Whistle (mix) while you work.....boosting shells

[Maximus]

So I've done some research around here and have been thinking about boosting my breaks for symetry. so far I've just used straight 6:1 BPCRH made with skylighters hardwood charcoal. I don't want to use a flash powder at this point as I'd like to avoid the distracting light output and really don't care about the report that comes along. I was thinking I'd go with 70/30 KP/benzoate whistle as I've noted that others in the hobby use that for this purpose. Is this comp less sensitive than most flash mixes?

 

I was wondering if anyone has some ball park figures for how much of this whistle comp to add to 3 and 4 inch shells both paper and plastic? I have no problem applying 12 layers of gum tape and am not looking for a short cut. This is just to compliment my BPCRH since I don't think my BP is as hot as it could be.

[Algenco]

use a more reactive (hot) charcoal and you want need to boost

 

whistle will report about the same as Vit F

 

can't help with amounts

[ivars21]

I have been adding whistle mix for my shells for a while. You would probably want 1-1.5g per inch for your shells. It depends how big you want break etc. For my 4inchers I usually just grab tea spoon or so for each hemis. I haven't noticed any difference in report (sound), it just breaks a bit harder.

Just my experience.

[dagabu]

So I've done some research around here and have been thinking about boosting my breaks for symetry. so far I've just used straight 6:1 BPCRH made with skylighters hardwood charcoal. I don't want to use a flash powder at this point as I'd like to avoid the distracting light output and really don't care about the report that comes along. I was thinking I'd go with 70/30 KP/benzoate whistle as I've noted that others in the hobby use that for this purpose. Is this comp less sensitive than most flash mixes?

 

I was wondering if anyone has some ball park figures for how much of this whistle comp to add to 3 and 4 inch shells both paper and plastic? I have no problem applying 12 layers of gum tape and am not looking for a short cut. This is just to compliment my BPCRH since I don't think my BP is as hot as it could be.

 

I use a teaspoon in 3" & 4" ball shells. Level for the 3" and heaping in the 4". Yes, this stuff is completely tame once sprinkled in among the break, there is no indication that there is a friction issue when used as a booster.

 

-dag

[Maximus]

Thanks for all the info guys. I do have some willow charcaol on order but just wanted to explore all options. Hotter BP is certainly in the running.

 

For those that do use whistle (and like complete sentences ; ); dag/Ivars, do you increase the amount if you're building with plastic? Harry uses .6oz (17grams) of slow flash in his 4" plastic shell article on Skylighter. Now I don't have experience with this slow flash either so I can't really judge, but it seemed like a lot to me. Perhaps the nitrate based slow flash isn't as violent as whistle(?). Or maybe he added a lot becaue it's a plastic shell(?).

[AirCowPeacock]

I used to use benzolift to break small shells. To pricy though.