11 replies to this topic

[pyrotechnist]

Hiya i was looking at BB guns today and have come across metal bbs and am wondering if these could be used in pyrotechnics? her is the site. metal balls

[Richard H]

Used for what? The worlds smallest ball mill? Rather dangerous star cores?

[paul]

Argh! Even if the idea is qite stupid to use bb balls for ball milling, I think your post, Richard H could be more constructive(ly ?!)...

No, pyrotechnist, you cant use them. Milling media must be quite big in size. Otherwise there is no millingeffect!

[Richard H]

Sorry, I'm just getting really tired of these kinds of questions, again.

[alany]

BBs tend to be steel shot too.

[pyrotechnist]

Sorry about that i didn't know.

PS were would i buy a sutiable mould to mould lead?

Edited by pyrotechnist, 19 May 2005 - 07:27 AM.

[Andrew]

Firstly, have you got any antimony, (you need that to harden the lead) or have you got hardened lead as a starting material? If so, make a mould yourself. Use a clay like bentonite and ram a ball the right size into the clay. Make two hemisphere moulds, drill a hole in one and join them together. Pour your molten lead in the hole, allow to cool and break it out. That's one of about a hundred, so repeat 99 times. I would personally make a mould for ten balls or so each time. To be honest, by the time you have invested all your time and money it would probably be cheaper to buy milling media.

[burningbush]

Pour your hot lead thru a heavy screen of atleast 1/4" opening into bucket of water,they will form perfect balls when they hit the water and cool.
If you really want to mess with hot lead ,Wear safety gear!
or buy your media at a gun store where its sold as shot gun reloading supply.
PC

[BigG]

Pour your hot lead thru a? heavy screen of atleast 1/4" opening into bucket of water,they will form perfect balls when they hit the water and cool.
If you really want to mess with hot lead ,Wear safety gear!
or buy your media at a gun store where its sold as shot gun reloading supply.
PC

Mr bush - you seem to forget that most of the members are British, and just assigning an american valid soloution to Britain will not work.

Media for milling need to be half an inch and above. Last time I checked - reloading media is MUCH smaller. Also, lead reloading media is becoming a rare commedity in this country - as lead balls under and above certain diameters are outlawed as they poision wildlife. lengthy discussion on the subject took place in the past - all - please read before posting!

Edited by BigG, 19 May 2005 - 04:02 PM.

[Pretty green flames]

Why not cast molten lead into a brass pipe then cut it into cylinders to make milling media, It works well if you can't find any round milling media

[RegimentalPyro]

where would i buy a sutiable mould to mould lead?

Right here

It's a bit pricey - but a nice tool I think....Just the right size as well!

[ramplord]

You can look at the stores where they sell custom bullet layers, you can find all sizes for a cheap price.

Sometimes it's nicer to have cilindric media, you can make it yourself by putting some lead in cutted cupper tube, of cut of some pieces of a masif tube.