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April 28, 2007 10:06 AM PDT

Quest for the Pirate Toaster: We're getting warmer!

by Caroline McCarthy
(Credit: Tomwet.de (Photoshopped by Caroline))

To those who stepped in late: I'm on a quest for a pirate toaster. I'm looking for something like the skull-and-crossbones appliance sold in Germany that will allow me to brand a thoroughly awesome Jolly Roger into my morning toast. But at this point, it doesn't look like I can locate one here in the States. When we last left the Quest, readers, I had just learned about the Pop Art toaster sold at Target, which is a good try, but there are no pirates involved. I have no use for a toaster that can brand snowflakes or birthday cakes.

Well, there's good news out of Engadget. The guys over there have caught wind of a hacked CNC air gun that's been hooked up to a printer so that it can burn patterns into toast, thus turning it into "digital toast imaging technology." Perhaps it could be programmed to brand a skull and crossbones somehow? Hmm? Maybe? Check out this video:

So the auspices are in my favor. But hear me out: I will stop at nothing in my quest for this ultimate prize in kitchen-appliance booty. If you have one, I'm willing to barter. I have a katana that I'd trade you for it (good if you happen to come across any ninjas), or maybe some second-rate Blu-rays. Any takers?

Caroline McCarthy, a CNET News staff writer, is a downtown Manhattanite happily addicted to social-media tools and restaurant blogs. Her pre-CNET resume includes interning at an IT security firm and brewing cappuccinos. E-mail Caroline.
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To the rescue?
by sgasperino April 29, 2007 12:51 PM PDT
I'm extremely tempted to take you up on that trade offer. I live in Germany, so it shouldn't be any problem for me to have them send me the toaster and then mail you one. However, I couldn't find your email address anywhere, and I'm vacationing in the US until 12 May. If you don't mind waiting for the company to ship one to me so I can bounce one to you, email me for more details at dUc0N_4[at]yahoo[dot]com.
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To the rescue?
by sgasperino April 29, 2007 12:51 PM PDT
I'm extremely tempted to take you up on that trade offer. I live in Germany, so it shouldn't be any problem for me to have them send me the toaster and then mail you one. However, I couldn't find your email address anywhere, and I'm vacationing in the US until 12 May. If you don't mind waiting for the company to ship one to me so I can bounce one to you, email me for more details at dUc0N_4[at]yahoo[dot]com.
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by Cayusa April 8, 2008 7:52 PM PDT
Did you ever manage to get your toaster? I had a friend who was going to Germany get me one. Just be aware that you will also need a 1000watt step up transformer to get it to work. It is another $40 over the cost of the toaster, but it works.

Pirate Toaster

Pirate Toast
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