Velociraptor Posted November 27, 2010 Posted November 27, 2010 What were some of your favorite beginner small firework projects? I know there are some pretty cool and easy effects like the d1 glitter / etc (would like to know more). Basically, I just want to know some easily achieved fireworks / effects using minimal materials. At this point, I've got a scale, ball mill and media on the way, kraft paper, and assorted stainless mesh along with other small tools and safety products. I'm looking to put in a material order and im trying to figure out what would get me started. Any input would be appreciated.... Thanks guys.
Xtreme Pyro Posted November 27, 2010 Posted November 27, 2010 What were some of your favorite beginner small firework projects? I know there are some pretty cool and easy effects like the d1 glitter / etc (would like to know more). Basically, I just want to know some easily achieved fireworks / effects using minimal materials. At this point, I've got a scale, ball mill and media on the way, kraft paper, and assorted stainless mesh along with other small tools and safety products. I'm looking to put in a material order and im trying to figure out what would get me started. Any input would be appreciated.... Thanks guys. There are a bunch of things you can do to get started, it all depends on what interest you. I personally started with some 1 5/8" shells, they are about the size of consumer shells. They are both easy and fun to make once you get everything tuned just right. As far as effects go, glitters are really nice effect to start out with, so are charcoal streamers such as tigertail, or c6. With streamers you can even add 10% of a metal and get a nice spark trail. Hope this helps. XP
Updup Posted November 27, 2010 Posted November 27, 2010 What were some of your favorite beginner small firework projects? I know there are some pretty cool and easy effects like the d1 glitter / etc (would like to know more). Basically, I just want to know some easily achieved fireworks / effects using minimal materials. At this point, I've got a scale, ball mill and media on the way, kraft paper, and assorted stainless mesh along with other small tools and safety products. I'm looking to put in a material order and im trying to figure out what would get me started. Any input would be appreciated.... Thanks guys. Well I'm not sure quite how basic you want, when I first stared I used to roll fuse into little ground spinners. I would make some basic BP based fountains as well, ramming the end plug and nozzle out of kitty litter, and using a high charcoal content black powder (Unmilled) to make the nice gold sparks. Another really basic thing to make out of a little tube and some effect fuse (I like red crackling) is make a mini fountain, by stuffing a few lengths of effect fuse into the little tube. One of my favorites is the visco rocket, you only need skewers, visco safty fuse, AL foil, and black electrical tape, I would simply cut 6 pieces of visco about 1" long each, and tape them around a longer piece of fuce, tape that to the skewer and wrap the motor in AL foil... When we went canoeing I brought a bunch of these and shot them from the front of our boat =D Anyway, that was what I started with. Once you start getting good Black powder results some small shells are so awesome, and if you get black powder based chemicals you can make a fair number of effects (TT, C8, C6, KNO3 white*) and if you add some 325-400 mesh aluminum D1, RG1, and Ralphs silver streamer stars are really pretty! What kind of stuff did you want to start with? What is your limit on your first order of chemicals? *Make this with caution, when I tryed it the stars wouldn't light with basicly any prime, plus, they burned way too slow, and strobed rather than burning consistently.
Velociraptor Posted November 28, 2010 Author Posted November 28, 2010 I don't really have a limit but I want to put in an order for the essentials. What chemicals are the most versatile as far as making many different effects / etc. Also, what is your go-to source for order chemicals as far as quality and price. Thanks!
