Uarbor Posted May 21, 2022 Posted May 21, 2022 I mixed up some benzo whistle mix mostly to use as booster for breaking shells and also for hybrid rocket fuel in the future. I was wondering if the loose powder which does not contain Vaseline or other desensitizer is just as susceptible to friction and static as flash? I am mainly using this because I really don't like working with flash. I also like using the whistle as the report in my rockets because it has more of a boom and less of a crack which is what I like. What I'm really wanting to know is is this a less sensitive "safer" mixture to use for these purposes? P.S. I did press a couple of rockets but I was not able to enjoy the process because I was so worried about safety. I would rather use the rest of the mix for other purposes. So what do you guys think is the less risky practice, binary mixing of Flash in the device or using whistle that is pre-mixed?
Carbon796 Posted May 21, 2022 Posted May 21, 2022 (edited) Binary mixing will be the safest. Because you will never handle a energetic comp. It's not viable, until after it is fully sealed up and mixed, thoroughly. Whistle/flash they're half dozen, one or the other. They both require due diligence. Don't kid yourself thinking one is significantly "more" safer than the other. If both are handled with care, it should be a non-issue. If your around long enough. And, actively participate in the real hobbyist fireworks community. Not just this forum ( it's kinda a poor example, if it's your only example/source). You will notice that there are - A Lot More Incidents/Accidents with Whistle than Flash when actively building. Usually with the rocket guys, when pressing or removing the spindle from the completed rocket. And, that is usually with whistle mixes containing both a catalyst and phlegmatizer. That's why blast shields are absolutely required ( if you care about your wellbeing ) when pressing whistle rockets. Flash gets it's bad reputation from poor builder's, or build quality. And the majority of incidents/accidents happen out on the firing line. Either catastrophicly in the gun. Or, dropping reports/bottom shots on to/in the shooting area. Also with flash, if your building medium sized cylinder shells and up. The quantity of flash used compared to rockets, is significantly more. So the potential for greater damage is significantly higher. Including death, if YOU fuck up. That's why "dumb/inexperienced" newbies are cautioned so strongly about its use. If you don't like the sound of your reports with one flash comp, you can always try a different flash comp. Theres at least a dozen common ones, from fast to slow, and in between. That's all part of the fun. Testing/tuning/manipulating your materials, to work how you want. Edited May 22, 2022 by Carbon796
Richtee Posted May 21, 2022 Posted May 21, 2022 If your around long enough. And, actively participate in the real hobbyist fireworks community. Not just this forum ( it's kinda a poor example, if it's your only example/source).I’d beg to differ. I been around here 14 years and have found it to be a very good source for my purposes. But thanks for your contributions. 1
Carbon796 Posted May 22, 2022 Posted May 22, 2022 (edited) Been here just as long. And FW'ing 7-8 years. Have a pretty good selection of books on fireworking. That I actually bought/own, not downloaded pirated copies. Participated regularly in my local club for nearly a decade, WPA WWB and, Pgi conventions. Met with Jim W and Erik K in Steamboat springs, CO. Where they built and launched their Guinness World Record shell. Ive helped build shells with Mitch P. At WWB. Probably the most accomplished Maltese shell builder in the US. And, plenty of other accomplished builders. I'm not saying there is not some good information here on this site. Your singleing out a specific point, and ignoring the context. If this site is your sole source of information. And your only window to the hobbyist fireworks community, in the US. It's a very narrow scope, and not an accurate representation. Or an efficient way to gain accurate and useful information/knowledge. Edited May 22, 2022 by Carbon796
Uarbor Posted May 22, 2022 Author Posted May 22, 2022 This is not my only source but it is the only one I can get feedback from. Which makes it one of my more valuable resources. Not only are many of the people here experienced but they are also ethical for the most part. There are no local clubs for me to join. Even if there were it would be my bag anyway. I am the quintessential do-it-yourselfer.
Uarbor Posted May 22, 2022 Author Posted May 22, 2022 I did make a proper blast shield for my press. I was able to Source materials from the place I worked at at the time. But that doesn't help much when you're trying to remove the spindle. Which is the main reason I'm not that comfortable with pressing whistle Rockets as I am using Universal tooling with a long spindle greatly increasing the total friction upon removal.
Carbon796 Posted May 22, 2022 Posted May 22, 2022 (edited) I don't know if your in the US or not. But, most clubs generally have a fair amount of people in them that are just like you or me. Builders that like, prefer, and accomplish. Individually built, fully hand crafted devices. If you had a club local to you. It broadens your net work. Of like minded individuals, some probably more experienced and some probably less. You'll learn faster, and build better. When you can envolve yourself in that type of like minded community. Even if it's only a couple times a year. It also give you a completely legal and safe environment to push your boundaries. When I show up at my local club meet ( I probably shouldn't admit this ) but, I pretty much expect to show up with the best shells there. Like it's a little bit of an unspoken competition. Do I always, No. But, the drive is still there. When you have an audience, an audience of like minded individuals. That knows what it actually takes. To build, what you built. You'll try a little harder, you'll build a little better, you'll learn a little faster. It's one of the best investments I've made in the hobby. Joining a local or regional club, and attending. Edited May 22, 2022 by Carbon796
Richtee Posted May 22, 2022 Posted May 22, 2022 I don't know if your in the US or not. But, most clubs generally have a fair amount of people in them that are just like you or me. Builders that like, prefer, and accomplish. Individually built, fully hand crafted devices. If you had a club local to you. It broadens your net work. Of like minded individuals, some probably more experienced and some probably less. You'll learn faster, and build better. When you can envolve yourself in that type of like minded community. Even if it's only a couple times a year. It also give you a completely legal and safe environment to push your boundaries. When I show up at my local club meet ( I probably shouldn't admit this ) but, I pretty much expect to show up with the best shells there. Like it's a little bit of an unspoken competition. Do I always, No. But, the drive is still there. When you have an audience, an audience of like minded individuals. That knows what it actually takes. To build, what you built. You'll try a little harder, you'll build a little better, you'll learn a little faster. It's one of the best investments I've made in the hobby. Joining a local or regional club, and attending.I won’t argue any of that. But I did not think the disparaging comment about this forum was justified. Wish I had time for a club myself. There’s a decent one here in MI too. MPAG- https://mpag.org/web/about-us/
Carbon796 Posted May 22, 2022 Posted May 22, 2022 The MPAG is an excellent club. With a lot of great builders.
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