mabuse00 Posted August 8, 2012 Posted August 8, 2012 Hi guys, after some recent testing with syringes it came to my mind that I need a star pump. I tried up to 20mm and pressed as hard as I could without destroying the syringes, but the density is of course not very high (at least that's my feeling). Thing is, I like stars that a professional pyro would consider far to big for small 2" shells... And obviously I like them in ONE piece after a hard bang. So, what do you think, up to what size can I work with star pumps and bare hands (no press available)?
nater Posted August 8, 2012 Posted August 8, 2012 A small arbor press works great for pumping stars, they are relatively inexpensive and don't take up very much room. If that is not a possibility, a non-sparking mallet will work great for pumping stars too.
Potassiumchlorate Posted August 9, 2012 Posted August 9, 2012 Wait, wait. 20mm in a 2"? That's what I call big. I use 20mm in 6".
Mumbles Posted August 9, 2012 Posted August 9, 2012 Many would consider 20mm too large for general use in a 6" shell at that. You probably wouldn't be able to fit more than 3 or so in a 2" shell, but if that's what you like, that's what you like. If you can find a piece of copper or PVC pipe or something, it will be more resilient. You'll be able to press or ram essentially all you want without worrying about damaging the pump. I find gum arabic wetting solution in addition to the dextrin normally in the formula gives rock hard stars once pumped and dried.
Potassiumchlorate Posted August 9, 2012 Posted August 9, 2012 My magnesium fueled stars burn extremely fast, so I use 20mm instead of 15mm, which would be more appropriate. Also, I'm not satisfied with my 15mm pump. The stars have a height of 20mm. I don't like them having a bigger height than diameter. With my 30mm pump it's the other way around; it makes 20mm high stars.
mabuse00 Posted August 9, 2012 Author Posted August 9, 2012 Many would consider 20mm too large for general use in a 6" shell at that. You probably wouldn't be able to fit more than 3 or so in a 2" shell, but if that's what you like, that's what you like. They wont be alone of course. You'll be able to press or ram essentially all you wantConsidering ramming:How would you estimate the phlegmatising effect of water or some alcoholic solvent?Can metal compositions or in the worst case just some kind of wet flash be rammed safely?
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