Xtreme Pyro Posted November 28, 2010 Posted November 28, 2010 (edited) I don't really have a limit but I want to put in an order for the essentials. What chemicals are the most versatile as far as making many different effects / etc. Also, what is your go-to source for order chemicals as far as quality and price. Thanks! A few chemicals you will need to have before you can do anything are: Potassium NitrateCharcoalSulfurDextrin (Can be made at home, it's used as a binder) With these chemicals alone you can make quite a few different types of charcoal streamer stars. If you would like to get into glitters and different effects like that you can get some of these: Alcoa 120, 325 or 400 mesh aluminum (glitter aluminum)Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda, used as a delay agent in d1 glitter)Titanium or Aluminum (About 10% of any metal can be added to a basic charcoal streamer to give it a tail)Zinc powder (Can be used to make granite stars, makes a nice aqua looking color) ^^ Remember NEVER mill compositions containing metals, screen the metal in after milling. Those are just a few you can buy to get started. As far as suppliers go Fire Chemical, Hobby Chemical Supply and Skylighter (A bit on the pricey side) are all reputable suppliers. Edited November 28, 2010 by Xtreme Pyro
dagabu Posted November 29, 2010 Posted November 29, 2010 Velo, Rockets, rockets and more rockets. X gave you a few good starter sites but you can get chems on eBay too, KNO3 HERE, a kick ass auction site for pyro HERE, and Underground Gadgets HERE.
tgis81 Posted February 2, 2011 Posted February 2, 2011 I'm also looking for some beginner projects. I have the basic chemicals mentioned in this thread. Although I have a Type 54 and experience with pyrotechnic shows 1.4 and 1.3 cakes and shells, I'm not extremely familiar with actually building the devices. Can anyone suggest some beginner projects (or somewhere to find instructions and safety precautions)? Thanks and BTW, since it's my first post here... nice to meet you all Tony Velo, Rockets, rockets and more rockets. X gave you a few good starter sites but you can get chems on eBay too, KNO3 HERE, a kick ass auction site for pyro HERE, and Underground Gadgets HERE.
Guest no6 Posted February 2, 2011 Posted February 2, 2011 I'm also looking for some beginner projects. I have the basic chemicals mentioned in this thread. Although I have a Type 54 and experience with pyrotechnic shows 1.4 and 1.3 cakes and shells, I'm not extremely familiar with actually building the devices. Can anyone suggest some beginner projects (or somewhere to find instructions and safety precautions)? Thanks and BTW, since it's my first post here... nice to meet you all Tony Hi Tony. Rockets are a great place to start. Carefully read this link. My link
tgis81 Posted February 2, 2011 Posted February 2, 2011 Hi Tony. Rockets are a great place to start. Carefully read this link. My link Thanks a lot...
Peret Posted February 2, 2011 Posted February 2, 2011 I don't disagree about the rockets, but you can't just sit down and make them without investing $$$ in tooling. That Skylighter tooling in no6's link is over $120, and it's not very versatile as it can only be used to make one thing.
athlon Posted February 2, 2011 Posted February 2, 2011 no6, that is a great link, goes straight into my bookmarks!
dagabu Posted February 2, 2011 Posted February 2, 2011 I don't disagree about the rockets, but you can't just sit down and make them without investing $$ in tooling. That Skylighter tooling in no6's link is over $120, and it's not very versatile as it can only be used to make one thing. Tooling can be made from a $2.00 oak dowel and a $1.00 Stainless Steel bolt. Tubes can be made from folders or grocery bags and white glue. You want to build rockets and nothing else! Come, come to the dark side, we have cookies....
Guest no6 Posted February 3, 2011 Posted February 3, 2011 Here's another good source for projects: My link The hummer is very simple to make.
Guest no6 Posted February 3, 2011 Posted February 3, 2011 I don't disagree about the rockets, but you can't just sit down and make them without investing $$ in tooling. That Skylighter tooling in no6's link is over $120, and it's not very versatile as it can only be used to make one thing. No question, if you want to set yourself up with pro tools and supplies it can cost between $300 to $400 for everything (not including video cam). That's what I did. Shipping costs are a killer. My friend's father, who was a witness to my first CATO rocket and the next successful one, asked how much the rocket cost to make. I told him, "About $200." Of course the cost curve will bend down a bit going forward.
