MadMax Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 Has anyone tried using a planetary ball mill? I was doing some reading on them and have heard good things so far. They are used in labs and are probably pricey but don't look like they'd be impossible to build. Anyone doe this? And had success? For that matter has anyone tried other milling methods such as edge runners, rod mill or some other type that would normally be used for flour or concrete but may also work for pyrotechnics?
oldguy Posted March 29, 2011 Posted March 29, 2011 I’m fairly new to the hobby, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Planetary ball mills are generally very high energy. They are also far more complex & prone to excessive wear and/or failure if out of balance or poorly built. They are also far more expensive to purchase or build than a simple roller mill. For all those reasons, I would not entertain the though of using one for BP. A roller mill is simple, safe, durable, reliable & relatively inexpensive to purchase or build. Depending on your skills & tools you can build a roller mill that will last a lifetime, or purchase a factory made one that fits your needs. I am about to build one myself. But still wrestling with a few aspects of the size & configuration. As for expense, I am finding by the time you acquire a quality motor, rods for rollers, pillow block bearings, pulleys, belt, stand, speed controller, media & jars. You can buy a 15 to 40 lb mill for about the same cost. I’m building one for the satisfaction of doing it myself.
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