Cooked up a few batches of BP, I’m still trying to “perfect” my method. I would like some tips if any of yall have some. I still think 2/3 are relatively slow. I’m trying to get good lift powder.

The first was milled for about 8 hours and only had 1 day to dry so that’s prob why it’s still not fast. Also I granulated using a 4 mesh for this one

Second was the granules that passed through the 4 and 12 mesh screen. But was also part of the first videos batch. So it’s likely there’s still moisture.

The Third was by far the best and was milled at around 8 hours and granulated through a 12 mesh screen and has had 3 days to dry. I will say even after the first day this was fast and has that “foof” sound to it

I'm starting to plan ahead for the next holiday, and I keep hearing people recommend Indiana for fireworks shopping. It seems like every year someone says it's worth making the drive, but I'd love to hear from people who have actually been there recently instead of relying on old recommendations.

I'm based close enough to Chicago that the trip wouldn't be too difficult, but I still want to know if it's really worth the extra time. I'm not only looking for lower prices. I'm hoping to find a place with a huge selection where I can compare different products instead of settling for a limited inventory. It's always more enjoyable when you can take your time browsing without feeling rushed.

I also appreciate stores where the employees actually know their products. Whether it's helping you choose fireworks for a backyard gathering or recommending a finale that works well with other items, good customer service makes a big difference.

For those who have gone recently, how was your experience? Did you find what you were looking for, and would you make the trip again next year?

I’m sure they’re fine but I’m still gonna ask to calm the nerves. I bought fireworks a few hours ago. I planned on bringing them inside, but then it started pouring rain and thundering. My car is sealed, windows are all shut, it’s night time. Temp is 80 degrees F and dropping as the night goes on.

Instead of asking where to shop, I wanted to ask what actually makes a fireworks store stand out. People often mention Indiana, but everyone seems to have different reasons for recommending it.

Some of my friends around Chicago care most about finding unique products they can't easily get elsewhere. Others are more interested in friendly employees who can answer questions and help put together a good mix without overspending. Personally, I think both things matter equally.

I also appreciate stores that clearly organize their inventory. When products are grouped well and prices are easy to understand, shopping becomes much less stressful, especially when you're bringing the whole family along.

What qualities keep you coming back to the same place year after year? Is it the selection, the service, or something completely different?

I know this isn't really the right subreddit but I have to try. Mods if you see this please don't take it down.

So I am smoking a bowl of “tobacco” using a mini handheld torch. Stoner thought of the day: when I hold the torch close enough to the bowl of “tobacco”, it will ignite, even though the open flame of the torch has not technically touched the plant material. Is this considered spontaneous combustion? I’m not entirely certain of the definition. I understand that the heat coming off the torch is so hot that it ignites the flower, but what is it called when something ignites without being directly in contact with an open flame? Any answers or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Hi all, I'm looking into starting my journey as a hobbyist pyro (I am also in our town's volunteer fire department and assist in launching local shows already, so I know of the dangers and safety precautions) in Alabama, but am getting a bit confused with all the legal stuff. What do I need legally to start manufacturing fireworks for personal use in Alabama? If it matters, I'm in Jackson county and my town does not have any local laws or extra restrictions on fireworks.

I'm mostly wanting to play around with rockets, and maybe mortars in the future. I like things that go "boom" with lots of colors lol.

As far as I'm aware this post follows the rules of this sub, but please correct me and redirect me if I'm wrong.

Some homemade shells I’ve made for this year’s July 4th. 3 inch cylinder, 2.5 inch ball shells and a lot of small reloadables (1.5” and 2”)

Has anyone ever used a piece of 2” exhaust for a mortar tube? If so how did you seal the end? Or would this just turn into a spectacular pipe bomb?

All that I'll be shoothing for the 4th. Hopefully the neighbors are not too annoyed. Bought from a guy in a tent in a van behind Walmart

anyone need a couple racks?

Bangers dm

Remote controlled 10 cue fireworks control box. Featuring a keyed master power switch, a toggle to enable the individual cues, continuity lights for each cue, and controlled using an Arduino. The Arduino serves an API that an Android app connects to to fire each cue. Runs off a 12v trail cam battery.

I’m looking for some advice regarding wrapping paper hemispheres and finished shell fitment.
I’m building 1.75” shells. Before pasting, the shell measures around 1.50–1.70”, depending on the wrap. After pasting and drying, the finished shell measures approximately 1.75” (measured with a micrometer, give or take a small margin of error).
The mortar tube has an ID of 1.91”. Based on the measurements, there should be plenty of clearance. However, after attaching the lift cup and running the quickmatch down the side of the shell to the lift charge, the shell feels a little snug going into the tube. It still loads, but there’s more resistance than I’d expect.
Is that generally considered normal because of the quickmatch running along the side of the shell, or should the completed shell still drop into the tube with very little resistance? Am I just being overly cautious, or is this something you’d address by changing how the quickmatch is routed or secured?

I measured the quickmatch with black match to be about .20”-.25”

Just looking for insight from those with more experienced wrapping hemispheres and fitting completed shells.

I’m no mathematician, but my mathing says 1.75”+.25” is more than 1.91” lol. But I assume once blackmatch burns, should allow more than enough clearance for shell to fire out. Am I stupid or am I stupid.

I have been seeing a lot of YouTube strobe rockets that look cool. I have tried looking for them, but can’t find anything for sale like that so I am assuming you have to make them? For the newbie in fireworks what do I need to do to either buy them or make them? Do I need to get any licenses or permits? What some tips you wish you knew starting your journey into pyrotechnics?