OblivionFall Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 Hi there, I'm going to be milling some Black Powder in my 1lb ball mill to make some visco fuse. I was wondering what media works best to mill it (if any), where to put the mill (how far underground ) etc.What are the chances of BP going off while milling it? What do I need to know about milling it? Thanks
tradami Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 Hi there, I'm going to be milling some Black Powder in my 1lb ball mill to make some visco fuse. I was wondering what media works best to mill it (if any), where to put the mill (how far underground ) etc.What are the chances of BP going off while milling it? What do I need to know about milling it? Thanks I personally use lead media. I know a lot of other people do. You can also use ceramic. Do NOT substitute your media for anything else to "save money". A 1lb ball mill is pretty small. Most people get the 3 or 6lb rock tumbler from harbor freight. What kind of ball mill are you using? http://www.harborfreight.com/3-lb-rotary-rock-tumbler-67631.htmlhttp://www.harborfreight.com/dual-drum-rotary-rock-tumbler-67632.html As far as placement of your mill, the ideal distance is probably around 150ft or more away from any buildings of any sort. If you can barricade it that's even better(things like sandbags). Just make sure you don't block off air to the motor. When making black powder there is always a chance for it to go off. The biggest factor in this is inexperience and lack of knowledge. We can mitigate and reduce our risks by doing things correctly. If you've never made BP before I highly suggest reading up on it beforehand to learn all of the "Do not do's". DO educate yourself.DO use a timer to automatically turn off your ball mill after x time.If you're not using a timer DONT unplug the power at the ball mill, unplug it at the source.NEVER SHAKE YOUR JAR!DO go slow when screening your media.ALWAYS stay away from any source of ignition or spark when dealing with BP. This thread is a good place to start for safety. http://www.amateurpyro.com/forums/topic/9798-ball-mill-explosion/ A quick google search should answer any questions you might still have but feel free to ask here.The good news is there is a LOT of information out there on BP.
OblivionFall Posted March 27, 2015 Author Posted March 27, 2015 I personally use lead media. I know a lot of other people do. You can also use ceramic. Do NOT substitute your media for anything else to "save money". A 1lb ball mill is pretty small. Most people get the 3 or 6lb rock tumbler from harbor freight. What kind of ball mill are you using? http://www.harborfreight.com/3-lb-rotary-rock-tumbler-67631.htmlhttp://www.harborfreight.com/dual-drum-rotary-rock-tumbler-67632.html As far as placement of your mill, the ideal distance is probably around 150ft or more away from any buildings of any sort. If you can barricade it that's even better(things like sandbags). Just make sure you don't block off air to the motor. When making black powder there is always a chance for it to go off. The biggest factor in this is inexperience and lack of knowledge. We can mitigate and reduce our risks by doing things correctly. If you've never made BP before I highly suggest reading up on it beforehand to learn all of the "Do not do's". DO educate yourself.DO use a timer to automatically turn off your ball mill after x time.If you're not using a timer DONT unplug the power at the ball mill, unplug it at the source.NEVER SHAKE YOUR JAR!DO go slow when screening your media.ALWAYS stay away from any source of ignition or spark when dealing with BP. This thread is a good place to start for safety. http://www.amateurpyro.com/forums/topic/9798-ball-mill-explosion/ A quick google search should answer any questions you might still have but feel free to ask here.The good news is there is a LOT of information out there on BP. I'm using a 1 LB lortone rock tumbler. The only space I have to do this is my back yard, my parents and neighbors are used to loud explosions around the neighborhood so if it explodes while tumbling it won't be extremely bad. I was thinking of putting it into the ground, surrounded by bricks and covered with a tarp etc. Thanks for the feedback!
tradami Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 I'm using a 1 LB lortone rock tumbler. The only space I have to do this is my back yard, my parents and neighbors are used to loud explosions around the neighborhood so if it explodes while tumbling it won't be extremely bad. I was thinking of putting it into the ground, surrounded by bricks and covered with a tarp etc. Thanks for the feedback! Generally you'll want to fill your tumbler 1/2 with media and 1/4 with comp. The issue with a mill exploding while tumbling is not that it's loud but that your media is sent flying. If you put it in the ground just make sure it's level. Other than that it sounds like your plan will work. I'm not as experienced as some of the other people on here so perhaps someone else can weigh in on that. Just remember though, distance is your friend. 1
Arthur Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 Lots of people mill successfully with lead, antimony hardened lead, or ceramic balls. BUT nothing is 100% perfectly safe. Have some protective clothing -gloves overalls and face shield. and USE them. IF the mill explodes then it will send media for several yards,
BurritoBandito Posted March 28, 2015 Posted March 28, 2015 (edited) When my mill exploded all of the media which I found (68% now woohoo!), was found within about 30 ft. of the mill. The pieces of the jar itself traveled much further though. Tradami gave you some pretty good advice regarding remotely starting/stoping your mill, using appropriate media, and not shaking the jar. The only thing I really have to add here is to reiterate the importance of PPE, and suggest a rubber jar. Many people use PVC for their mill jars, but I urge anyone who is using a material which could create sharp pieces of shrapnel to switch to rubber jars. I fully believe it could be the difference between life and death if you're around and the mill explodes. It's definitely good to try and prevent an explosion from happening in the first place, but it is equally as important to take measures to protect yourself in the event that one does occur. Edited March 28, 2015 by BurritoBandito
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