He suggests that you get good results with them, as due to the speed stars are ejected you need a composition that will take fire very easily. He lists quite a few chlorate formula (but not containing sulphur of course). I've tried them and they are very good.
As the mixture of components in manufactured black powder is very intimate, the sulphur is not considered 'free' so it can be placed below chlorate stars. The dark fire should not contain sulphur.
I would not use the word 'ramming' in connection with candles, I've never needed more than gentle tamping. If you rammed too hard, you could break up the stars and cause problems.
Lancaster relates an incident where an accident took place because because a chlorate star jammed in the tube and was forced down causing an ignition.
I've never had an accident making this type of candle, but care and caution are required...
Edited by phildunford, 19 May 2008 - 07:45 PM.
