53 replies to this topic

[Phoenix]

I don't have any experience with plastic shells, but I have read that a few layers of kraft paper can be very effective in strengthening them up (virgin kraft obviously being preferable.

[adamw]

sasman,

The strapping tape is usually clear with several strands of glassfibre filaments running along it. You *might* find it at a stationary shop or a big post office. Most likely though you will need to order it.

http://www.aid-pack....oductId=1278750



I have often thought of putting together an order for paper / tape materials. This company (I have an account with) also does gummed paper tape, kraft (even coloured kraft - make those pieces look extra 'mmm') etc.

How does that sound??

[The_Djinn]

Sounds "extra mmmm" Adam

[Paintballislife]

one would assume that someone could/should/would make a biodegradable, sturdy shell. that would be a great feat, but possibly expensive.

[BigG]

Well, I never use plastic for shells. It not difficult to make a good round shell out of newspapers. Blesers gives quite a good procedure that works fine - but is quite slow as you need the paper layers to dry in between.

For the external pasting for the shell, kraft is still the better option, but for the inside.... anything will do.

[Jerronimo]

Maybe this is kind of offtopic, but has anyone experienced problems when ordering from pyroplastics.com?
I made an order in february and everything went fine, friendly service,quick replies and fast delivery.

Now I sent another order about a moth ago and still no reply .
I tried emailling them a couple of times but they just won't respond.
They realy are the only choice when it comes to value for money.

[italteen3]

Well, I never use plastic for shells. It not difficult to make a good round shell out of newspapers. Blesers gives quite a good procedure that works fine - but is quite slow as you need the paper layers to dry in between.

For the external pasting for the shell, kraft is still the better option, but for the inside.... anything will do.

So BigG do you mean that the first half or less layers of a paper ball shell can be done with a tape of some kind? Then paste the remainder of the layers as usual?

I have seen a video of some Japanese shell makers pasting a small ball shell but looked like it was with tape that looked exactly like kraft. Any advantages over normal kraft?

[BigG]

So BigG do you mean that the first half or less layers of a paper ball shell can be done with a tape of some kind?? Then paste the remainder of the layers as usual??

I have seen a video of some Japanese shell makers pasting a small ball shell but looked like it was with tape that looked exactly like kraft.? Any advantages over normal kraft?

Well, generally you need some sphere to start with. Wrap it tightly with plastic film and started pasting strips of newspaper wetted with glue/water mix until you get about four layers. You then wait for it to dry and cut the paper ball off the sphere. It?s not easy, but because of the plastic film you should be able to get a neat looking two semi hemispheres. Those can be used to hold your stars and burst powder, and then pasted using regular Kraft.

Paper is very thin and really does not contribute to the strength of the shell. For five-inch shell I use about 4 layers of newspaper for semi-hemispheres, pasted with 12 layers of Kraft to finish.

Good examples with pictures can be found in a few publications, including the excellent one by David Blesser.

I uploaded an example of a 2.5 inch paper shell finished and cut (still need some sanding to smooth the edges) plus another 2 inch shell still on the former:

http://www.biggpyro....mages/phemi.jpg

Edited by BigG, 13 August 2004 - 08:01 PM.

[italteen3]

Well, generally you need some sphere to start with. Wrap it tightly with plastic film and started pasting strips of newspaper wetted with glue/water mix until you get about four layers. You then wait for it to dry and cut the paper ball off the sphere. It?s not easy, but because of the plastic film you should be able to get a neat looking two semi hemispheres. Those can be used to hold your stars and burst powder, and then pasted using regular Kraft.

Paper is very thin and really does not contribute to the strength of the shell. For five-inch shell I use about 4 layers of newspaper for semi-hemispheres, pasted with 12 layers of Kraft to finish.

Good examples with pictures can be found in a few publications, including the excellent one by David Blesser.

I uploaded an example of a 2.5 inch paper shell finished and cut (still need some sanding to smooth the edges) plus another 2 inch shell still on the former:

http://www.biggpyro....mages/phemi.jpg

I am sorry BigG but I meant on already formed or strawboard hemis could a kraft tape be used then pasted over using the traditional method? For some time saving as the main purpose.

Though your explanation cleared up other questions I was about to ask, thankyou.

[BigG]

I am sorry BigG but I meant on already formed or strawboard hemis could a kraft tape be used then pasted over using the traditional method?  For some time saving as the main purpose. 

Though your explanation cleared up other questions I was about to ask, thankyou.

Well, I have seen masking-tape covered shells win awards. They are not nice looking, but there creators claim they work. Modern European construction methods utilize materials that will make the traditional builders faint in disbelief. The question as always is which group you rather be in: ?The quick, dirty but works? group, or the ?Traditional, nice, slowly and works? team.

Truly, it?s not always a quick choice. Most people who start in pyrotechnic actually belong to the first group ? and then, when the excitement wears off, they make the transition to the second group. Something to do with ?being a part of an OLD tradition?. Both ways work.

[adamw]

Jerronimo... I ordered from PP about half-way through the year and had no problems. It's unusual of them not to email back.

I have got quite a few proper paper hemi's - but I like to test new stars etc with plastic. When everything is right, it gets made properly from a pressed hemi and layers of pasted paper.

[Patrick]

Maybe this is kind of offtopic, but has anyone experienced problems when ordering from pyroplastics.com?
I made an order in february and everything went fine, friendly service,quick replies and fast delivery.

Now I sent another order about a moth ago and still no reply .
I tried emailling them a couple of times but they just won't respond.
They realy are the only choice when it comes to value for money.

I emailed them 3 times regarding a shipping quote, but nothing returned. I gave them a call today and of course no one was able to take my call. I left them a message, so I'll have to see if they get back to me.

They are only about 2 hours away, if I knew they were open I'd take a little road trip...

[Jerronimo]

I emailed them 3 times regarding a shipping quote, but nothing returned.? I gave them a call today and of course no one was able to take my call.? I left them a message, so I'll have to see if they get back to me.?

They are only about 2 hours away, if I knew they were open I'd take a little road trip...

Mmmm, I'm glad that I'm not the only one with problems ordering from pyroplastics.
I also tried to contact them via my hotmailaccount, no responce
Then I tried to email her daughter faye, still nothing .

EDIT:

Just got a reply from Marcy Zurn, she was very busy the past 2 months
with various competitions and the PGI convention.
That explains why she didn't reply.

I'm glad everything is oke.

Edited by Jerronimo, 17 August 2004 - 06:20 PM.

[Hary12]

I make my shells from bottle caps, i usually get squres of craft and push them throught the cap pasting them as i go.
The shells work verry good for such small things, i dont see why using the bottle caps themselves as the shell wouldnt work.

[LadyKate]

Wouldnt plastic easter eggs work for shells? i know theyre not round, or cylindrical. What do y'all think? they're incredibly cheap just after easter
later
warren

Did you try this? I have a few left over from last year and I think I'll put something together and see whether it works. It seems like a logical combination - two tops of Easter eggs, when combined, make a round ball. And, you are right, they are really cheap - especially just after Easter.