6 replies to this topic

[kelly]

I've been making BP and KnO3 rockets for about 45 years. Now I wish to do something with them other than watch them parachute to the ground. I can get about 650 feet elevation with a 1/2" ID X 3" rocket and a payload of approximately 30g. I thought it would be interesting to try some stars, but I've never made them before as such. Question: Why are there three different methods and which performs, as in shows, the best? A matter of opinion?Or fact?

LOL and stay GREEN

[digger]

I've been making BP and KnO3 rockets for about 45 years. Now I wish to do something with them other than watch them parachute to the ground. I can get about 650 feet elevation with a 1/2" ID X 3" rocket and a payload of approximately 30g. I thought it would be interesting to try some stars, but I've never made them before as such. Question: Why are there three different methods and which performs, as in shows, the best? A matter of opinion?Or fact?

LOL and stay GREEN

I would say that there is no real answer to that question as they can perform different roles. A pumped star is great for roman candles there is good control over the length and diameter of the star ensuring a good fit every time for consistent firing heights (given the same tube length above the star etc). Round rolled stars are easy to pack uniformly onto the inner surface of a shell, also it is possible to do colour changing stars when rolled which as far as I am aware you cannot do with pumped stars.

There are obviously other advantages and disadvantages such as it is easy to knock out pumped stars with a star plate with little or no skill, whereas rolled stars may take a bit of practice to produce but once mastered it is easy to knock up large quantities of uniform round stars.

You are missing the method of cutting stars which again has many advantages such as ease of production and they take fire very easily due to the sharp corners on them.

So the answer is all stars can perform similarly in some applications, but there are instances when only one type will give the required or repeatable result.

[kelly]

I would say that there is no real answer to that question as they can perform different roles. A pumped star is great for roman candles there is good control over the length and diameter of the star ensuring a good fit every time for consistent firing heights (given the same tube length above the star etc). Round rolled stars are easy to pack uniformly onto the inner surface of a shell, also it is possible to do colour changing stars when rolled which as far as I am aware you cannot do with pumped stars.

There are obviously other advantages and disadvantages such as it is easy to knock out pumped stars with a star plate with little or no skill, whereas rolled stars may take a bit of practice to produce but once mastered it is easy to knock up large quantities of uniform round stars.

You are missing the method of cutting stars which again has many advantages such as ease of production and they take fire very easily due to the sharp corners on them.

So the answer is all stars can perform similarly in some applications, but there are instances when only one type will give the required or repeatable result.

Thanks digger, appreciate the responce

[aquarius]

Hi Kelly, and welcome to the forum. I would suggest that you start out with cut stars. It requires nothing more than a cutting board, a rolling pin and a knife plus the star comp.

Also, I would like you to have a look at the rocketry section of the forum.
I am sure your knowledge will be much appreciated there!
As a model rocketeer myself I would like to hear your opinions on a few matters.

Stay green and go slow

[Bonny]

I agree with aquarious, cut stars are probably the easiest to start with. Tiger tail stars are very nice and are quite forgiving if you overwet them a bit.

[kelly]

Thanks All, hopefully this old man isn't too much of a bother. I was considering some BP stars as chems are difficult to impossible to obtain as a lot of the suppliers are reluctant to sell to unlicenced individuals. I have been able to get KNo3 as it is a fertilizer along with sulphur and copper sulfate from the florist and a few odd bits and pieces from the supermarket, and I make my own charcoal. Nonetheless I shall look up the formula for the tiger stars and see what I can accomplish. You never know til you have a go!

[Bonny]

Thanks All, hopefully this old man isn't too much of a bother. I was considering some BP stars as chems are difficult to impossible to obtain as a lot of the suppliers are reluctant to sell to unlicenced individuals. I have been able to get KNo3 as it is a fertilizer along with sulphur and copper sulfate from the florist and a few odd bits and pieces from the supermarket, and I make my own charcoal. Nonetheless I shall look up the formula for the tiger stars and see what I can accomplish. You never know til you have a go!

You can also try pottery supply shops...lots of chems there. Anyway, here are a few really good links for formulae:
http://www.pyroguide...ry:Compositions
http://members.shaw.ca/gryphon223/PFP/