9 replies to this topic

[Green_as_my_powder]

Fellow Pyros,

I have finally been able to "dial in" buzz bombs, meaning I'm getting reliable flight and no detonations. I've started trying to "spice them up" a little, and was wondering if others have come up with new ideas.

One of my favorites has been to glue in a paper cap at the end, rather than a clay plug. This way the buzz bomb finishes (at about 50 ft in the air) with a nice spread of sparks.

I've also tried adding a small section of a hotter burning fuel toward the end. The buzz bomb tops out, then shoots up at the end.

I guess what I'm making isn't really a "buzz bomb" since there isn't any flash "bomb" to go off at the end. Just the spinning helicopter blades and umbrella of sparks as it slowly raises up. The kids love it!

Anyone else care to share?

Has anyone been able to make their own "blades" to go on the tube? I've been using plastic mail order ones and I've almost run out.

Thanks for any tips!

[pyrotrev]

Can I ask exactly what you mean by "buzz bombs"??? I'm quite into all things that spin and parp about in the air - do you have any pics?

[starseeker]

Has anyone been able to make their own "blades" to go on the tube? I've been using plastic mail order ones and I've almost run out.

Thanks for any tips!
[/quote]

I use the large lolipop sticks,steam them on the kettle then twist them into shape,(I find that the sticks from the soleros are best)

[Green_as_my_powder]

[quote name='starseeker' date='06 July 2009 - 02:25 PM' timestamp='1246908355' post='57566']
Has anyone been able to make their own "blades" to go on the tube? I've been using plastic mail order ones and I've almost run out.

Thanks for any tips!
[/quote]

I use the large lolipop sticks,steam them on the kettle then twist them into shape,(I find that the sticks from the soleros are best)
[/quote]


I'm new to pyrotechnics. I guess "buzz bombs" isn't really a standard term. I've been following the instructions found on the www.cannonfuse.com site. This is where I got the blades as well. Sorry I wasn't more clear from the start.

[starseeker]

[quote name='Green_as_my_powder' date='07 July 2009 - 04:19 PM' timestamp='1246979978' post='57577']
I use the large lolipop sticks,steam them on the kettle then twist them into shape,(I find that the sticks from the soleros are best)
[/quote]


I'm new to pyrotechnics. I guess "buzz bombs" isn't really a standard term. I've been following the instructions found on the www.cannonfuse.com site. This is where I got the blades as well. Sorry I wasn't more clear from the start.
[/quote]


They are more commonly known as Tourbillions (whirlwind),sadly banned over here .

[pyrotrev]

Ahhh, like the old Standard fireworks "Aeroplane" and "Helicopter" - great fun and sadly missed.

[jayden]

Has anyone been able to make their own "blades" to go on the tube? I've been using plastic mail order ones and I've almost run out.

Thanks for any tips!

I have made a successful helicopter using a popsicle stick as the blade.
I just boiled the kettle and twisted it over the steam - easy!

[phildunford]

A lot of 'helecopter' type fireworks used cardboard blades. If I recall correctly, you just twisted the card on opposite corners to give a bit of lift and stablity.

Of course most of the lift and spin was given by the angle of the propelling jet(s).

[alany]

You do not need aerodynamic blades. I used to build all of mine with just a bamboo stick either through or glued to the end of the tube. The device is largely rocket propelled any aerodynamic forces are fairly small. Minimising drag has some benefits IMO, but your mileage may vary.

http://www.vk2zay.net/device/file/387

The only problem with constructing them like this is that is makes it difficult to add a garniture other than a simple salute.

[phildunford]

You do not need aerodynamic blades. I used to build all of mine with just a bamboo stick either through or glued to the end of the tube. The device is largely rocket propelled any aerodynamic forces are fairly small. Minimising drag has some benefits IMO, but your mileage may vary.

http://www.vk2zay.net/device/file/387

The only problem with constructing them like this is that is makes it difficult to add a garniture other than a simple salute.

Nice to see you back again Alan!