Mines- Basic mines, compositions and fuses

[Apex61]

Hey everyone

Got my ball mill arriving in the next few weeks so i decided to do some research into what projects i would like to do first.

I would like to start of with a basic mine as i have already have several fountains

After some research i have found some good compositions for my mines using basic bp ingredients, my main problem is obtaining fuse for this project. The mine guide on skylighter requires quickmatch fuse which at the moment i do not have. I do not have any types of fuses and i mainly just use some homemade ones using wool (kno3 and sugar) and sparklers), i understand fuses are essential for this hobby, so i really need to find a source on obtaining them or method to make reliable and safe fuses

I have found a few sites that will ship fuses to Australia but i am unsure if this will cause me any problems

If anyone has any ideas on if i can make homemade quickmatch or import laws on fuses would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

[Col]

quickmatch is just blackmatch inside a tube. You have everything you need to make it

[Apex61]

quickmatch is just blackmatch inside a tube. You have everything you need to make it

 

Im not sure what stops the blackmatch from lighting the tube? is it not hot enough?

[Col]

speed the fire front moves through the tube very rapidly, like 70ft per second.

[Twignberry]

Mate, you've already got everything you need to make quickmatch.

 

As long as your BP is nice and hot, you can either coat cotton thread to make black match or granulate the powder.

 

If using black match, lay 3-5 stands into the middle of a wide strip of painters tape then fold over to seal the black match inside. When lit, this will violently pass flame from one end to the other in a fraction of a second, leaving the smoldering remains of the tape. If testing, make sure something is securing the QM because it will go flying like a rocket

 

Alternatively, lay down a trail of granulated powder and fold it over the same way.

 

For a delay fuse, roll a paper 6mmx50 spolette (check member tutorial) and ram it with a slow BP to get the delay required. Green mix BP with hardwood or briquette charcoal works well.

[Mumbles]

I prefer rolled paper tubes over tape for making quickmatch. Tape leaves behind too much smouldering garbage.

[Apex61]

Thanks everyone, you are all very helpful and friendly and your help is appreciated

will give it a go and see what happens with some black match, Will make a few and try with tape as well as cardboard and tape and see what works best

other thing is to crate the stars for a basic mine. I currently have kno3, sulphur, charcoal (pine), red gum. Not to worried about colours at the moment but im looking into obtaining some different metals and nitrates

To make my stars i can use a basic method mentioned on skylighter, does anyone have any experience with skylighters ratios or do any of you guys recommend a basic star mixture for the mines?

[schroedinger]

With the chems you have, you could do C6, C8, TT and Willow of Mystery from Shimizu. All you need to obtain further for this is Dextrin, which can be made by simply baking starch.