There is always another way..

[Mash]

The jury is out - you decide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2Olx2UcGJ8

[Icefever]

It is mind-boggling, I'm a little skittish about the mason jars, but they are heat proof....but if one of them did crack with him using a gas burner I dread to think what may happen.

[Myles]

Yes you can do it but IMO it is a really bad idea.

You would be surprised at just how easy it is to break heat proof glass with thermal shock. And remember these are not heatproof glass. They are just conventional preserving jars - not pyrex.

You can do it but it is at your own risk. Personally I think it is less hazardous to lick a 9v battery.

[Mash]

That's a bit harsh Myles. What's wrong with licking batteries!

[Myles]

That's a bit harsh Myles. What's wrong with licking batteries!

Yeh! It used to be a bet when we are at school.

Anyway back to glass - in the right setting, with the right gear - think a laboratory setup - then sure you can do it.

I have broken preserving jar thumpers twice.

Once was due to a water drip from a leaking coolant line hitting a hot jar, just an oversight on my part.
The second time I thought I had everything sorted but the bottom of the jar just split off. I have no proof but i think it was the cavitation caused by the collapsing bubbles. Probably some flaw in the glass.

Nearly had a heart attack when that ended up on the floor.

[Mash]

Thermal shock is an easy way to cut bottles. And I have certainly had my fair share of breaks. Including a 54litre carboy. After which I made a converted effort to replace the rest of them.

[Easydrinker]

I lost one of my Borosilicate glass 10 litre vessels last winter due to leaving outdoors on a frosty night.
I picked it up the next day, and left the base with a very clean break stuck on the ground. >:(
Those buggers are expensive/rare.

Robert.

[Phantom]

A bit late to the party, but I've seen pics of double glass thumpers etc...

It's got me wondering about thumpers in general. This clip shows an amazing bit of building, but I'm now wondering how thumpers in general affect flavour ? Or are they just like bubble plates when it comes to the transfer of flavour or are they purely installed to boost strength on a single run ?