Wiley Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 Hi, I was wondering if any of you have bought, seen, or heard about this DVD: http://www.pyrotalk.com/shopping.php. Is it really worth it, that is does he give enough relevant information that it's worth 20 bucks?
Bobosan Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 I've heard Pyrotalk has a larger share of kewlz and bombz than other boards. Based on that hearsay, I would pass.
Wiley Posted March 25, 2013 Author Posted March 25, 2013 I've just watched some of his Youtube vids (he goes by the name "displayfireworks" there), and while I don't really care for his style of presentation, I think that the information he has to share is quite good. I especially like his detailed videos at shoot sites. He certainly takes a lot of effort producing videos like this and has done a lot more with fireworks than I ever have, so I feel inclined to respect the information he gives. Since I turned 18, I've been thinking more about buying 1.3 fireworks once I turn 21, and what it takes to do so. Unfortunately, in my situation I am unable to make my own fireworks, so buying commercial display fireworks is my only option. In light of these facts, can anyone tell be about the quality of the DVD I posted above?
psyco_1322 Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 Just pass. I'll second that. You'll probably shoot yourself or the DVD player before you make it all the way through the thing. As far as making fireworks, that guy knows about nothing.
NightHawkInLight Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 What has this guy done to get so many people to despise him? I've been trying to figure that out for a while now. 1
Mia Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 Well yeah with you on that one the guy is ok and informative, but then I guess you guys with your clubs and stuff in the USA have your own agenda, but I am sure someone will give us a clue.
flying fish Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 Well, there are a few of things... There was a lot of strife between Pyro Universe and him. My understanding was that he ended up banning everyone from PyroU from his own forums. That's a good portion of the pyrotechnics community that he alienated with that act alone. Aside from that, some have pointed out that he can be rude, having a tendency to do things without asking permission. Not just filming but there have been many occasions where his hands were all over someone else's project. He also has this philosophy that everyone and his brother should have access to pro fireworks, and a lot of folks disagree with that. I don't have a problem with him personally, I just wouldn't let him into my building area...
NightHawkInLight Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 I knew of the conflict between pyrou and him, but not what started it. I know he was reported to the ATF by some of the members there for modifying a shell on video, which I find to be a rather low blow to strike over a conflict of personalities. Handling someone else's product without permission is obviously careless, but that sounds like an issue that could be confronted and corrected simply enough without throwing punches.
nater Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 There is also his videos modifying class c products with added flash, filming and publishing videos with PGI members requesting NOT to be fillmed, sticking his camera where it is not wanted, refusing to send footage of events to people who allowed him to film them, and so on. The first time he films me without asking is when I start a petition to remove him from the guild.
NightHawkInLight Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 As to the original question asked, I've seen the dvd's. There's nothing in them that can't be found with diligent searching, but they might be worth the $20 to get some questions answered that you might not have thought of. The paperwork for licenses is geared toward people operating businesses that deal in explosives, not for hobbyists, so there are some things that don't really apply on the forms that still require an answer. If dealing with the ATF seems scary the dvd might bring the process down to earth a little better, but if you think you've got things figured out and are comfortable as it is you're probably good to go without them. There is also his videos modifying class c products with added flash, filming and publishing videos with PGI members requesting NOT to be fillmed, sticking his camera where it is not wanted, refusing to send footage of events to people who allowed him to film them, and so on. The first time he films me without asking is when I start a petition to remove him from the guild.Fair enough.
Wiley Posted March 25, 2013 Author Posted March 25, 2013 I appreciate all the responses. I'll get more information just by talking to the local fire chief. He's a licensed pyro who puts on the annual July 4th display just a few hundred feet from our house, so at least he understands pyro.
psyco_1322 Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 (edited) I just think he is overly boring to listen to. He does like to get his hands all over peoples work and handle them carelessly. Other than that, the main thing is his knowledge about fireworks is minimal at best. He often calls things incorrect names and really doesn't have any grasp on how fireworks are really made, especially by the hobbyist. I see him as a thump junkie with a license, nothing more really. Just to make a note, I've never met the guy, just seen his youtube videos. I also am not, and will never be, a member at Pyro Universe or Pyro Talk forums. Edited March 25, 2013 by psyco_1322 1
californiapyro Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 I'm a member over at pyrotalk, you're really not missing much by not joining. All the forum questions are pretty remedial, and the "fireworks manufacturing" forum is all but dead. Also the moderation is excessively strict.
