optimus Posted November 10, 2008 Posted November 10, 2008 You know what just dawned on me... Dragon Eggs! they are perfect. Not that I would be endorsing anyone to try it, cough cough. Even if u put them in the ash tray then a ciggy is bound to hit it. Little balls of nitrocecllulose work great for this! Extremely easy to ignite and relatively safe! On a random note, I nearly got arrested at the weekend. Got pulled by the police exiting a firing site (private land which we have permission to access). They had received reports of gunfire. Yes - two nights after bonfire night. Thankfully they didn't confiscate any of the leftover pyro, or discover some of the stuff of dubious legality!
asilentbob Posted November 10, 2008 Posted November 10, 2008 You would have to be sure that the dragon's eggs were not based on lead tetroxide... BUT the main problem with exploding cigs as I see it, is its too easy to get something in their eyes... Like a chunk of still burning magnalium or sulfurous slag or something. Not cool. A little bit of NC seems the safest approach, though I imagine the effect varies quite a bit with the form of NC, how much, how much confinement, etc. Any one strip the paint off of one of those army ammo cans before? What solvent did you use? I'm thinking that I'll strip the paint off mine, sand the metal a bit, then give it a fresh new coat of spray paint. Possibly a white or yellow. This is for my somewhat portable battery box. I can't remember if I have any cheapo stripper here, might have to go get some. I'm thinking that acetone would evaporate too fast to be useful. I don't have enough toluene or MEK. I have a few kinds of paint thinner, so I might try that. The paint on this can is just plain old. You can rub it with your finger, and your finger gets this dull green color from all the dust thats coming off, but its not chipping off... Got a solar charge controller for it (and future projects) and drilled a hole for a shielded cable for a small solar panel... plan to install it after I finish this paint job. Soooo close on the star roller... keep getting sucked away with school...
mormanman Posted November 12, 2008 Posted November 12, 2008 Well I deleted my old post so I wouldn't double post but anyway. I'm cleaning my shed and ran into a fairly large problem, there are lights installed in the shed. Great, right? The ballasts are shot. I know nothing about ballasts only that they are similar to the transforms on the power lines and I may even be wrong there. I am also scared to death of electricity, not the use just being electrocuted scares me. I like being alive and I can't do pyro when I'm dead so.... I'm going to see if any of my friends can help me out with the ballasts. I know quite a few that are contractors.Also I need some advice. I found one of those huge industrial fans that they mount in the wall. I don't know what to do with it.
Bonny Posted November 12, 2008 Posted November 12, 2008 Also I need some advice. I found one of those huge industrial fans that they mount in the wall. I don't know what to do with it. Ummmm, maybe install it and use it or sell it...
mormanman Posted November 12, 2008 Posted November 12, 2008 Well its not really mine and I don't want to cut a hole in my wall and then it not work. I might harvest somethings from it like the motor, pillow blocks, and pulleys.
RUUUUUN Posted November 12, 2008 Posted November 12, 2008 It is not yours so your not willing to use it; yet you are willing to destroy it? How utterly ridiculous and uncouth. @Mumbles: I bet you never expectecd this.
Richtee Posted November 13, 2008 Posted November 13, 2008 It is not yours so your not willing to use it; yet you are willing to destroy it? How utterly ridiculous and uncouth. @Mumbles: I bet you never expectecd this.Different breed, them Mormons ;{)
mormanman Posted November 13, 2008 Posted November 13, 2008 LOL! Also does anyone know how to fix a florescent light? Brand new light bulbs, the live wires from the wall are well live, and I test the ballast today with a battery as the power and it went to the light bulb inserts so I don't know whats up. I have never gotten along with electronics and math a little.
Richtee Posted November 13, 2008 Posted November 13, 2008 LOL! Also does anyone know how to fix a florescent light? Brand new light bulbs, the live wires from the wall are well live, and I test the ballast today with a battery as the power and it went to the light bulb inserts so I don't know whats up. I have never gotten along with electronics and math a little.I'm no expert, but if you have a direct DC connection to the bulbs from the ballast... well, something's not right in the ballast. I could be wrong, and perhaps it's the "heater" you are measuring/testing? Ain't they like a "tube" with a filiment and whatnot? Aw hell... I feel like you now...thanks! OK Read son! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescent_l...es_of_operation
Bonny Posted November 13, 2008 Posted November 13, 2008 LOL! Also does anyone know how to fix a florescent light? Brand new light bulbs, the live wires from the wall are well live, and I test the ballast today with a battery as the power and it went to the light bulb inserts so I don't know whats up. I have never gotten along with electronics and math a little. Usually with flourescent lights, if the bulbs are new and don't work, then the ballast is shot. You could probably buy a new ballast and replace it but it's just as easy to replace the whole fixture. They aren't very expensive.
