culling common household items to create an uncommon arsenal of miniature gadgets and side-arms, this guidebook provides do-it-yourself spy enthusiasts with 35 different surveillance tools and weapons.

A man’s home is his castle, or so the saying goes, but could it withstand an attack by Attila and the Huns, Ragnar and the Vikings, Alexander and the Greeks, Genghis Khan and the Mongols, or Tamerlane and the Tartars? Backyard Ballistics author William Gurstelle poses this fascinating question to modern-day garage warriors and shows them how to build an arsenal of ancient artillery and fortifications aimed at withstanding these invading hordes. Each chapter introduces a new bad actor in the history of warfare, details his conquests, and features weapons and fortifications to defend against him and his minions. Clear step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and photographs show how to build a dozen projects, including “Da Vinci’s Catapult,” “Carpini’s Crossbow,” a “Crusader-Proof Moat,” “Alexander’s Tortoise,” and the “Cheval-de-frise.” With a strong emphasis on safety, the book also gives tips on troubleshooting, explains the physics behind many of the projects, and shows where to buy the materials. By the time they’ve reached the last page, at-home defenders everywhere will have succeeded in creating a fully fortified home.

This book provides a comprehensive look at the issue of firesetting by people with mental disorder.