Can Polyoxymethyleen balls be used as star cores?

[redbullzuiper]

Hi guys,

 

I was wondering if Polyoxymethyleen balls could be used as star cores, without any incompatibilities with chemicals.

So as example: 'Polyoxymethyleen reacts with Barium Nitrate'. That kind of incompatibilities

 

Anyone knows?

 

See this link:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4mm-1000pcs-Delrin-Polyoxymethylene-POM-Celcon-Solid-Plastic-Balls/322440374953?hash=item4b12f1aaa9:g:ah4AAOSw4Q5bFkdi

[Arthur]

Why would you want a 4mm core for a star??? 4mm is big enough for some stars, typical star cores would be 1 - 2.5 mm.

 

Do you really need star cores? I've seen in a pro firework factory a cement mixer size star roller half filled with powder, then mixed dry for several minutes by simply rolling it, then the surface of the rolling powder was simply spritzed with a fine spray of water and stars started to form and began to roll properly with additional spraying with water. The secret was simply in the spray from several sprayers some like fine mist and some like a fine rain. In opposition to the usual method, this process involved taking out the stars and returning the under size stars and powder back to the drum.

 

Many people use small seeds like mustard or millet for cores, otherwise some stars are rolled onto cores of a NC bound crackle comp, one seller has fine lead shot for use as cores but that is not friendly as the lead stays in the environment and wild life.

[redbullzuiper]

Haha, yeah that link was just an example. 4mm is kinda big, I wanted to buy the 2mm variant.

 

I use peppercorns at the moment, but they are too expensive for star rolling. So I was looking for an alternative.

And as you state, I dont want to use lead as its bad for the environment.

Edited August 18, 2018 by redbullzuiper

[pyrokid]

Search for millet. I agree that lead should be avoided due to the environmental effects associated with its use, but my preference would be to avoid spreading plastic all over the field as well.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Organic-Millet/282833379702?hash=item41da2ee176%3Am%3AmIA3OfjIOpgmJGh047Z_I0A&var=582193266330

 

Millet works. I use it all the time.

[Davidg1]

Not just plastic with those. Decomposition with heat releases formaldehyde

[OldMarine]

Four pounds of stars takes less than a tablespoon of lead for cores. That lead is consumed in the burn of the star and doesn't return to the ground to be mistaken for grit that birds eat to grind seeds in their gizzard. The amount of unoxidized lead left in vapor form is almost nil.

Even our so called lead free auto fuels pump more out in a mile off travel. I love clean air and water along with healthy wildlife but I'm not going full enviro-nazi over it.

[Arthur]

Millet seed from a pet shop would be my favourite choice. Possibly it's even cheaper from a farm store, but you'll have to buy a bigger bag. One pound of millet will be cores for 100 pounds of stars, that's enough for most days!

[PhoenixRising]

Use 7 1/2 lead shot, works great. Getting them started can be a little tricky with fluffier comps. A box of cheap Winchester 12 gauge (5 bucks) gives you plenty of shot and good nitrocellulose to boot.

For small stars (use in 1 inch to 2 inch shells) 100g over 1 ounce of shot seems about right.

Any lead that returns to the ground forms an oxide layer and doesn't react with the environment. That is, pending the shot survives the flame envelope.

I'd bet we do more damage via sulphur dioxide and barium than anything else.

 

(edit) You may find that 100g and 1 ounce of shot is a bit too big for 1 inch and 1.5 inch, simply add another 10 grams of shot and roll.

 

Each comp has its own fluffiness and burn times to sort out, this is just a generalization to act as a starting point.

Edited August 19, 2018 by PhoenixRising

[dynomike1]

Why not use mustard seed. Lead shot cost $2.00 lb.but I still use #9 shot.