OTC Shell

[Mumbles]

This is rather embarrassing to admit, but long ago I wrote a file about making an OTC shell from commonly available materials. You can look it up on google as "Mumbles OTC Shell". I wrote it almost 8 years ago, and I was obviously slightly kewl at the time as you shall see. Shell worked great though despite the less than desirable burst.

 

Anyway, I was asked a little while ago if someone could use the file. Except for a few parts, I would still be happy with it. I told him I would make a revision and let him use it. If you see the file, you will see at least one bad idea right away. The other was the spiking and the fact I mention using PVC mortars. Anyway, I was looking for a bit of advice. What do you think would be most effective to show?

 

My current idea for the revision is to show a completely traditional method first. Handrolled canister, spolettes, the whole nine yards. I want them to get a good foundation in the traditional methods so they can see where the modifications and substitutions come from.

 

As far as the substitutions I will show time fuse, and make-shift time fuse from visco. I will also show the use of toilet paper tubes as canister shell casings. I am probably going to be shifting to a complete BP break instead of the flash bag, maybe a slight flash booster as I will be using spider stars anyway. The OTC method actually more tedious than rolling your own can if you ask me, but everyone has TP tubes. I am not going to show star, BP, or blackmatch manufacture as if you're making shells you should have that stuff settled already.

[NightHawkInLight]

Yeah I think you have a solid idea. I think TP tubes are spectacularly weak, and it takes all of 10 seconds or less to roll your own out of a strip of paper and put a bead of hot glue down the lip. Otherwise, go for it. As you said, leave out the critical parts such as compositions, or even the word flash. Give them the safety knowledge they need, but force them to dig a little for the final details. Perhaps provides links to this forum stating that compositions for stars and break can be found via research on this site.

[gordohigh]

I'm a little late seeing this but I think it would be a great Idea to do all of what you posted Mumbles, look forward to reading it..

 

And yes, as far as the pvc, I see a lot of kids on youtube using it so all you can stress about HDPE or fiberglas would be good too. Safety should be number 1 on the list!

Edited January 20, 2010 by gordohigh

[jukka]

Sorry for super late comments on this topic but I could not leave this alone as I'm one of those anxious newbies who read tons of knowledge in short period of time in the field of pyro.

Sadly human mind doesn't easily (or is it just me) settle just for reading rather than read and experiment at same time. When that mosquito has bit you, you will scratch eventually, even when you know it will actually increase the itch.

 

If in case you with years of experience and loads of fact based knowledge are starting to write "how to" guide, I do wish it would be comprehensive.

When those youngsters do get their hands of such material and if it leaves ? marks between the dots when they are trying to draw the big picture, they will improvise.

Whit out pure knowledge that could really be a bad idea.

I´m in e.g. having huge problems on connecting the dost in the field of safety. Ill try to understand the safety behind formulas and then end up my thumb in the mouth after reading these kind of advices and facts;

a) Chlorate's with Sulfur is known death mix

versus

b') To increase burst, one can sprinkle small amount of flash or whistle (potassium perchlorate) to the shell over the BP (Sulfur)

 

and again Ill start to suck my thumb btw, I still don´t have clear understanding on this.

 

So I do hope it would be step by step guide to one approach for truly working shell and rather safe too. On what to improve in the art of pyro, that case just lead them to here to discuss on it.

 

Hopefully you have time to finish this in short future, at least I will read it multiple times. I´ll admit, I'm anxious, again

 

(edit = trying to write English)

Edited January 26, 2010 by jukka