After a Computer crash and the demise of civilization, it was learned
Don Foreman wrote on Mon, 06 Aug 2007
11:47:33 -0500 in rec.crafts.metalworking :
On Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:21:17 GMT, RoyJ wrote:

Won't work unless it is an old, out of tune carburated beater.

It does work with a carbureted riding mower. Takes about an hour per
hole, though.

The 95% oxy 5% propane subterranian boom works a lot faster. I
don't know why the mix is so oxygen-rich, but that seems to be what
works in practice. Ignition is done with a robust and fairly powerful
spark, a piezo-popper apparently is not sufficient.

Cong tunnels were cleared with ethylene oxide/air explosions, it isn't
a new idea. Dispersed local overpressure pulse (as opposed to higher
but much more localized overpressure from HE) and flash heat are what
does the job.

Expect divots. You may also get the occasional ballistic rodent.

And free landscaping. Friend of mine tried the old "calcium carbide
and water" routine. Produces acetylene gas. Stuck a length of cannon
fuse into the sealed off hole and lit it. Fire in the Hole!
Blew the yard up, including part of the neighbors. Just pealed the
sod back like Moses at the Red Sea! And splatter him with mud.
Missed the moles though.
--
pyotr filipivich
"Quemadmoeum gladuis neminem occidit, occidentis telum est. "
Lucius Annaeus Seneca, circa 45 AD
(A sword is never a killer, it is a tool in the killer's hands.)