PyroBros Posted June 29, 2010 Posted June 29, 2010 I saw this a few years ago on another website. The use of strapping tape to spike round shells. I have to say it is a fast way but it sure is ugly! That didnt bother me since I was the only one that would see it. My biggest fear was that the tape would be a falling ball of fire, but I have to say I have never had an issue with that. I mainly used it to fast test some shells. On this method I was using plastic shells for the most part. I have used it on paper shells as well with great success. So has anyone else used this method instead of the tried and true gum tape, or pasting using wheat paste? PS. I will find some pictures if anyone would like to see the method in action.
Twotails Posted June 29, 2010 Posted June 29, 2010 i've used it, more so for my 2inch arial salutes(where i know it will most-likely be burnt to a crisp insted of falling as a burning glob of goo) but have use it for other shells. Personaly i like standard pasting methouds, but normaly only on can shells. I do use this if im in a rush.
qwezxc12 Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 (edited) I used to, as detailed in this post from 2007. And yes, they are ugly as you can see in the picture, also from 2007. I will usually only use strapping tape for salutes now. Gummed tape gives a more consistant symmetry in the shell's break for me. It takes about the same amount of time to apply, and is far cheaper given the fact that I'm usually taping multiple 6in shells. Edited June 30, 2010 by qwezxc12
dagabu Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 We re covering this same subject over at Passfire right now and the conclusion is to forget the strapping tape all-together and use 1" kraft for confinement and a flash bag for burst.
PyroBros Posted June 30, 2010 Author Posted June 30, 2010 Yeah that is a perfect picture! Looks just like my box o shells right now. I agree with you dagabu, I know the Kraft paper is the way to go. I think the thing that was nice about the strapping tape was how quick it was, and the big thing, NO MESS! The down side, very expensive stuff! So I think for testing its a nice quick way to put together a shell. Once they are performing correctly, then I will paste them. I understand what you are saying about the Kraft paper and a flash bag, that is a good way to go about it.
dagabu Posted June 30, 2010 Posted June 30, 2010 The truth is that I use strapping tape all of the time on very small shells. It is lazy, that's all. I do make shells that are shot from mortars but most of what I make are rocket headings and are limited to 4" OD or so. this means that I don't have to make them fit a mortar so strapping tape works well for them. I like to make canisters the most and I spike them with Hemp or Cotton string for confinement.
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