maddyn99 Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 Anyone know for sure what the chunks, chips, turnings are that are left over from the Mg/Al that you get from skyligher? http://www.skylighter.com/mall/product-details.asp?id=781 Ive read that its pure magnesium? If so is is worth keeping around to maybe make my own mg/al one day. Seems wasteful to toss it out and its not worth shipping back for the measly credit they give you.
nater Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 (edited) I tested some with vinegar and got a reaction to indicate it was magnesium or mostly magnesium. It was a small amount, but I gave it to a fellow member who melted it down into MgAl. It seems that someone else here used it for some devices and won a blog contest on Skylighter with it. If you keep it to make MgAl someday, make sure to store it in something that is airtight. I had a barrel full of Mg shavings and turnings which we had used for some demonstrations at the fire department. It oxidized and became useless over time. Edited April 11, 2014 by nater
Mumbles Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 I know a guy named Cplmac used the turning in larger (3"+) comets. They sort of fly around when they light. It's a cool effect. I've been told there is something special to using the turnings to make MgAl. They don't melt very well due to the high surface area, so they need to be added to pre-molten aluminum or something like that. Someone else might want to confirm that. I don't want to be recommending anything dangerous.
ddewees Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 (edited) Why do they sell it like that? The website says it's 51% turnings. Good God, look at the price too. Edited April 11, 2014 by ddewees
nater Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 They sell it like that to get around shipping restrictions. Note that you can buy it without the added turnings of you pick it up at their warehouse.
maddyn99 Posted April 11, 2014 Author Posted April 11, 2014 Why do they sell it like that? The website says it's 51% turnings. Good God, look at the price too. Exactly which is why i didnt want to waste something useful and why i cant wait to get my 5lbs from californiapyro I know a guy named Cplmac used the turning in larger (3"+) comets. They sort of fly around when they light. It's a cool effect. I've been told there is something special to using the turnings to make MgAl. They don't melt very well due to the high surface area, so they need to be added to pre-molten aluminum or something like that. Someone else might want to confirm that. I don't want to be recommending anything dangerous. Ive seen a few youtube videos where they make an ingot so I might give that a shot if if i ever get desperate. On a side note Think you could crush it into smaller pieces and use it in small shells (2") scattered in with stars? or mixed in with a rising tail? Just a thought.
MWJ Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 Talk to Hunter (Fireworktools.com) about getting some without the turnings. His prices are a lot better, very honest and trustworthy to deal with. Pure MAg/Al and no junk.
maddyn99 Posted April 12, 2014 Author Posted April 12, 2014 Talk to Hunter (Fireworktools.com) about getting some without the turnings. His prices are a lot better, very honest and trustworthy to deal with. Pure MAg/Al and no junk. Yeah that the guy i have an order with now... californiapyro = Hunter. You know how it is, its the ONE chemical i need right now and im out so of course i need more.
hindsight Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 http://www.amateurpyro.com/forums/topic/9516-fireworktools-temporary-closing/ Have patience with Hunter until he can resolve some temporary business issues.
MWJ Posted April 12, 2014 Posted April 12, 2014 I just got some Mag/Al from Hunter and it's great, no turnings or floor sweepings.
Arthur Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 AFAIK The shavings are magnalium just like the powder. 51% shavings 49% powder MgAl is non hazardous for shipping. More powder and you should transport it as hazardous goods which increases the price, and increases the delivery time. and reduces the number of economy carriers.
FlaMtnBkr Posted April 13, 2014 Posted April 13, 2014 They are actually just magnesium chips left over from a machining process. Magnalium isn't a good structural material and would not hold up as a thin chip and would easily crush which they don't. Plus Harry would have to pay to turn magnalium ingots into chips.
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