4 replies to this topic

[ITCHI]

I have read about using razor blade as not to crimp or pinch the fuse to keep powder from falling out.
What do you guys say here and are there any new techniques ya'll have come across?

[Steve]

I use anvil cutters for fuse. They are a razor blade mounted in a scisor mechanism that pushes the razor onto a piece of medium/hard rubber. This gives an extremely neat cut that doesn't compromise lighting.

Somehting much like this
http://www.wolfcraft...85_product.html

Edited by Steve, 27 March 2007 - 08:51 PM.

[Frozentech]

Anvil cutters are the universally recommended tool. With scissors, the problem is not so much crushing of fuse or powder leakage, there have been serious accidents ( PGI convention in the US in 2005 for instance ) caused by cutting fuse with scissors. The bypass or overlap between the blades creates enough friction to light fuse (sometimes, randomly, 1 in a 1000 times maybe > ). In 2005 it happened that a fellow in a campground was cutting fuse using scissors, a section of fuse lit, flew into a box of flash, went off, destroyed his camping trailer, injured his wife, and seriously injured him.

Use anvil cutters or razor blade only, for safety. I know of two brands, one, Fiskars, should be available internationally under the name 'anvil pruners'. In the US, Craftsman tools also makes one with a replaceable razor insert blade.

Edited by Frozentech, 27 March 2007 - 10:21 PM.

[ITCHI]

Thank you gentlemen. I will use a simple hard backed razor blade.

[rocket boy]

I have read about using razor blade as not to crimp or pinch the fuse to keep powder from falling out.
What do you guys say here and are there any new techniques ya'll have come across?

WELL........tHE BEST TOOL FOR CUTTING ANY PYROTECHNIC FUSE FROM 1/16" DIA TO 1/4" DIAMETER FUSE .......IS A "DOGGIE" TOE NAIL CUTTER!!! There are many types out there plastic ect, but the best one by far is the all metal one with an oval hole in it and a slide cutter. You put the fuse in the hole and squeez the pliers to cut and it will fold the outer edges of the fuse all the way around sealing in the powder and providing a clean cut better than any razor blade. Sort of crimps the outer edge of the fuse end towards the middle of the fuse......nice to say the least. You can also slide a piece of pre measured fuse along side of it for the proper length and use the cutter flat spot to size the supply roll and you can cut every piece of fuse the same exact length every time over and over. I been using the dog toe nail cutter for years and years. and yes you can take it apart and using 800 grit wet and dry sand paper for sharpining the blade. or buy another one. The plastic ones work, but usually end up breaking withen months of use. rocket boy