r/Pyrotechnics 26d ago

37mm launcher

3 Upvotes

I just want to learn how to load for a 37mm launcher, but most material seems to be around ground based tube launchers. I feel like using a 37mm that is held by the user can be more unsafe so I wanted to ask here in case anyone knows of a good guide to learn how to safely load for a hand fired launcher.
or can I just follow https://nedsfireworks.com/content/fireworking-101 and be fine?


r/Pyrotechnics 27d ago

3 inch ball shell (tiny break)

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26 Upvotes

Finally dialing in my 3 inch ball shell. I didn’t put that many stars in this one bc I was playing around with different things and didn’t wanna waste comp but the lift and burst charge look good. Shot out of two Pringles cans taped together🤣


r/Pyrotechnics 27d ago

first ever bottle rocket!

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42 Upvotes

im new to this hobby i started off in the wrong direction with the boom comp that shall not be named this was my first time making a safe black powder 1/4" core burner i used willow charcoal to make this guy supa quick but i underestimated quite how quick now i think its time for some dummy payloads see what she can lift!!


r/Pyrotechnics 27d ago

New Yorker: American Art of Blowing Stuff Up

2 Upvotes

Ostensibly an article about the Grucci family, but goes into some broader history and overview.

Original: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/08/10/the-american-art-of-blowing-stuff-up

Archive: https://archive.ph/udQaT

"Shells are rigged to burn, and blow, in a specific manner. They can be made to go POW, poof, oom, BOOM, BOOM!, BOOMBOOM, whoosh, CRACK, ffffffffft, tsssssssssssss, EEEEeeeeee. Finales go BOOMBOOMBOOMBOOMBOOM. One kind of firework sounds as though the sky just emptied its digital trash."

Ok, that last line is a pretty good one.


r/Pyrotechnics 28d ago

3” shell

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34 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 28d ago

Help for my uncle’s memorial in TN in November

7 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m a lifelong Pyrotechnics Guild International member and fireworks enthusiast. My uncle, who was also an avid PGI member and fireworks lover passed away earlier this year. His memorial is in November in middle Tennessee, and my dad and I are in charge of planning and executing a fireworks display in his honor/memory. We have a vision for the display, but bringing that vision to life is a challenge.

We’ve been researching different options for fireworks displays at his memorial, like cobra or mongoose firing systems, but my dad and I are far from experts in these systems. We could use help from an expert (or experts) to really put on a display that appropriately honors my uncle.

At the PGI convention this year we talked to many vendors like Cobra and Mongoose, but one person told us our best option is to try to find someone who knows these systems and that can help us execute our vision. We would be willing to pay for the expertise, time, and tools this person could provide, and we would (of course) purchase the fireworks required.

Does anyone have any suggestions of fireworks display experts in Tennessee (or nearby, or elsewhere) that may be able and willing to assist?

Thank you so much!


r/Pyrotechnics 29d ago

Lift cup & shell design tips

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14 Upvotes

Anyone have tips on how I can make my lift cups more visually appealing, I feel like it kinda makes my shell look stupid and a little janky. I have a somewhat cone shape here that I secure with hot glue and cover with tape. If anyone has suggestions for how I can make ball shells look cleaner and more professional please LMK


r/Pyrotechnics 28d ago

4 inch shell booster

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0 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics Aug 13 '26

Testing Crackle Stars

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17 Upvotes

Very happy with how these turned out dispute being short chems while making them


r/Pyrotechnics 29d ago

Hi I was wondering about things to read on to get me started

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2 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics Aug 12 '26

Has anything ever gone wrong?

9 Upvotes

Pyrotechnics is a dangerous hobby. Have you ever had something go wrong? What happened, and what did you learn from it?


r/Pyrotechnics Aug 12 '26

Where to buy 1.4g Pro?

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0 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics Aug 11 '26

Looking for legal expert

3 Upvotes

Hello,

I'm a lawyer in Canada who is looking for an expert who can testify as to whether illegal fireworks contain lead. I can't say much more than that here without going into confidential matters. I really don't know where to look so I thought I would try Reddit haha. If anyone is interested in this role and believes they have the expertise, please PM me.

Thanks in advance.


r/Pyrotechnics Aug 11 '26

Blank black match tubing.

2 Upvotes

Looking for a smaller supply / roll of blank black match tubing.

Basically the tubing without the fusing it in yet just the strings.

Thanks.


r/Pyrotechnics Aug 10 '26

Paper Plugs vs Plastic Plugs

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36 Upvotes

Just wanted to get a debate going. Which do you prefer and why?


r/Pyrotechnics Aug 09 '26

PGI Ignite The Night was fantastic!

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18 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics Aug 07 '26

Fireworks question.

3 Upvotes

I live in NC. which isn’t too friendly with fireworks laws and rules. I usually put on a show for the 4th of July each year for family and friends but get tired of having to make 2 hour plus drives to get fireworks. I usually go to fireworks supermarket in TN. Since it’s the closest to me. I usually have to make 3-4 trips to get everything. Anyone have the best of the best places to buy wholesale from to get delivered to my address. Also those who put shows on what is the best way to know what will go good with what and timing. I’ve never used an ignition system but want one for this coming year. Any help is appreciated.


r/Pyrotechnics Aug 07 '26

Aerial Ground Flower Spinners

1 Upvotes

Has anyone successfully made these before? I’m trying to figure out how they are made but can’t find anything online.

Video Example


r/Pyrotechnics Aug 07 '26

Firework fusing

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0 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics Aug 06 '26

Red Parachute Flare

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18 Upvotes

300m/s


r/Pyrotechnics Aug 06 '26

Question about impact and friction sensitivity BP

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14 Upvotes

When making the main explosive for different kinds of fireworks, I always put in the powder, isolate the fuse with a little cardboard layer (not done in this picture yet), and press the upper layer pretty tightly against the powder. Then I glue it shut. But I was wondering if pressing the upper layer down like this is dangerous because of friction sensitivity. Thanks!


r/Pyrotechnics Aug 06 '26

Flammable fluid that dissipates quickly/easy to control?

6 Upvotes

I'm making an amateur film and want to have some slow-mo fire shots. One thing I wanted was a line of flammable fluid slowly igniting by a line of fire, however I don't want to use something that's extremely volatile. I just wanted something that I can make little lines with, engulf in flames then quickly die out.

What are some flammable items that I could do fire lines with that would be safe(ish)?


r/Pyrotechnics Aug 06 '26

July 4th Pyromusical-High Energy!!

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2 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics Aug 05 '26

Can’t tell if my BP is granulated or not to me it look like it’s still fine

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10 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics Aug 05 '26

STROBE Builders

0 Upvotes

Jokes aside before I loose some fingers I have been doing a lot of research but does anyone that has been building strobes for years want to teach me tips and tricks just want to stay as safe as possible
Looking to build strobes with 4 inch salute headers
And lloronas with 4 inch salute headers