Blasting machine
![Two blasting machines. At rear is one where the trigger works by depressing or raising the handle; at fore, one where the handle is twisted](/Images/godic/202412/31/BGML_-_Zündmaschinen0419.jpg")
A blasting machine or shot exploder is a portable source of electric current to reliably fire a blasting cap to trigger a main explosive charge. It is mostly used in mining and demolition.
The use of the term "machine" dates from early designs that used an electrical generator operated by winding a rotary handle or pushing down a T-handle. Modern blasting machines are battery-powered and operated by key switches and push-buttons, and do not resemble the older designs.