$7 100W Induction Heater

erco

5-12V but def not USB powered! Up to 10A, one reviewer says he got 100W. Gotta be good for something. $7?

http://www.banggood.com/5V-12V-ZVS-Induction-Heating-Power-Supply-Module-With-Coil-p-1015637.html

xanadu

Hmm, possibly an alternate heat source for Nikos G's smoke machine. Heat up a small metal pipe, then pump oil into the pipe. You could use a thermocouple to maintain the right pump speed for best smoke output. Probably less efficient than nichrome wire but will last longer since the oil would never come in contact with the heater.

localroger

Here's the Mark 2 unit:

http://www.banggood.com/Low-ZVS-12-48V-20A-1000W-High-Frequency-Induction-Heating-Machine-Module-p-1038472.html

These things are generally used for annealing or melting small amounts of metal especially for jewelry making. At these prices it's very tempting even though I haven't done any metalwork in over 20 years.