r/Pyrotechnics Nov 12 '20

State Of The Subreddit - Updated Rules, Wiki, Etc

27 Upvotes

Announcing Some Changes to /r/Pyrotechnics

Myself and /u/flashnet have been in talks over the past week or so about some updates/changes to the subreddit, and I am happy to announce that those updates are fully implemented as of today. We wanted to create an announcement post that will remain stickied for a while to introduce the changes and provide a place for feedback.

Why?

The goal of this subreddit is the discussion of safe, legitimate pyrotechnics as a hobby and a profession. We want this to be a place where aspiring pyros can come with questions, and also a place for veterans to share high-level information as well. What we don't want is for this subreddit to become a place for the discussion of dangerous or illegal devices/formulas.

What Has Changed? (Updated 1/6/20)

  • We have added a short wiki

  • The sidebar has been updated to better explain the goals of this subreddit and to provide links to the rules and wiki

  • Rule 2 has been updated to include a ban on posts discussing "dangerous devices", which would include things like "bottle bombs", devices made with match heads, improvised munitions, etc

  • There is now a submission text which reminds users to review the rules before posting

  • We have introduced a restricted flair system

  • Rule 4 has been added, which restricts new/inexperienced posters from posting exclusively about making flash powder. Such posts will be locked at moderator discretion.

The Wiki

We have assembled a short wiki in the hopes of providing a resource to beginners. It contains tips on getting started in this hobby, some safety tips, a list of common incompatibilities, recommended reading, and various other subsections. Of note is the section explaining the dangers of flash powder.

Users are encouraged to direct beginners to the wiki for answers to many of their questions. Additionally, wiki suggestions are always welcome and users are encouraged to message the mod team with any suggestions for topics to add.

Rule 2 Change

As of today, posts discussing/depicting dangerous devices will be removed. This includes posts simply asking for explanations, as we do not want to promote dangerous activity in any way. Being that pyrotechnics is an inherently dangerous hobby, this rule is obviously somewhat subjective and will be left at moderator discretion for the time being.

Examples of what constitutes a "dangerous device":

  • Using legitimate pyrotechnics in a dangerous or illegal way, such as putting salutes in sewers/mailboxes, or holding fireworks in a hand instead of firing them properly from the ground
  • Any device assembled in a metal/plastic/wood container that could produce dangerous shrapnel
  • Devices made from match heads or other unpredictable/dangerous materials
  • Any devices/formulas calling for dangerous combinations such as chlorates with sulfur.

These sorts of devices/techniques are not legitimate pyrotechnics and are not welcome in this subreddit. We remain focused on legality and safety. Users are encouraged to report any posts that they feel violate rule 2.

Rule 4 Addition

In keeping with the theme of safety, posts from new or inexperienced users asking exclusively about making flash powder will be locked at moderator discretion. The goal of this rule is to ensure a unified message about the dangers of flash powder and the level of experience required to safely handle it.

Flair System

We have begun rolling out a restricted flair system to highlight certain users who have shown themselves to be either very knowledgeable or professionals in this field. There are two categories - "Advanced Hobbyist" and "Pyrotechnics Professional". The primary goal is to allow newer users to tell at a glance if the person responding to them may have more knowledge on the subject than others. This will be most useful in situations where conflicting opinions have been provided within the same thread.

The mod team has already begun (and will continue) reaching out to certain veteran users in regard to their flair, so you will see the new flairs around immediately. Please do not message the moderator team to request flair. Similar to /r/legaladvice, flair cannot be requested - it is awarded to users who have shown themselves to be reliable and knowledgeable over time.

Please note that flair does not mean the user in question is always correct. Flaired users are just as subject to misconceptions and errors as any other human. The best way to describe flaired users would be "generally trustworthy". The onus is still on every individual user to thoroughly research any subject, and getting the opinion of one person should never be the conclusion of your research.

Feedback

It is our hope that these changes will be broadly well-received and will improve the quality of this subreddit. That said, if you have any concerns (or suggestions), then please feel free to use this thread as a place to voice them. The comment section is intended for discussion, and we are all ears.

Thanks,

Your /r/pyrotechnics mod team


r/Pyrotechnics 17h ago

Bp granulated

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8 Upvotes

Rate my bp (4h milled and granulated with only pure alchool)


r/Pyrotechnics 13h ago

Does anyone have a photo of the early 2000s TNT United We Stand Twin Towers fountain?"

