Thread: Fire!

Thought I'd better share this, so no one burns there house down. I was drying some spalted maple in my microwave on Saturday, and had a new "dumb Swede" experience. By the way, I've done this before, with no problems. Long story short ( I'll leave my wife and daughter's comments out) several of the pieces caught fire. I had the microwave set on high - won't do that again - 20% next time. I lost a couple of nice brush handles, a knife handle, and a couple of pen blanks. It was damn nice spalted maple, too! Luckily, no real damage to the microwave, or the house, for that matter - although it still smells a tad smokey. So, new rules - don't leave the microwave unattended and don't do it on high. Still not sure if it just got too hot, or if there was some resin in the wood that caused it. Another unexpected learning experience.

A very good point. I wish they would outlaw microwave popcorn at my work. I don't know how many times the fire trucks have been called for unattended popcorn.

Originally Posted by skipnord

So, new rules - don't leave the microwave unattended and don't do it on high. Still not sure if it just got too hot, or if there was some resin in the wood that caused it. Another unexpected learning experience.

And make sure that a working fire extinguisher is available for use in your kitchen.

Originally Posted by jhenry

And make sure that a working fire extinguisher is available for use in your kitchen.

This reminded me to check the gauge on mine. Still in the green!

Have had 2 fire extinguishers on the end cabinet at all times !!!!

Good point on fire extinguishers - and yes, I do have one in the kitchen and the shop.

Been there done that,no fire but the pce of ebony I was drying,exploded,took out the glass turntable and the inner glass pane.
Wif was somewhat perturbed

I have tried a few things in the microwave but never had anything exciting as all this happen. Most times the results were less than stellar so I just use it for some food warming or baked potatoes. You can get water to blow up in your face with one of those things if your not careful.

I heard the fire trucks go by. Luckily it wasn't for you.

Dave

Originally Posted by 32t

A very good point. I wish they would outlaw microwave popcorn at my work. I don't know how many times the fire trucks have been called for unattended popcorn.

We've already outlawed it at my work - just for that reason. 2 microwaves burned up in just as many months!