9 replies to this topic

[completebeginner]

hi i have tried a few time to make an areal saluet with no luck. i dont have access to time fuse or visco so i tried it with my black match which is decent quality. so i tried it every time it just explodes in the mortar destroying it. i have used 2 different methods firstly i just had a firecracker that fit the tube and launched it out with bp and i tried it so that i had a mortar that fit the salut and it was built like this http://putfile.com/p...115540.jpg&s=x1 so i was wondering if it is possible to use black match as a time fuse and what i would have to do to make it work

[warrenizer88]

My advice to you is to start with much simpler shells...but before that start with simple devices like fountains and roman candles. learning how to make a roman candle will give you the basics on lifting a shell and such. blackmatch does not make a good time fuse because it can take fire anywhere on its length so easily, which is why your salutes are flowerpotting. be careful and stay away from salutes for now. i did see that you had your picture labeled as filled with BP instead of FP though, which is better but still not safe.


warren

[Pretty green flames]

hi i have tried a few time to make an areal saluet with no luck. i dont have access to time fuse or visco so i tried it with my black match which is decent quality. so i tried it every time it just explodes in the mortar destroying it. i have used 2 different methods firstly i just had a firecracker that fit the tube and launched it out with bp and i tried it so that i had a mortar that fit the salut and it was built like this http://putfile.com/p...115540.jpg&s=x1 so i was wondering if it is possible to use black match as a time fuse and what i would have to do to make it work

Use a spolette as time fuse, works great every time. You'll just need to do a few test to determine the burn time so you can get timing right.

[LadyKate]

You are showing your 'newbieness' when you haven't gotten the basics to work but are trying to make an explosion. The folks here are reluctant to help when a new person to the hobby is trying to make a bang. Most will weigh in and help if you start with something a bit tamer.

Look up spolettes or cigarette machines in the forums if you want to read a discussion of how to make a time fuse for your shells that doesn't use Visco.

[karlfoxman]

There is already an area on this forum about time fuse, you should not be using blackmatch to time anything especially an explosive charge as this is unreliable. If it failed to light the charge you would be left with a dud shell that would fire at anytime! Also like the others said you should be on something smaller, i have spent 10 years or so very slowly working up to shells. Trust me if you run before you can walk in this hobby it can be very very dangerous. Shells/Salutes are the last thing you make due to the dangers involved. Hope this helps and i should think this will be closed/deleted from time

Edited by karlfoxman, 17 September 2005 - 08:16 AM.

[completebeginner]

the reason im getting into shells so quickly is because i am looking for a new project thats a challenge i can make firecrackers starmines roman candles and fountains. im frustated with bp rockets as i have tried at least 20 and all have failed so the thing that came to mind was a small aerial salute

[Pretty green flames]

the reason im getting into shells so quickly is because i am looking for a new project thats a challenge i can make firecrackers starmines roman candles and fountains. im frustated with bp rockets as i have tried at least 20 and all have failed so the thing that came to mind was a small aerial salute

Quickly is bad here in pyrotechnics, it's when you want to make something quickly that accidents happen.
Take it slow.

And btw, seems like you already have a challange, BP rockets, you've got enough work with these that'll keep you busy for a long time.

[karlfoxman]

Quickly is bad here in pyrotechnics, it's when you want to make something quickly that accidents happen.
Take it slow.

And btw, seems like you already have a challange, BP rockets, you've got enough work with these that'll keep you busy for a long time.

True, get your bp rockets working! These will give you a good start in fault finding, fine tuning mixtures and other important factors. I suggest that you read the threads on BP Rockets, once you become good enough you can give them glitter and colour tails. Trust us, rockets go before shells in the construction ladder. Good luck and be safe as rockets are extremly dangerous too.

[JamesH]

The italians do use black match to time small insert reports called saettines or lambetti. This involves packing sawdust solidly around the black match inside the casing creating a crude delay. You won't get accurate timmings with this method though. However, I have sucessfully used this method for small 3/4" cake inserts: -
http://i11.photobuck...22/ea5a136a.jpg

However do not use the method to time aerial shells, as pretty green flames said use a spolette for that.

Edited by JamesH, 18 September 2005 - 11:11 AM.

[BigG]

The italians do use black match to time small insert reports called saettines or lambetti. This involves packing sawdust solidly around the black match inside the casing creating a crude delay. You won't get accurate timmings with this method though. However, I have sucessfully used this method for small 3/4" cake inserts: -
http://i11.photobuck...22/ea5a136a.jpg

However do not use the method to time aerial shells, as pretty green flames said use a spolette for that.

Lambetti is not a timed device - the delay is highley unpredictable.

Complete Begginer - you have to back up and keep mastering simpler devices - your questions show that you are still not at the level required to do arial shells. Found reading resources and learn more about fuses. There is a LOT on this forums to direct you in the right direction.