Magician needs help building heating element

Hi M,
Still on sparks! would a spark gap work?
I'm not sure how big spark could be produced, with small caps and timer etc.
If this is possible, a grain of something like gunpowder, would amplify the spark.
C

I just finish a string of calcs on the subject and the OP would need 400 joules to increase the temp of a 6 inch long and 1/8 inch wide stainless steel pin to 450 F.

Lightium said:

I just finish a string of calcs on the subject and the OP would need 400 joules to increase the temp of a 6 inch long and 1/8 inch wide stainless steel pin to 450 F.

Click to expand...

But he only needs to heat the tip.

Lightium said:

I just finish a string of calcs on the subject and the OP would need 400 joules to increase the temp of a 6 inch long and 1/8 inch wide stainless steel pin to 450 F.

Click to expand...

And he wants a hat pin, not a nail.

this is not a solution but might help an engineer...

"which I believe lights at 150 F."

You can buy those long metal pin thermometers on ebay cheap . Temp ranges go very hgh on some of them. Heat one of these on a stove (no too much in the flame, just gentle) , and see exactly the temp you require. it will help an electronics engineer know what temp he or she needs to ignite the flash paper

as it will be the tip that you use, right? So you may need extra temperature to use a sharp tip? So this Temp info could be vital, early on.
.
Maybe it is just an idea in the making and you are after a general idea first, but thought this might help.

ZipZapOuch said:

And he wants a hat pin, not a nail.

Click to expand...

So, 400/6=66.6666 joules.