21 replies to this topic

[aquarius]

I have been in search for a better cutter than scissors for my pro shells.

So far, no accidents, but leaning to the safeer side, any suggestions?

 

I could always use a knife, but will probably just end up bleeding....

 

 

 

[Atom Fireworks]

I dont really think there is a safer option, A knife while it has allmost 0% of causing a spark has now created a potential for serious cuts. As opposed to stainless steel scissors that has a higher chance of sparking ( allthough very minimal) but lower chance of causing any serious harm..... trading one pro for a con either way.

 

Jay 

[whoof]

not tried it but this may work

http://www.ro-man.co...duct_id=196</u>

[megabusa]

I use a stanley knife with snap off blades.

Cutting QM with any kind of scissors makes me nervous when there is a shell attached !

[Vic]

As already said, there will always be some element of risk.

 

Anything that has bypass cutting action is a no-no, anvil type cutters are the preferred choice.

[maxman]

When I did some work for a pro outfit doing cat4 shows I always worried about the use of scissors cutting visco! I think that could be more of a saftey issue than cutting quickmatch. If I recall correctly I dont think the use of scissors is allowed during manufacture at PGI events due to an ignition caused by crushing the visco which then flew off "flying fish style" Knife only for that.

 

Rod

[phildunford]

I know quite a few long standing pros, who have a pair of scissors dangling around their neck on a cord and use these routinely without incident - however, it always makes me a bit nervous. Would certainly keep my head well out of the way of the attached shell!

 

Anvil cutters sound a safer way forward - can anyone recommend a particular make?

[wayne]

I can't vouch for any of these products, but they are just what you're looking for:

 

a little expensive:

 

http://www.nonsparki...s/scissors.html

 

even more expensive snips:

 

http://www.machinema...category/page/1

 

Cheers,

 

Wayne.

[Karl Mitchell-Shead]

CK electricians scissors are becoming the must have tool, most guys I chat to are using them. Not neccessarily non sparking (they are stainless / carbide type alloy) but very very good. As well as a set of good quality end cutter for joining match. I fuse with eye protection now, should anything go tits up you should be clear of the tube anyway. When we prep the cartons we are working form are closed so only the material we are immediately fusing is exposed. 

 

Spent some time chatting to and observing a spanish pyrotechnician (working for Ricasa) nearly all of the pyro's out there use just basic steel scissors for everything! They have an incredible technique too  If crappy scissors are good enough for Ricasa then scissors are fine in my book.

Edited by Masterchief, 04 April 2013 - 04:17 PM.

[Karl Mitchell-Shead]

When I did some work for a pro outfit doing cat4 shows I always worried about the use of scissors cutting visco! I think that could be more of a saftey issue than cutting quickmatch. If I recall correctly I dont think the use of scissors is allowed during manufacture at PGI events due to an ignition caused by crushing the visco which then flew off "flying fish style" Knife only for that.

 

Rod

 

FF fuse and crackling fuse sparks quite clearly when cut with even a knife! Try it in the dark away from your stash. Scary stuff......

 

Tried with visco to no avail

[whoof]

I know quite a few long standing pros, who have a pair of scissors dangling around their neck on a cord and use these routinely without incident - however, it always makes me a bit nervous. Would certainly keep my head well out of the way of the attached shell!
 
Anvil cutters sound a safer way forward - can anyone recommend a particular make?

http://www.ro-man.co...&product_id=196

These are anvil cutters.
Knife pushes into a plastic recess.
Work ok on d********g c**d which is fairly tough.
I think phill has one,I know he has quick match.

[Arthur Brown]

Anvil secateurs are available from garden stores, Most of the anvil cutters for plastic pipe work well, All are better than sharpening fingers with a Stanley knife, but "sharp blade onto a non ferrous anvil" seems to be the official answer in HE and firework formal questions.

[Mortartube]

I have a pair of non sparking scissors (Copper Beryllium blades) that I bought many years ago. The problem is that they can become blunt very quickly and therefore need resharpening. If you use them blunt, you could risk friction from crushing grains (unlikely on QM), but on some more exotic fuses. So nomn sparking scissors are not always a trouble free option. The best scissors are the steel scissors that the Chinese use in their firework factories. They remain very sharp for a long time. If you run your finger down the vlade of one it WILL cut you in the same way as a new craft knife blade. They are steel but the sharpness is a distinct advantage. I think steel scissors often spark when they are blunt and extra force is needed to get them to cut. This then results in the blades snapping together more violently.

[whoof]

I noticed some secateurs in b&q today with a nylon anvil about £10.

Edited by whoof, 05 April 2013 - 06:55 PM.

[Deano 1]

I have been in search for a better cutter than scissors for my pro shells.

So far, no accidents, but leaning to the safeer side, any suggestions?

 

I could always use a knife, but will probably just end up bleeding....

If you can't trust yourself with a knife, should you really be doing pyro  .  I use some of these,

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item416ffdf2ae

There are loads on ebay