I haven't lost my eyebrows yet, so it's all good so far! There is a bit of a "whoosh" when it goes up, but that's why the smart pyro uses a long BBQ lighter. I'm tempted to try a flaming torch one of these nights. Not only would it be effective, but I think it would add a certain look to the whole affair.
The pumpkins get very hot to the touch. My victims, er, pumpkins are about 25+ pounds so they have pretty thick skins (I do have to thin that down in a lot of cases). They have no problem lasting the 45 minutes or even going two rounds, which I have been known to do. But yes, the more intricate the design, the more likely it will come apart in the process. I've had a couple faces just burn away.
The pumpkin is charred completely on the inside and there's quite a few burn marks on the outside and through the pattern itself.
After all is said and done and the pumpkin has time to cool it collapses in on itself. It becomes as flat as a pancake. They don't last through the night and in the morning all that's left is an orange circle to mark where it all took place.
I don't look at it as work. I'm helping these pumpkins fulfill their ultimate Halloween destiny!
If you have a pattern that you think would lend itself to the higher flames, let me know, I'll incorporate it into my scheme.
