Cool pyro projects for beginner?

[Dojo5522]

Hey everyone,

I'm rather new with pyro stuff so I'm looking for some fun, simple projects i could do. I have basic powered chemicals and metals (KNO3, Mg, Al, Zn, S, etc.)

If you guys could point me in a better direction then YouTube that would be great hahaha

I know I have they materials for flash power but there's no way in hell I'm going to do that. I think I could make model rocket fuel with KNO3 and sugar but I'm not sure if its as simple as just heating them on a stove.

Thanks for the help, and happy holidays! (:

[jessoman]

Hi mate,

I would definitely get into sugar rockets. Just do thorough research. If you have any questions ask away. Be safe! There are many methods of making sugar rockets, they will give you lots of fun. Then maybe start getting familiar with BP and perfect everything as you go... and be safe!

Kind regards,

Jess

[patsroom]

Using KNO3 and sugar does not have to be heated on a stove you can mix the fuel with sulfer and add just a touch of rust if it needs just a little more uhm. Easy to make if you use the 5 cent rocket instructions............Pat

[pyrokid]

I think you should make some charcoal and then some BP! With lift powder and charcoal you can do many things.

[somecommiebastard]

Yeah if you add a little bit of iron oxide (red) to the fuel it burns quicker making it better for smaller rockets.

 

 

edit:

 

Also you probably know this but you can make a basic smoke bomb mixture the same way for the kno3 rocket fuel but iirc it has a different ratio. Also if you're paranoid over heating it over a stove you can simply mix the sugar and the potassium nitrate with a little bit of water and let it dry for a few days in whatever casing you're using.

Edited December 22, 2013 by somecommiebastard

[jl88]

He mate,

 

I too am fairly new to pyrotechnics but have used sugar rockets for a long time. Sugar fuel is easy and relatively safe to make. However, should you make the nozzle size 1mm too small or large you end up with a CATO or inverted gerb :-)

 

I use a 65% potassium nitrate 34% normal sugar and 1% iron oxide mix. Dissolve all ingredients in a small amount of water and gently heat out the water in an thermostatically controlled electronic skillet. Don't caramelise the sugar though and don't let hot spots form.

 

Once all the water has evaporated and it has cooled, break it up and powder it with a mortar and pestle or ball mill. Then press into motor tubes. This works flawlessly up to 1" ID rockets. Haven't tried bigger but cast grains are better for large motors..

 

My current favourites are stinger missiles, which can also be made with Rcandy (sugar fuel). Here is one of mine.

 

 

Good luck and enjoy!