Swede Posted November 13, 2008 Posted November 13, 2008 It's very easy to change the ballast in a fluorescent fixture. I've done it many times, and upgraded the fixture to boot. Here's what you do... Take note of the size, type, and number of bulbs in the fixture. A typical shop light will have 2 48" T-12 bulbs. Kill the power, cut the wires leading to the ballast (or unscrew the wire nuts) and take one bulb plus the ballast to Lowes or Home Depot. Find a replacement ballast that has essentially the same label. It'll say 'Powers TWO 48" 40W T-12 bulbs, or TWO 24" 20W T-12 bulbs" etc, something like that. While you're at it, don't buy the cheapest ballast, look for one that says "Electronic ballast." It'll cost more, but in the end, it'll save money because it'll last longer, light quicker, less flicker, and be more efficient. Rewire according to the label. It'll show exactly how to connect it. use wire nuts to make the connections. If you don't want to go to the hassle, buy a new fixture. look for one with modern T8 bulbs and an electronic ballast. It'll be brighter and more efficient. Good link: http://www.sizes.com/home/fluorescents.htm
Pretty green flame Posted November 13, 2008 Posted November 13, 2008 I'm guessing you guys saw the time warp episode featuring pyrotechnics, among other things... If not, http://www.pyrobin.com/files/time.warp.s01...tv.xvid-sys.avi I must say, it never siezes to amaze me what kind of idiots will get the opportunity to play with fireworks, and the display operator is just a big wuss (the fun in pyro is twisting and untwisting ematch leaders? give me a break dear sir). And usually they get a paranoid fire chief to supervise the situation and yet they still manage to set something alight. And the wrong information they provide is just painfull to listen to. And what really ticks me off is the pyro operator who can't even light a piece of visco without burning his fingers, my god. Don't get me started on the dynamite proof bunker, jesus christ, don't you think a reinforced concrete bunker with 30 foot thick walls would be better? I guess not because in any case they would forget to close the fucking door! To be honest, the episode really pisses me off, really, a couple years back It would've been fun to watch, but now, it's just sad to see some idiots playing with fireworks.
Mumbles Posted November 13, 2008 Posted November 13, 2008 I tried to watch it twice, caught the liquid nitrogen part, but managed to fall asleep during the pyro part both times. I suppose that's what I get for getting an hour and a half of sleep the night before, and not nearly enough coffee to last me through the day.* * - Should be noted the amount of coffee required, which it would have kept me from balding for one day would have likely made my heart explode.
Bonny Posted November 14, 2008 Posted November 14, 2008 If you don't want to go to the hassle, buy a new fixture. look for one with modern T8 bulbs and an electronic ballast. It'll be brighter and more efficient. I think T5's are the most modern and efficient choice these days, if you are going to add a new fixture.