Mumbles Posted March 26, 2013 Posted March 26, 2013 I agree with most things said here. I don't care for the style of his videos, but there is some interesting stuff in there. I did join his forum, but only stop by every few weeks. The manufacturing section is really the only one I have any interest in, and as Cali said, it's all but dead. The people on the forum seem more interested in commercial pyro or making salutes. I'm not sure what all is contained in the videos, but from what I've heard it's basically a guide to get a type 54 license, or a User permit. It allows you to purchase commercial pyro and transport explosives, and only requires contingency storage. Some hobbyist manufacturers have this type of license as well. If you're manufacturing on your own and following the proper safety and storage requirements, the permit allows you to transport your creations. Passfire, and presumably Ned's new site, has a lot of information on getting legal and some of the requirements. Also, my friend Larry (and WPAG president) has a nice site that might get you set in the right direction and perhaps answer some questions. If you're seriously considering getting legal, it might be good to walk through the motions and see where you're getting stuck. I'm sure Dave's video makes it simple, but it's possible to do on your own as well. http://legalpyro.com/ 1
WonderBoy Posted March 26, 2013 Posted March 26, 2013 You could also look and see if there are any display companies near you. They sometimes host training sessions where you will learn all you need to know about getting licensed. It is to their advantage to get more people licensed. The company I work for often hosts training/demos in April, so people have enough time to get licensed by the 4th. We'll even hand out finger print cards, and bring in a local ATF inspector to answer questions. WB
WileySG Posted April 30, 2014 Posted April 30, 2014 I bought the DVD it puts information at your finger tips. As far as his You tube videos go some of the earlier ones seemed haphazard and uninformed moreover some were down right reckless.
FlaMtnBkr Posted April 30, 2014 Posted April 30, 2014 Is that the guy that follows TR around and knows absolutely nothing about fireworks construction and little about fireworks in general? I assume it is based on the YouTube handle. He follows people around and tapes them and will tape seminars. But his knowledge of fireworks is zilch. I don't think I would even trust him to edit the video to include the important info. And someone would have to pay me money to listen to his voice for very long. I will stop now before I say something I regret. Assuming it is the guy I think it is. 1
nater Posted April 30, 2014 Posted April 30, 2014 I will say it. Dave is a black eye on our hobby and has no place around us. He tapes people without their consent and has included fellow PGI members telling him not to tape them in his published videos. He ought to be permanently banned from the guild for these actions.
pyrokid Posted May 1, 2014 Posted May 1, 2014 The possibility should not be ignored that some portion of the people who consider themselves opposed to displayfireworks1 do so solely because it is popular. He is very defensive, and with good reason. He is not well liked in some circles. I appreciate his videos of TR, I learned a lot from them. While I understand the need to respect privacy and such at guild meets, I think it's possible that some of the requests to not be videoed were motivated more by emotions than legitimate concerns. The gravity of the infraction is thereby lessened. He has been disrespectful to me in my personal dealings with him. His site is a joke. He allows ignorant "opinions" regarding the construction and use of fireworks to be posted, and he bans knowledgeable people out of spite.
nater Posted May 1, 2014 Posted May 1, 2014 He bans people from his site for mentioning products made by companies who do not advertise on his site. He bans others simply for being members of the Pyro Universe forum, despite never breaking any of his site rules. Filming people without their consent is a huge sore spot for me, it does not matter why they do not want to be filmed or why they do not want to he filmed by him. The gravity of that infraction is not lessened by motivation, fellow guild members wishes need to be respected. Had I been the one filmed telling him to knock it off, I would have petitioned to board to have him banned. He has published videos showing unsafe ways to modify consumer fireworks. He has called out overloaded items by name and given the stores where he purchased them. On his site, he promotes his videos for people getting a license to buy 1.3 product, but diminishes the need to have a discharge permit to use them. Sure, you can get licensed to buy whatever you want easily, but most states require further steps to legally discharge them. If you mention that on his site, you get banned.
Peret Posted May 2, 2014 Posted May 2, 2014 Can't disagree. Dave is a fuse lighter, and has probably never made a firework in his life. His video will walk you through applying for a use license (formerly a type 54) from the ATF, but doesn't tell you anything about dealing with your local authorities, which in my opinion is a much bigger headache. I've never visited his site so can't comment on that. BUT, I will say that people who admire Dave are probably not people I'd choose to hang out with. 1
OCBoomer Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 (edited) I think when Dave started out that he meant well but he did not consider the big picture when passing out his information. On his DVD he leads people to believe that once you get a type 54 that you can do anything you want any place you want regardless of the laws. When some of the people on Pyro Universe that shoot fireworks for a living started pointing that out to Dave he resented it and rather than changing his ways and being more responsible and realistic with the incomplete information he was passing out and or selling he more or less told the professionals that were trying to guide him into doing the right thing to go away and that he knew more about the fireworks trades than the professionals did.Getting a type 54 license is a serious issue and it is very important that people go through a journeymanship to learn all the ropes that will tilt that odds in favor of safety for anyone that is going to handle 1.3G professional grade fireworks. People that know just enough to be dangerous risk injury to them self’s and others. The only way to learn the ropes is to get many hours of hands on experience working with people that have been in the trade many years and suck up all that knowledge that gets passed down by working with experienced mentors. To this day I still learn something new anytime and every time I attend a fireworks shoot.Lately Dave seems to be getting a little better than he was when he first started but he still has a way to go. It would be nice to see him end his feud with the people on Pyro Universe and just admit that he needed to make some adjustments. Edited March 27, 2015 by OCBoomer
tradami Posted March 27, 2015 Posted March 27, 2015 Some of his videos are informative. His DVD is a joke though. As other's have stated he makes it seem like getting a Type 54 is no big deal and it gives you free reign with explosives. There's a reason you need a license for display fireworks. Inexperience + display fireworks = injury or worse. It WILL happen, it's just a matter of when.
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