Foxfire87 Posted August 25, 2019 Posted August 25, 2019 Can any star be a cut star? I dont have tools to make stars by any other method. Some easy beginner stars? I already know of tiger tails and chrysanthemum, but I like to write down the formulas so theyre there when I'm ready to play around with something new. Also, if I purchase a star plate, can it only be used with a press? Or if I buy a plate can it be used with a vise or by ramming with a mallet? Just seems like it will take me a while to purchase the plate, then I need a press. So if there's a way to make them without a press for a while?
Arthur Posted August 25, 2019 Posted August 25, 2019 Many stars can be cut, But glitters tend to fail if they ever get too wet so you can't cut them as cutting tends to be a wet process. Look at star rollers and star pumps. The star pump is probably the cheapest star maker BUT it only makes one size.
Foxfire87 Posted August 25, 2019 Author Posted August 25, 2019 Thanks for the information, I had some trouble finding a smaller pump as most seemed to be 5/8 and larger, just found every size possible from woody's, ordered a 3/8 pump. So now I'll study up on using it until it arrives, any good articles I could start with?
Arthur Posted August 25, 2019 Posted August 25, 2019 Star rollers are good for stars by the thousand, and good for colour changing stars. but it's a technique you have to learn with several pounds of comp. Plates are good for stars of one size when you have a press, but you make several at a time. Pumps are usually for larger sizes because you only make one at a time.
Foxfire87 Posted August 25, 2019 Author Posted August 25, 2019 Thanks, that well explains the different methods as far as production. I purchased a 3/8 pump, I know I'll get frustrated eventually when I cant crank them out fast enough, but it will work for now, especially the price was very affordable compared to the roller and plates I priced. But I guess this is also a good way for a newbie to start. Thanks again for the info
Mumbles Posted August 26, 2019 Posted August 26, 2019 Not being able to cut glitters is news to me. I've only been doing it for 20 years.
Arthur Posted August 26, 2019 Posted August 26, 2019 The book "Fireworks, Principles and Practice" by Ronald Lancaster, available through Abe Books, lists lots of star comps and suggests whether they should be cut, pumped etc.
kingkama Posted August 26, 2019 Posted August 26, 2019 Make pellets, using a siringe, cut off the head of it and use it like a comet pump not the best but works, IMO all stars can be cut stars.
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