76 replies to this topic

[Bluehawk]

Would it not be easier to just melt the wax then mix in the nitrate and sugar and cast it into its container?

[Stuart]

Yes, it is much easier to just melt it. The only issue with this formula is that if you want a lot of smoke, then you need a way to stop the composition burning with a flame, as this very greatly reduces the amount of smoke produced. The method I've commonly used is to get long cardboard tubes from fabric suppliers (art's and craft's shops might have them), cut them to what ever length, and then you half to three quarters fill it with your smoke comp. This I find just about eliminates any chances of flames.

Another method I have read about is to add about 5% Sodium Bicarbonate to the mix. This way, when it burns, it will release Carbon Dioxide which should help prevent flames. Having tried this, I can tell you that it sometimes stops it, and its a bugger to light. Personally, I much prefer the cardboard tube method.

Edited by Stuart, 26 July 2006 - 07:17 AM.

[Creepin_pyro]

Or you could use the commercial method of stopping the exhaust end of the tube with a sturdy end cap, with one or two holes drilled into it. There comp is still only filled to about 3/4 the length of the case, but the disc makes damn sure that it doesn't start to produce flames.

[Bluehawk]

Tubes and end caps are not a problem as I have plenty and am very familiar with making smoke caseings but the paraffin powder threw me off...I checked a few web sites and that powder sells for $44 for 500 grams!!!!! Way too expensive for a cheap white smoke mix!
I'm checking into making smoke cannisters from steel cans like the military M18 smokes...the cans and lids are cheap...38 cents per set but the lid sealer is expensive...$200 for the cheapest one!

[RegimentalPyro]

I have been experimenting with white smokes today. Here are my notes on a simple smoke device for your delectation.....

Simple White Smoke device

KN03 48
Sucrose (ordinary sugar) 40
Paraffin Wax 25

The KNO3 and Sucrose should be in their ordinary unmilled state ie: a white crystalline powder. I have no doubt that using finely milled sugar/KNO3 would improve the mix, but in the interests of keeping things simple I didn't do this.

The paraffin wax should also be powdered. To make this you should place candles / tealights in the freezer for an hour or so and then grate finely using a cheese grater.

TopTip!: Make sure you wash the cheese grater before your spouse sees it otherwise be prepared to suffer a glare that could open an oyster at 50 paces.

Mix all the ingrediants together well - you could screen but I just used a mixing bowl and a spoon. Ram into a half inch tube with a clay plug at the bottom, using half inch increments. Don't use too much force as you can split the tube. Sharp whacks from the wrist basically.

Place a strand of blackmatch across the top of the rammed comp, and leading out of the tube. Pour a little loose comp over the top and press a some wadded kitchen roll into the end to plug it. Finish with nosing paper.

A five inch tube filled nearly to the top burns for 2 mins!

[EnigmaticBiker]

TopTip!: Make sure you wash the cheese grater before your spouse sees it otherwise be prepared to suffer a glare that could open an oyster at 50 paces.

shellfish extracting annoyance

[Asteroid]

I too am looking to find a smoke grenade which can be used for airsoft (or paintballing), which will not ignite leaves easily. One of the other key features is that the grenades are economical, as both are already expensive sports. Paraffin wax can be bought from Ikea for 60p a kilo (approximately) in the form of candles. They can easil be melted or grated to suit needs. Before you go though, check the website to make sure you know which to get (some are stearin).
Candles

[myinisjap]

would it be possible to ball the Kno3, sugar and wax together or is it too dangerous?

not sure if you were serious about dissolving the wax sugar and Kno3 but I tried it wasnt the best but it did work Il take a video next time and next Im gonna try melting them all together


and man Did I miss pyrotechnics but I had other more important buisness i had to attend to

Edited by myinisjap, 24 October 2006 - 04:52 AM.

[James P]

I tried Regimentals composition and it works a treat, thanks!! I had never made a smoke comp before but it appears to work very well (3 tests) and it is very safe to make.

Ball millling wax would probably cause you too many problems as it will clump. Also the ingredients dont need to be ball milled as mentioned above.
James

[BPBR]

I have been experimenting with white smokes today. Here are my notes on a simple smoke device for your delectation.....

Simple White Smoke device

KN03 48
Sucrose (ordinary sugar) 40
Paraffin Wax 25

In that grams or percentage(adding all it gives 103% )?

[fishy1]

In that grams or percentage(adding all it gives 103% )?

it's in parts, could be

48 tonnes kno3
40 tonnes sugar
25 tonnes wax

or could be in grams, kgs, lbs...

[dr thrust]

Try KNO3 + Paraffin wax (aka candle wax)

I know it sounds 'kewwwwl' but it does a pretty good job. Better than KNO3 + Sugar in my opinion.

yes! i did this years ago in my back garden and it filled everywhere with thick smoke,much to my horror!, the only reason i am posting is i made some 50g kno3+ sugar,smokes last night ,but dont think much of them what does everbody else think?

[marble]

My mix for large (1kg+) mixes is 55 kno3 45 icing sugar, for large mixes there is no need to melt them together and the particle size of the kno3 is not important either (ive used prills and it was the same as powder)

Be warned, use a thick steel can as it will melt through thin tin cans

[YT2095]

quite expensive, but UK based and High quality product, fast delivery too.
http://www.scuddlebutt3.co.uk/Dyes.htm

I bought the Deluxe dye pack, and although it doesn`t look like a lot, a little Does go a long way! although I don`t use mine in smoke comps.

it might be worth a look

[dr thrust]

quite expensive, but UK based and High quality product, fast delivery too.
http://www.scuddlebutt3.co.uk/Dyes.htm

I bought the Deluxe dye pack, and although it doesn`t look like a lot, a little Does go a long way! although I don`t use mine in smoke comps.

it might be worth a look

thanks ,interesting dyes site,rhodamines are they used in smoke comps?,is the idea to throw out the dye in the gases but not burn the dye,anybody had any luck, i opened a blue smoke device and the comp was a dark blue