mormanman Posted November 14, 2008 Posted November 14, 2008 (edited) Absolutely not, that's a terrible idea, milling any metal is risky, and much more so when it's reactive like Zinc or (shudder) Magnesium, please just leave milling metals to the pros, it's really not somthing that a hobbyist can or should do, (except in the case of homemade Magnalium ) powdered Zinc is like $5 per lb so if you need it, just buy it. A Green flame huh, you may have some sort of coated Copper wire, if it is save it and sell it for scrap, Copper prices are skyrocketing, if not it may very well be Zinc, I've never heard of Zinc wire but maybe it's just me, I think there are a number of tests you can do to find out if it is or isn't Zinc but I'll let someone who knows what they're talking about tell about that. No, I believe Wally is talking about metal roof flashing, the sheet metal you put around chimneys and vents to direct water away, like this.http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImage/254f08c6-4e23-4943-8b4a-5f840dff1fb0_400.jpgI know this is old but I was just review and thought, who are the pros at milling metal? Depending on my pay check today, I'm getting a new fixture. I'll be looking for the best deal though. Edited November 14, 2008 by mormanman
FrKoNaLeaSh1010 Posted November 15, 2008 Posted November 15, 2008 I'm guessing you guys saw the time warp episode featuring pyrotechnics, among other things... If not, http://www.pyrobin.com/files/time.warp.s01...tv.xvid-sys.avi I must say, it never siezes to amaze me what kind of idiots will get the opportunity to play with fireworks, and the display operator is just a big wuss (the fun in pyro is twisting and untwisting ematch leaders? give me a break dear sir). And usually they get a paranoid fire chief to supervise the situation and yet they still manage to set something alight. And the wrong information they provide is just painfull to listen to. And what really ticks me off is the pyro operator who can't even light a piece of visco without burning his fingers, my god. Don't get me started on the dynamite proof bunker, jesus christ, don't you think a reinforced concrete bunker with 30 foot thick walls would be better? I guess not because in any case they would forget to close the fucking door! To be honest, the episode really pisses me off, really, a couple years back It would've been fun to watch, but now, it's just sad to see some idiots playing with fireworks. although there was some stupid stuff to comment on (like their "bomb proof" room getting a red star in it but there was a lot of really cool footage in slow mo like the clear mortar and the shell being set off ground level with the slow mo cam.
mormanman Posted November 15, 2008 Posted November 15, 2008 Check out this Al cylinder I just cast. It needs to be cleaned up and I'm going to do that on Monday. I'm so happy. http://i36.tinypic.com/of9ff7.jpg http://i37.tinypic.com/29w0foo.jpg
Richtee Posted November 15, 2008 Posted November 15, 2008 (edited) Check out this Al cylinder I just cast. It needs to be cleaned up and I'm going to do that on Monday. I'm so happy. http://i36.tinypic.com/of9ff7.jpg http://i37.tinypic.com/29w0foo.jpgOK.... I'm wondering what the happiness is about. I'm ignorant. I can't even make a candle holder for the wife outta that! Edited November 15, 2008 by Richtee
mormanman Posted November 15, 2008 Posted November 15, 2008 Its for rocket tools. Look at it. Its lovely. I just need to take it to metal shop and clean it up. It won't even take that long.
Richtee Posted November 15, 2008 Posted November 15, 2008 Its for rocket tools. Look at it. Its lovely. I just need to take it to metal shop and clean it up. It won't even take that long. Hmmm OK I missed that. it's solid enough?
mormanman Posted November 15, 2008 Posted November 15, 2008 Thats something that I'm going to have to see about. LOL. If it survives the lathe then I'm going to just it.
WarezWally Posted November 15, 2008 Posted November 15, 2008 Your wasting you time, poorly cast aluminium is rubbish for turning operations. Your better off spending $15 and buying a nice graded extruded bar.
Swede Posted November 15, 2008 Posted November 15, 2008 Yeah but props for doing it the hard way... turning beer cans into pyro tools. Some guys like the challenge. I think it's cool. WarezWally is right, though, the machineability of as-cast al is horrible. It's like trying to machine hard gum rubber. You can get a better machineability out of it by heating it up to just below melting temp, then quenching it in cold water. Then, a longer bake at a modest temp will "age" it. Google "aluminum solution heat treat artificial aging" for more info.
flying fish Posted November 15, 2008 Posted November 15, 2008 I was just cutting some metal with my Dremel...when it started smoking! How bad is this? I thought it was about to burst into flames. It actually still works though. I guess this is why people use pneumatic tools for the heavier stuff... Back when I only had an extra-cheap battery powered rotary tool, I thought a decent corded dremel would be all I ever needed. But it turns out that I NEED MORE POWER!!!
Richtee Posted November 15, 2008 Posted November 15, 2008 I was just cutting some metal with my Dremel...when it started smoking! How bad is this? I thought it was about to burst into flames. It actually still works though. I guess this is why people use pneumatic tools for the heavier stuff... Back when I only had an extra-cheap battery powered rotary tool, I thought a decent corded dremel would be all I ever needed. But it turns out that I NEED MORE POWER!!!Smoked/ing the brushes prolly. They USED to have a couple slotted ports for brush replacement in the rear... dunno any more. Damm rain! I got stuff to test!
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