The Myth That Pushed Adam to His Breaking Point

Summary by Krater

Adam Savage answers viewer questions from a livestream on December 7, 2021, discussing MythBusters testing scenarios, aging facial skin, tractor-trailer collisions, and how a metal-working technique inspired by water pressure changed musical instrument manufacturing.

From the video

Answers: Did MythBusters ever encounter testing scenarios that professionals said no to?

• MythBusters testing scenarios and safety consultants
• Aging facial skin and skin elasticity
• Tractor-trailer collision myths and tow rigging
• Water pressure metal forming techniques in musical instrument manufacturing

What it concludes

• Professional stunt coordinators never rejected MythBusters testing scenarios outright, but instead helped figure out safer ways to execute them.
• The myth that facial skin permanently stays in position if held long enough is untestable because skin elasticity changes gradually over decades.
• A MythBusters episode involving two tractor-trailer trucks colliding and squishing a Volkswagen Beetle failed repeatedly and required weekend reshoots.
• Water-pressure forming of steel plates failed initially because the sharp corner of the steel pieces acted like a shear rather than allowing movement.
• A technique used in water-pressure metal forming for brass instruments permanently changed how musical instrument manufacturing works.