12 replies to this topic

[Artopunk14]

Hello,

I've been using falling leaf fuse as stars (cutting them to 1 inch lengths and priming one end) and they simply aren't working at all, I'm pretty sure the break is smashing them. So what I'm looking for is any star formula that has few\easy to get chemicals. I plan on rolling the stars in my ball mill with lead shot if that makes any difference. Also, I can get Black Powder very easily so I was wondering can I make black powder stars with dextrin?

Thanks in advance,
Jack

Edited by Artopunk14, 22 June 2007 - 06:15 AM.

[Caramanos2000]

Yes just add some coarser charcoal to your regular Bp, this should start you out ok.

[portfire]

Yes just add some coarser charcoal to your regular Bp, this should start you out ok.

Or just alter the ratio of the three chems.I think what your after are charcoal or 'fire dust' stars.This link will help.

http://www.vk2zay.ne...ition_index.php (charcoal star section)

I'm not sure what you mean when you say "I plan on rolling the stars in my ball mill with lead shot if that makes any difference".Have you adapted your ballmill so you can roll stars or do you mean rolling the stars inside the mill jar,not sure that will work.


dean

[pudi.dk]

Why not prime the falling leaf fuse in BP slurry?

[Artopunk14]

I'm not sure what you mean when you say "I plan on rolling the stars in my ball mill with lead shot if that makes any difference".Have you adapted your ballmill so you can roll stars or do you mean rolling the stars inside the mill jar,not sure that will work.
dean

I thought I heard on the Internet you could use your ball mill to roll stars, I never tried it. I buy commercial Black Powder so what would be better for stars 2F or 4F?

[Artopunk14]

Why not prime the falling leaf fuse in BP slurry?

I've tried and I'm pretty sure they are just blowing up. How much flash and black powder would you recommend for a solid break in a 4" shell (beside the PB coated corncob)?

Edited by Artopunk14, 22 June 2007 - 04:02 PM.

[portfire]

Yeah same here,cant remember where,but it was a "2in1" machine,they didn't roll the stars in the mill jar,it was adapted to take a drum of sorts.

I'd save your bought BP for lifting stars,shells etc,and (i'm not talking from experience) you dont need a "booster" in a 4" shell,but it depends on the quality of your BP,so if your using bought stuff you should be ok...Again i'm not talking from experience so correct me if i'm wrong


dean

[Artopunk14]

I remember hearing adding alcohol can speed up your stars drying time, whats the ratio of alcohol to water? Also I heard you can stick your stars in the oven to make them dry faster, can you do that with Black Powder stars?

[johndee]

25% alcohol 75% water, I would not put stars in the oven.

[Artopunk14]

Well I tested my stars today and they seem to be burning to fast, less than one second. So does anybody have any tips on slowing down the stars burn rate?

[Caramanos2000]

less mill time, more charcoal or more dextrin.

[Artopunk14]

Well I tested my stars today and they seem to be burning to fast, less than one second. So does anybody have any tips on slowing down the stars burn rate?

I've been using 8% dextrin, would 15% slow it down?

[Caramanos2000]

I suggest just adding a bit more charcoal first then the dextrin.