Guest no6 Posted February 3, 2011 Posted February 3, 2011 (edited) One of my favorites is the visco rocket, you only need skewers, visco safty fuse, AL foil, and black electrical tape, I would simply cut 6 pieces of visco about 1" long each, and tape them around a longer piece of fuce, tape that to the skewer and wrap the motor in AL foil... When we went canoeing I brought a bunch of these and shot them from the front of our boat =DEveryone must make some visco rockets! They're great little things that put out a ton of smoke relative to their size. I'm going to make some large visco rockets soon. We could have a contest. Edited February 3, 2011 by no6
Guest no6 Posted February 3, 2011 Posted February 3, 2011 This guy's You Tube channel is pretty good. Might want to bookmark it. My link
NightHawkInLight Posted February 3, 2011 Posted February 3, 2011 This guy's You Tube channel is pretty good. Might want to bookmark it. My linkAh I am so embarrassed of that video. I'm working on a new and improved rocket video using diy tooling rather than drilling the core. As soon as the new video is uploaded that one is history.
Guest no6 Posted February 3, 2011 Posted February 3, 2011 Ah I am so embarrassed of that video. I'm working on a new and improved rocket video using diy tooling rather than drilling the core. As soon as the new video is uploaded that one is history. That video is epic! Don't ever delete it. It's THE perfect argument for Dag's POV. Who's with me? CAVEMAN ROCKET RULES!!! What's your price on 1 lb sticks?
Peret Posted February 3, 2011 Posted February 3, 2011 I tried making some 1 pound rockets with wooden tooling a couple of weeks ago, but I only succeeded in ramming one before the tool split. I'll have to wait for metal tools. A colleague of mine at work happens to own a lathe, and we rescued a number of 35mm aluminum rods from the dumpster at stock taking last year, so it's just a matter of time.
Guest no6 Posted February 4, 2011 Posted February 4, 2011 I joke around a bit, Ben. But I really appreciate your contribution to this subject. Your vids got me into this. Thanks.
tgis81 Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 Ah I am so embarrassed of that video. I'm working on a new and improved rocket video using diy tooling rather than drilling the core. As soon as the new video is uploaded that one is history. Then I will be anxiously awaiting the new "diy" video. I love rockets and considered buying the tooling. Funding right now just isn't where I'd like it to be, so paying $150 or there about and then shipping just isn't going to happen. Looks like my only chance at getting into rockets right now is building my own tooling. I'm sure your next video will offer some good pointers. By the way, where do people get their different wooden dowels? I bought some from a couple of places online, but I'm guessing that there is a better source for better wood that members here would know. Thanks, Tony
Peret Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 By the way, where do people get their different wooden dowels? I bought some from a couple of places online, but I'm guessing that there is a better source for better wood that members here would know. I haven't got anything good to say about using wooden dowels - oh wait a minute, yes I do. They're cheap and quick to make, so that when they split on the 3rd or 4th blow you can quickly make another. Online, for not much money you can buy 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch aluminum rods by the foot that don't split, and when you get tired of filing your own you can give them to your lathe-owning buddy to turn you up some proper tools. If there's a decent hardware store nearby, eg McFadden Dale, you might get them locally (but you'll probably pay more).
Guest no6 Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 Hi tgis81. Got my sticks from Cincinnati Dowel & Wood Products Co. Here. Bought 42 3/8" X 36" sticks for my 1 lb. rockets. Shipping is free on orders over $25. So I ordered 42 sticks for $25.45 delivered. Unit price is $.606 per their invoice. Not too bad. Would be curious to know of a better / cheaper source. I do have a buddy with a woodworking shop and plan to ask him if he would do this at a lesser price.
Guest no6 Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 Wow. I just checked back with Cincinnati's website and the new minimum order to avoid shipping is $40! They may very well have eaten it on my order. It shipped via UPS Ground and was 5 lbs. Yikes. Sorry. Oh well, order 67+ sticks then.
Guest no6 Posted February 8, 2011 Posted February 8, 2011 Did I completely miss your point, tgis81? Are you talking about using wood as a spindle?
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