asdfd Posted August 27, 2022 Posted August 27, 2022 (edited) I have been debating on using 1/4 or 1/8 inch pressed willow diadem stars for 3 and 4 inch shells, mainly 3 inch shells is what Ill be going for. For anyone with experience in these stars, about how long would these two star sizes burn for? I know this is a very slow comp as there is more fuel than oxidizer. I am using mixed hardwood charcoal. Any help is appreciated! Thanks Edited August 27, 2022 by asdfd
Richtee Posted August 27, 2022 Posted August 27, 2022 Make up a stargun and launch a few of each. Out of a 3” shell, I don’t THINK you’ll have a problem with any reaching the ground anyway.
justvisiting Posted August 28, 2022 Posted August 28, 2022 I make those stars as cut stars using the Ziploc Freezer Bag method. For 6" shells, they would be about 3/8" on a side. For 4" shells I make them 1/4- 5/16 and they make it most of the way down. For 3" shells, I'd use the edge-cuts nibbled to length, from making the other sizes. I use mixed hardwood airfloat too. I was under the impression these are meant to be made as cut or rolled stars, because the metal in them would mess up a star plate unless special precautions are taken. 1
asdfd Posted August 28, 2022 Author Posted August 28, 2022 Thank you, and yes I do believe it may mess up the plate, Ill probably cut them. Any concern with how much solvent to add? Or just go until it looks good, not over wetting of course.
asdfd Posted August 28, 2022 Author Posted August 28, 2022 Thank you, and yes I do believe it may mess up the plate, Ill probably cut them. Any concern with how much solvent to add? Or just go until it looks good, not over wetting of course.
asdfd Posted August 28, 2022 Author Posted August 28, 2022 I make those stars as cut stars using the Ziploc Freezer Bag method. For 6" shells, they would be about 3/8" on a side. For 4" shells I make them 1/4- 5/16 and they make it most of the way down. For 3" shells, I'd use the edge-cuts nibbled to length, from making the other sizes. I use mixed hardwood airfloat too. I was under the impression these are meant to be made as cut or rolled stars, because the metal in them would mess up a star plate unless special precautions are taken.Thank you, and yes I do believe it may mess up the plate, Ill probably cut them. Any concern with how much solvent to add? Or just go until it looks good, not over wetting of course. Sorry for posting this 3 times the quote function doesn't work too well on my phone haha.
justvisiting Posted August 28, 2022 Posted August 28, 2022 If I make a 1 kilo batch with a large Ziploc Brand freezer bag, it ends up weighing about 1300-1330 grams total when it's ready to cut. The binder is SGRS in my formula, and the solvent is water. I prime with scratch mix when slicing and dicing. This would make stars suitable in size for a 6" shell. Since you want smaller stars, you might just split that into 2 batches of 500 grams (+ water). For medium size stars, maybe just make a 750 gram batch. I have over-shot on the water in the past. To salvage the batch, I've (more than once, admittedly) put the soft, floppy patty in the fridge or freezer to stiffen it up. I have an aluminum plate that I put parchment paper on, and the patty on top of it. That helps keep it cool when cutting. The potassium nitrate in the formula is less soluble in cold water, which is why the patty stiffens when cold. I wrote a lot before about the bag method, and a search should provide more detail than I gave here- assuming you need it.
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