Tim1877 Posted August 31, 2016 Posted August 31, 2016 Does anyone on here make star pumps plates and sell them to other members? If not where do you buy yours from I have looked at several websites they either have limited sizes and are sold out all together I'm looking for 1/4,3/8,1/2 inch sizes to start with.
dagabu Posted August 31, 2016 Posted August 31, 2016 (edited) Caleb? http://www.woodysrocks.com/store/c22/Star_Plates_.html Edited August 31, 2016 by dagabu
calebkessinger Posted August 31, 2016 Posted August 31, 2016 http://www.woodysrocks.com/store/p101/Standard_Star_Pump.html Bam, Try that. jinx.
calebkessinger Posted August 31, 2016 Posted August 31, 2016 Boring out a special size for someone right now.. painfully slow.. it's turning 200rpm.
Bensmith Posted August 31, 2016 Posted August 31, 2016 I've got well over 100 in stock. 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8" 1", 1.25" & 1.5" in size. All CNC machined and hardened for long life. Plus, there is a special going on right now that could get you a free extraction plate. PM, email ben@firesmithtools.com or call 402-304-3685 if you have any questions. www.firesmithtools.com
starxplor Posted September 1, 2016 Posted September 1, 2016 I have one of the small star plates from woody's (Caleb) and it works great! All the stars in my first two shells ever built were made with it.
CrossOut Posted September 1, 2016 Posted September 1, 2016 My tip, skip 1/4" and go 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8. Sizes will work for 3-6" shells depended on comp. 1/4" is only good for 2.5" and under. Even then I still toss 3/8" stars in my 2.5 shells without issues. 1/4" could be good for making cores I suppose then again rolling a couple thousand 1/4" cores takes me maybe 30 minutes..
dagabu Posted September 1, 2016 Posted September 1, 2016 My tip, skip 1/4" and go 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8. Sizes will work for 3-6" shells depended on comp. 1/4" is only good for 2.5" and under. Even then I still toss 3/8" stars in my 2.5 shells without issues. 1/4" could be good for making cores I suppose then again rolling a couple thousand 1/4" cores takes me maybe 30 minutes.. I disagree, 1/4" is perfect for several slow burning comps, strobe and firefly plus cores. I use mine all the time when I have a photo flash core! 1
Tim1877 Posted September 2, 2016 Author Posted September 2, 2016 I am very new to this so I figured I would start small 2in shells and work my way up to 3 and 4 in shells just trying to decide the best way to start making stars no star roller so its either pumping or cutting for me.
dagabu Posted September 2, 2016 Posted September 2, 2016 I would get a single cavity pump from Caleb and see what you can do with that before investing big bucks and outgrowing it right away.
pyrokid Posted September 2, 2016 Posted September 2, 2016 I should add that it's totally possible to roll small batches of stars by hand. I routinely roll 100g at a time. Many different shaped cookware pans can be adapted to this task, and they can be purchased for cheap at thrift stores.
CrossOut Posted September 2, 2016 Posted September 2, 2016 I disagree, 1/4" is perfect for several slow burning comps, strobe and firefly plus cores. I use mine all the time when I have a photo flash core! You have a good point! It's been a while since I've pressed slow comps.
CrossOut Posted September 2, 2016 Posted September 2, 2016 I am very new to this so I figured I would start small 2in shells and work my way up to 3 and 4 in shells just trying to decide the best way to start making stars no star roller so its either pumping or cutting for me. I wouldn't hesitate starting with a 3" ball inch shell. They are big enough to produce nice spherical breaks as well as patterns or other nice effects. Small details like that kinda go unnoticed in smaller shells as everything appears as a blob.
Mumbles Posted September 6, 2016 Posted September 6, 2016 I would agree. If you have the space to safely build and shoot a 3" shell, it'd be a better size to start with. It may seem counterintuitive, but bigger shells are actually easier to an extent. They are however more costly and require more clearance. 3" shells will get you experience in all the techniques and methods that go into building shells. 2" shells are tricker and not as forgiving in some ways. The best practice techniques are not entirely the same either. At the very least the larger size has more room to work in.
OldMarine Posted September 6, 2016 Posted September 6, 2016 I started out building 3"cylinder headings and quickly figured out there isn't much room in there for fat fingers or for enough stars to give a good full burst. As my rockets improved I was able to step up to 4" and what a difference it made. Rather than a blob or empty space I now get a round burst with enough stars in there to keep it from looking anemic.I've already got my 5" case former waiting on my rockets to catch up!
dagabu Posted September 6, 2016 Posted September 6, 2016 I hear ye OM, my fingers function at about 1/2 what they did so the small shells I make are a PITA to fill. I found that a cheap pair of LONG tweezers to be a great help!
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