39 replies to this topic

[tajmiester]

Hi,

I have searched for bentonite clay on this forum and only found to topics that matched. Where can you buy bentonite clay in the UK and how much is it? Can you get it from art stores or is it more specialist?

Thanks

Tristan

[RegimentalPyro]

I take it you want this for end plugs and rocket nozzles.

You could try using powdered cat litter [I use CatSan clumping] rammed HARD.

Works a treat.

[Steve]

Proper bentinite can be bought from pottery suppliers, just do a search, bath potters is the one i use, red brick ceramics (something like that) is also good.

Once you use propper fine bentonite you'll never use cat litter ever again.

Steve

[tajmiester]

Yep. I am using it for the nozzle and end plugs for a rather large fountain I am attempting. The fountain is bigger than your standard consumer type and so I need the stongest clay available, bentonite.

Thank I will try the pottery suppliers near me.

Tris

[Stuart]

Just found a Supplier and have asked for a quote. Is any of the clay from brickhouseceramics any good and is bentonite the stuff they use for commercial rockets and fountains?


Stuart

[BigG]

Yep. I am using it for the nozzle and end plugs for a rather large fountain I am attempting. The fountain is bigger than your standard consumer type and so I need the stongest clay available, bentonite.

Thank I will try the pottery suppliers near me.

Tris

Bentonite is not the strongest clay available. In fact, it is not clay at all.

[tajmiester]

Please, go on...

What is the stongest clay? Any why isn't it clay?

Edited by tajmiester, 14 November 2003 - 10:08 PM.

[BigG]

I would not know what is the strongest Clay ? there are thousands of them? The one used commonly is white earth clay in powder form.

There are also thousands of Bentonites. In reality, this is hydrous silicate of alumina with different percentages of other materials. It is commonly called montmorillonite clay, but has hardly any applications by it?s own (except from pyro and wine filtering). As such, it is a raw material that is used in the manufacturing of clay and will be usually designated ?raw material? rather then Clay.

[Stuart]

Can any clay be used as a choke?

Stuart

Edited by Stuart, 15 November 2003 - 05:40 PM.

[phildunford]

Bentonite is great for all pryo and nozzle uses.

It's commonly used by potters and is cheap as chips.

I got 5kg from the very helpful people below at 92 pence a Kg. - Probably keep me going the rest of my life!

They also do lots of other useful raw materials as well - just tell them you are a potter if you have to say anything

CTM Supplies

[BigG]

Can any clay be used as a choke?

Stuart

Most clay does not come as powder - so no. However, most powder clay can be used.

[phildunford]

Kind of goes without saying, but do get powdered clay from CTM - not solid clay for throwing! - It's clear what's what from their website.

I belive this kind of stuff is used for making glazes and slips.

[Prodigy]

Wow that bentonite is cheap. Except I have no idea how you use it to make nozzles and end plugs.

Is it generally just used for nozzles or is it useful to make endplugs too?

Anyone got any good links to information about using it?

I've read about ramming and the like too and can't really figure out the specifics of it...

[Pazza]

to ram bentonite all you have to do is put it in a tube, put a dowel with a diameter the same as the i.d. of the tube and then get a hammer and hit the dowel a few times
pretty bloody simple if you ask me

also, you can buy kitty litter which IS bentonite
the brand i use says on the side: "Made from Australia's highest quality Bentonite"

[pyrotechnist]

Does any one know if this strontium carbonate is pure enough for pyrotechnic uses? It is 99% pure.

Strontium Carbonate, 98/99%

It sounds pure but I can't make my mind up about it or if the brick house ceramic supplies is more purer than this one. Its bloody cheap that bentonite clay I think I will order some.

I am going to buy from Wolters Pyro Tools some rocket spindles and rammers. How many people have made their own ball mill on the forum? I am going to make one but trying to get the motor is the problem. I was just looking as it is cheap but the postage and packing is dear including VAT.

Has any one baught anything from here yet? Has any one heard of this company? It has listed potassium perchlorate sulphur strontium salts barium salts and many more chemicals usfull for pyro.
http://www.brettmart...istance_2.shtml.

Edited by Richard H, 06 December 2003 - 01:42 PM.