35 replies to this topic

[Zinginex]

Try searching first. Look for Wolter pyro tools.

I can't just be told what it is...?

[Bonny]

I can't just be told what it is...?

If you looked you'd see for yourself. Anyway, basically, it is a plate that makes a bunch of stars (of a uniform size) at the same time. It has a matching plate with pins to push the finished stars out.

[Zinginex]

If you looked you'd see for yourself. Anyway, basically, it is a plate that makes a bunch of stars (of a uniform size) at the same time. It has a matching plate with pins to push the finished stars out.

Oh kwl thanks
so do you like compact the stars together in each hole in the plate with the pins?
Then push them out

[Bonny]

Oh kwl thanks
so do you like compact the stars together in each hole in the plate with the pins?
Then push them out

I think so , but don't quote me as I've never actually used one. See here:
http://www.pyroguide...itle=Star_plate

[BrightStar]

so do you like compact the stars together in each hole in the plate with the pins?
Then push them out

Yes, that's it. The star plate pins are a usually longer than the holes are deep. You place the perforated plate on a solid base, paste your dampened comp into the holes, press the pin plate in to compact and then lift the whole thing off the base and further press the pin plate to eject the stars.

The advantage is that you get lots of uniform stars quickly without wasting any expensive composition or raising dust.... that's why I'm affter one for my small colour stars.

As mentioned, Rich Wolter does some nice ones:

http://www.wolterpyr...=catg&cat=stars

I'd still like be interested to hear which sizes of comet / crosette pumps you guys use most often please...

Edited by BrightStar, 04 February 2008 - 09:46 PM.

[pudi.dk]

For star plates, how thick should the female plate be versus the x mm rods on the male plate?

[pudi.dk]

Anyone?

[digger]

Anyone?

I will post a pick of mine tomorrow with a few dinensions

[icarus]

i made a wooden one it was a failure the dowels tended to jam in the holes in the plate. Thick nylon chopping boards look like a superb material for star plates . Easy to drill, but if i nick the wives cutting board i wont be able to chuck it in the dish washer to clean it after use

[phildunford]

Once again Dan Williams has a tutorial on the subject.

Make a starplate

You need to make the dowels longer than the thickness of the plates Pudi - by how much is not very critical -maybe 3mm.

I personally don't like star plates much - it's hard to get the stars well consolidated.

[pudi.dk]

I have seen that tutorial, but my question is regarding the thickness of the plate with holes in it which determines how long the stars should be - and ideally I want it the same length as diameter after they are pressed.
Say, what would the thickness of the plates be for a 9mm, 10mm, 15mm, 18mm, 20mm (or any other diameter for that matter) etc...

I'm thinking the thickness would be about 1.5 times the diameter of the rods

Edited by pudi.dk, 09 April 2008 - 09:57 AM.

[phildunford]

If you want the stars the same length as their diameter then thickness of plate = diameter of star. 10mm dia rods on a 10mm thick plate will give you 10x10mm stars...


PS the stars are not pressed as such in a star plate. The composition is pushed into the holes with a spatula or something and smoothed flat. The plate with the pegs is just used to push the stars out, therefore they will be the same thickness as the plate.

Edited by phildunford, 09 April 2008 - 12:32 PM.

[Yugen-biki]

Many of you probaly know supreme pyro allready but he will sell you any kind of star plate you whant. Just ask him and he'll get you the diameter you are looking for. He got me a 2mm .

http://www.freewebs.com/supremepyro/

Edited by Yugen-biki, 09 April 2008 - 06:32 PM.

[Mumbles]

I've always compressed the pins down onto the comp to make it more solid. Very solid stars. I'd imagine the stars would be crumbly unless you make the comp to the consistency of cut star comp. Theres obviously more than one way to do things though. I usually wet my comp to 6-8%, and rub it through a screen to make good granules, spread them through similar to how you do it. After all the holes are decently packed, I gave it a good press with the arbor press, and pressed out the stars. Pretty solid right away.

[phildunford]

Guess it depends quite a bit on the comp. Something with red gum and alcohol is almost like glue and would probably consolidate pretty well on it's own, less well bound comps would need more pressure...