TCblastmaster

I know there have been posts in relation to pyro workshops- ie legal requirements, etc.

However, having considered the construction, safety and security side of things (complying as far as one can, not being an owner of acres and acres of land), I am now at the point of planning what specifications I can seriously consider for a 9' x 6' 6" structure. Therefore this is more a case of asking for possible inclusions to this extremely modest erection of mine.

So far I have decided on heating from two 60W sealed tube heaters ( greenhouse type) from a remote mains feed- a necessity for our busiest time of the year. The structure will be extremely well insulated, so these will keep the temperature at around 12-13 degrees C. Lighting will be a fully enclosed fluorescent unit.

I will also include ducting for a star-drying cabinet adapted from a microwave motor, fan and turntable and some mesh splashguards from LIDL to create a multi-tier construction (electrical components isolated). Lockable storage will be located on the opposite side (near the door). Fuels, colourants, other additives, and PPE will be stored here. Oxidizers are stored elsewhere in a secure location. Believe it or not, finished items (bar the fusing) are stored in a double-locked, steel gun cabinet inherited from my late Father- you'd need an oxyacetylene torch to breach it!!!

The construction of the workshop itself will be of cement blocks, roof probably tiled, and it will have a doubleglazed polycarbonate window to provide natural light and a shatterproof structural weakness should an accident occur. The door will be metal-lined, inward opening and oversized to ensure maximum strength on three sides of the building. Anti static, sparkproof, flooring will also be installed. Anything electrical will be isolated in such a way as to not present any spark hazard within the vicinity.

Given the small scale of this construction, any ideas about what would be on your wish list?
Sorry, there will not be room for a bed-settee for entertaining the type of ladies my wife may not approve of - perhaps worth considering should I decide to add an extension.

TC

It may seem a bit of an odd question but it is obvious that a number of my fellow pyros test fire shells at times other than around Guy Fawke's night and New Year.
I thought the authorities were clamping down on the firing of fireworks at other times.

For precisely this reason I have tended to endure the 'white knuckle ride' of test firing my prototypes as an integral element of my displays - crossing my fingers and hoping they perform as planned!

How do you chaps get around this one? Do you live in very remote areas or know a land owner in such a location? Obviously I don't want to cause a nuisance to nearby residents or attract too much attention from those who may not appreciate my well-intentioned activities.

Whilst I live in a rural area, I would have to say that my 3" and 4" mortars are rediculously loud; Causing dissent among the ranks of ducks in a pond over half a mile away! I am aiming to develop multibreak cylindrical shells, so I am a little concerned as to how I can achieve this without receiving one of those merits of community achievement.....commonly referred to as an 'ASBO' (I am only joking!!!)

Any advice would be appreciated.

TC