17 replies to this topic

[Bryan]

Hello guys, i realised a couple of days ago that my best mate works for Stell - the only cardboard tube manufacturer in Britain

Not only do i live 5 mins away but im pretty sure i might even be able to get discounts aswell.

Im only using 5/8" for bangers and 1 1/2" for fountains at the moment, because im a noob, but ive seen alot of you lovely individuals wanting all kinds of sizes

Its my understanding that id need to place a £1000 order, but i wouldnt do that unless i knew there was a demand for it

So, can you guys give me an idea of your requirements and ill check availability and pricing etc.

I should be able to supply quicker than anyone too, because i wont have to wait for them to ship to me

Am i thinking on the right lines, or am i gonna put some people here out of business?

[a_bab]

Never worry about putting people out of business, because I'd doubt you'll ever do. It looks like you are really young.

Things you have to look after are:
-are these tubes convolute (paralel wound) or spiral wound? (spiral are crap; they seem to carry both)
-what kind of paper do they use? (recycled paper instead virgin kraft = crap again)
-what is the min. diameter they can make? (for spiral it's usually 1", but I've seen 1/2")

Having this said, before actually placing a large order you need to ask for some samples, and test them. Most of the people will need these tubes for rockets, so they need really strong tubes.


Generally speaking, spiral tubes would work for things like bangers and (weak) fountains or rockets.

Edited by a_bab, 22 October 2010 - 02:36 PM.

[c.brad]

would you be able to get card mortars as i am running out, and yes i would buy if they were good enough(all tubes)

[Deano 1]

a_bab, I don't think Bryan has anything to worry about because Stell make tubes specifically for pyro, and all he has to say is they are for pyro. He could also introduce the UKPS to them.

[a_bab]

Oh, I didn't know that.

I've been having so many bitter experiences with spiral wound tubes that I'm getting allergic to them.

[Bryan]

Yeah Stell make tubes especially for Pyro, so they are all convolute. Also im 27, not exactly a young 'un, but im flattered all the same

If you give me exacts dimensions, ie; Diameter, length and wall thickness, ill make enquires

I dont know how big a motor tube is, so please be more specific

Think ill sort out my affiliation next week, when i can get some passport photos taken

edit: Id be happy to introduce the UKPS to them, maybe even have a topic forum just for Stell, if thats okay with the Admin.

Its just hypothetical atm, so ill contact them next week

Edited by Bryan, 22 October 2010 - 03:29 PM.

[dr thrust]

yep stells, they used to make the "most excellent" 1lb, and 3lb rocket tubes for, "pyro tubes for Europe" website before it changed hands a couple years back, so i can vouch for the quality of there tubes,having bought loads they can take a real hammering ifact all my rocket videos feature motors using stell tubes

[digger]

I have bought a great deal of tubes from Stell also. I regularly purchase from them (as do a few others that I know).

It is not fair to say that they are the only cardboard tube manufacturer in the UK though. Maybe the only convolute tubes though.

I have an order coming in from Essex tubes next week as it happens (nothing to do with pyro).

I have to say that the thing that takes the longest is not the delivery with either of them. It is getting the custom order slotted into the production schedule. They both typically deliver to me next day in pallet quantities. Essex tubes lead time is currently running at 4 days, I am not sure about stell at the moment.

[c.brad]

do they do mortar tubes (3inch)

[cooperman435]

They used to do mortar tubes but I believe they stopped a while ago, GRP has replaced card a while ago too

[digger]

They still do Mortar tubes, as well as a number of tubes for bespoke pyro applications.

I use GRP, but card does have some merits too.

P.S. Give essex a call, I am sure they are happy to supply smaller orders too (maybe a postage penalty).

Edited by digger, 22 October 2010 - 07:38 PM.

[Bryan]

Ahhh well that's clears that up then
The large quantity requirement was off-putting tbh, don't want to shell (pardon the pun) out all that money and be upto my eyeballs in tubes.

I've made contact with a chap who is local to me, so I'll talk to him about Stell etc

[c.brad]

i looked grb up and it comes up with steel pipes, is this whay your using because some people say metal is dangerouse because of shrapnel or does this have a special quality

[rick87]

i looked grb up and it comes up with steel pipes, is this whay your using because some people say metal is dangerouse because of shrapnel or does this have a special quality

look up GRP, you'll probably have better results

[Creepin_pyro]

i looked grb up and it comes up with steel pipes, is this whay your using because some people say metal is dangerouse because of shrapnel or does this have a special quality

GRP

Known as glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) in Britain, fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) in the USA, or by the trade name fibreglass (after the manufacturing company Fibreglass Ltd.)

Steel is generally not used, professionally anyway. They are occasionally used for special shells such as large diameter cylindrical multibreaks.