20 replies to this topic

[adamw]

T***E is a website where all the L4m3rZ (a variataion of 'lamers' to enrage Matt) go to learn how to build b****s. If you ever see it you will understand that we are a world apart... and they are on track to being blown apart

Anyway - Sparks. You can use magnesuim, MgAl, Titanium, Iron, or even Zirconium if you are feeling rich. Zirconium is what is used in 'capsule guns' by SFX guys. Basically a .68 cal 'souped up' paintball gun used for shooting zirc filled capsules to create a spark hit.

It can also be done electically of course, but the effect has to be concealed, takes more time and effort and doesnt always look as good. A bit safer then shooting flaming balls around though!

[Matt]

Haha, youll have to be more like the script from a l33T episode. Although I just find them funny.

As for the zirc capsules. Are these used in movies where bullets hit metal and sparks come out? I always thought squibs were used for that, although i think squibs would be safer than somebody shooting these things on a set! Ok im just confusering my self now

-Matt

[Rhodri]

Probably like everyone else, I watch closely all the pyro effects in films and the like. Seems to me that they use a LOT of stars/comets when that car explodes.

Really like the pyro effects on Farscape - maybe they use Zirconium there?

Imagine being able to spend a few days on a set with pyro pros!

[adamw]

If you need to have a spark, dust ricochet hit etc on a surface where a squib can't be placed, the only real way is to use a capsule gun - i.e. if the props/location/scenery guys don't want you to start drilling into and blowing up their work

Squibs are safer, but they are'nt always the best things to use.

[BurlHorse]

I did not under stand the nature of the effect, or how realistic you wanted it to be, I.E; a house blows up, the material sparking, would be mostly wood, hence the sparks would be reddish, so 40 to 80 mesh charcoal.
If it's a metal object/structure, then obviously it would be the metal sparking, hence you would want the sparks color to be of a metal base. 20-60 mesh granular Ti about 30% added to your flash will produce a spectacular number of sparks flying everywhere. Using this mesh size also loosens up the flash by providing a greater surface area. (Geez, I hope this guy knows what he's playing with...) High carbon Steel will produce yellowish, orange possibly branching sparks of dubious duration. There is a point of diminishing return regarding particle size as additives. Too small and they will burn before producing the effect, too big and they will either not ignite, or as with charcoal, keep glowing long after the effect shoud have dissipated.

My thoughts are as folows,

Only use flash if you have to, BP in the proper casing and amount can produce the effect desired, especially if the effect was supposed to be something of wood blowing up...

If you must use flash, use the least amount possible to achieve the effect you desire. 15 grams , sometimes less, will go high order, uncontained, so use your head. Also because the base components of Flash are generally Perc and Dark or Black Flake AL, I would stay away form using large mesh AL, it will either be consumed in the flash reaction, or not ignite at all, either of which defeat the intented purpose..... As to cutting up AL cans, this sounds very similar to a frag disaster, example, take a playing card, flick it, what happens? It spins, it flys erratically and maintains alot of the power it was originally thrown with. I think the implications are obvious, especially if something were to happen at close range while manufacturing the device. Makes me gringe thinking about it. These views/thoughts are mine and mine alone, do be safe.....

Regards and good luck with your projects

Stay Green,

Bear

[miniskinny]

Bear, you really seemed to nail all the topics fairly well. But to continue on flash sparks, I usually just add slightly more aluminum powder, usually Indian Blackhead, since German is so powerfull...But about the 15 grams unconfined, it's very important that you don't underestimate flash powder's capability; When I use any amount 10+ grams I spread it out on the flat surface that I am ignited it on (usually not a good idea to have flash powder even close to contained); you can even have some flash powder disconnected from the main flash powder pile, and it will go up.