21 replies to this topic

[fire fingers]

Hi Guys,

****NOOBIE ALERT****

A question that has always puzzled of which i have not wanted to test! What is the true stability of flashpowder for example the mix i use is:

7 parts KCLO3 + 3 parts AL2O3 (Dark pyro grade)

for a bigger report i use

2 parts KCLO3 + 1 part AL2O3


Ive heard people say that flashpowder is so sensitive it can literally blow up from the slightest of things, but are these people just being paranoid or can i put flashpowder in a tube (1 - 5 grams) and chuck it about the house? (not that i would, just as a figure of speech)

Any responses much appreciated

Reason im asking is that when ever i make firecrackers, i walk down to the park to test them but people passing me must think that i have something seriously wrong with me because i walk with the flashpowder in my left hand outstretched in front of me!

[digger]

Yep defo noob

are you sure there is such a thing as Al2O3 dark pyro grade?

Chlorate flash mixes are best avoided as there is no need to take such a large risk. There are cultures that use them, but they have more accidents than those that don't.

Edited by digger, 27 April 2012 - 06:52 PM.

[Arthur Brown]

Yes Noob! First post on flash!

Flash is sensitive and powerful, it's a bad place to start pyro, and with equations like yours pyro chemistry is probably not really your subject.

Read the forum and several respected text books -buy the real book, Take a year to learn about pyro before you put your life and liberty at risk. Learn to play the piano -it gives you a reason to respect your fingers and what they can do.

[cooperman435]

Noob you may be but I think it really appropriate to point out immediately that testing of any "home made" device in a public park is illegal, dangerous and liable to get you sat down to answer some very uncomfortable questions indeed.

How about a friendlier approach to try and steer this fellow towards good, PLEASE read a lot on here and work out yourself what you’re doing wrong without us doing it at you. It’s a far better way to learn the ways and bangs are definitely not the start.

Please behave sensibly is all we can ask.

[Sparky]

Sorry but as soon as I read "Reason im asking is that when ever i make firecrackers, i walk down to the park to test them but people passing me must think that i have something seriously wrong with me because i walk with the flashpowder in my left hand outstretched in front of me!" I groaned inwardly. I'm a noob and I'm sorry this is a very strangely worded post, sorry to the OP but it was :-) You sound young and looking to make loud bangs but are nervous about safety which your only saving grace.


Unfortunately even the most sensible pyro noob is going to want to make flash at first and see just how loud it is and how easy. Aren't we better off encouraging them to make the safest forms, in a responsible way so they can get that out of their system asap? I can't see how saying no don't do it is going to make any difference to whether they do or don't.

[fire fingers]

flipping heck when i said that i was a noob i meant to the froum, in terms of pyro ive actually just started a pyro apprenticeship in glasgow,

but wow this must be one of the most unwelcoming forums i have ever visited, instead of being smart asses and telling what i am or am not, you could have just answered the question, ie 'flash powder is highly unstable and sensitive with that mixture' etc etc.

and to the retard that this im a young boy trying to make loud noises, yes flashpowder makes loud noises, but when you apply those loud noises to different pyro effects it goes well, so unless you prefer silent fireworks i suggest you go sit in a dark corner and eat a fruit cake.

[Richard H]

Your activities and their context may land you in a lot of trouble. It may seem harsh, but the advice in this thread is good and you should take note.

[starseeker]

I can see how you could of come to your opinion of us,but if you stick around you will see that we are far from a bunch of elitist a-- h---,but a bunch of good to know pyro,s,come to the agm etc and you will very quickly change your mind.

Anyway wellcome to the forum and hope to see you stick around,

[Sparky]

Just don't bring any flash held at arms length while looking like a mental person...

JOKING!

Apologies if I read you all wrong, I meant no offence.

[Evails The Red Button]

Yes I would like to know. I have not done anything with flash yet and only recently heard of the stability question. Any articles,facts,keywords worth pointing out?

[Sparky]

Why the obsession with flash??? Why not make a really awesome fountain first. They are fun, relatively safe and will only delight neighbours and not prompt them into phoning the police.

[barnsley-mark]

Sparky, you know everyone needs to make a bang just to get it out of their system then move onto visual and technical stuff.On a serious note Evails, flash powder can be evil and unpredictable! If in doubt leave it alone until someone shows you

[Evails The Red Button]

I have no obsession. I have been kept busy with BP. Done some bangs,smoke,stink,unexpected 1 sec fountain. I am not rushing. I was just asking for any good reading?

[fruitfulsteve]

Some dummy appears to be selling flash on ebay.
I hope it's not anyone from here, that would make a mockery of all Waynes hard work.