Where to ignite Thermite

[Roadapple]

If you have a container with Thermite in it, do you ignite on the top or bottom. Does it matter.

[Bcorso85]

Top. Its safer. Let it burn from top to bottom. Not bottom to top

[AirsoftSmokeScreen]

I have a question about thermite.

I want to try this once, I have the chemicals ( Iron Oxide and aluminum flakes) but I'm wondering if I could ignite the mixture with some KNO3/sulfur/Al mixture in the middle since I don't have magnesium ribbon.

Will the temperature be sufficient to start the reaction?

Thanks

[GalFisk]

That should be sufficient. I have no experience with that particular mix, but KNO3/sugar works fine for igniting thermite, and the mix with Al is bound to be even hotter. I've seen fine thermite ignited with sparklers too. Mg ribbon is actually less reliable than pyrotechnic compositions, since it lacks oxidizer.

[schroedinger]

Sparklers are common used.

 

There are also some compositions using barium peroxide, but the i know is just using a little bit of pootasium permanganate and putting a couple drops of glycerine or brakefluid (best dot 4 no dot 5) on top.

Gives a enought time to retreat and ignites for sure