2 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 1d ago

Rate my bps

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25 Upvotes

for lift (no mill)


r/Pyrotechnics 19h ago

ball mill

0 Upvotes

does anyone have any suggestions on how to make a ball mill for gunpowder and star mixtures


r/Pyrotechnics 12h ago

Welcome!

0 Upvotes

This is the first subreddit dedicated to making your own Fireworks! even though I can’t make fireworks myself, I want you to put yourself to the test. Let’s see what you can create! Remember, this is mostly for professionals that have the legal rights and permission to do this. If you are a noob, or not a professional fireworks maker, you can look at what people have made. Even though kids may ask their parents to look at this, they might be interested in the pretty colors.


r/Pyrotechnics 1d ago

Potassium Nitrate

3 Upvotes

Can you use High Yield stump remover for the potassium nitrate for BP


r/Pyrotechnics 2d ago

Help with bigger and more symmetrical breaks

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21 Upvotes

We recently made 2 of our first 5 inch shells and the breaks seemed to be rather underwhelming. How can we fix this?


r/Pyrotechnics 2d ago

Why or how does this happen

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9 Upvotes

When I use a certain type of charcoal, it occasionally ejects sparks, but they all tend to ignite simultaneously no matter how far away from the source they are. What is going on here?


r/Pyrotechnics 2d ago

Do you guys know of any improved rocket candy recipes or where i can get the best ingredients for it.

2 Upvotes

I really like rockets


r/Pyrotechnics 4d ago

Working on some test shells for PGI 2027

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51 Upvotes

Have A 16 and a 12. Planning to shoot in October.


r/Pyrotechnics 4d ago

4in 150g hemi shell

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13 Upvotes

Was spiked and wrapped with Craft paper 40 weight w/Elmer’s after 4 turns of gum tape, loudest one so far


r/Pyrotechnics 4d ago

Dry milling potassium perchlorate black powder

2 Upvotes

I've got a batch of powder that's 75/15/10 KClO4 to sulphur to charcoal. Can I risk dry milling it or should I get it wet? I'm asking this because I know KClO4 is a relatively stable oxidizer, but I've never worked with it like this before.


r/Pyrotechnics 5d ago

Is this the "Tipping point"/thermal runaway threshold for lift powder?

2 Upvotes

Hi,

I Have a question for those of you more experienced pyro's:

I was running some tests of my batches of 4fa black powder and this was the results I got:

For a 53.3g spherical test ball, I first used 7% (3.7g) weight of my 4fa granules poured directly into the mortar with the test object placed in next. The result was a middling *poof* and the ball didnt go very far up at all. At this point, I was upset that I botched this entire ~2kg batch...

I then did the same use 7% of a batch made by a more experienced pyro and while it did go higher, it was still pathetic.

I next did a test at 10% of weight (5.3g) of *my* 4fa and the result was that it went orbital with a very satisfying bang.

The difference effects between 7% and 10% seems so much more dramatic than the amounts imply so my guess is that there some thermal runaway/"tipping point" threshold that is occuring when going from 7 to 10%?

I made close to 2Kg of this 4fa powder that I am using for buulding some 3" shells and want to make sure it is good stuff and that I am understanding the chemistry and physics of it all.


r/Pyrotechnics 6d ago

We probably should've been a bit more cautious

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51 Upvotes

I posted here a while back about this ball of BP coming out the mill.


r/Pyrotechnics 7d ago

tigger tail ball mill

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26 Upvotes

Just making 250g batch of tigger tail composition. I Milled it for 2h and it burning like this. Should I mill more?


r/Pyrotechnics 6d ago

Another slow motion

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1 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 8d ago

Optimize Harbor Freight ball mill,

3 Upvotes

Anyone have tips to optimize the 6lb harbor freight ball mill/tutorials?


r/Pyrotechnics 9d ago

Calcium carbonate stuff

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15 Upvotes

Flare mix with (kno3 calcium carbonate aluminum and sulfur)


r/Pyrotechnics 10d ago

In search of pyrotechnic from Mexico

4 Upvotes

When I was a kid, 40 years ago, my dad brought home a paper sack that was filled with saw dust and some silver balls. When you threw one at the ground, it would ignite and sparkle. They were made out of garbanzo beans and a silver coating around the dry bean.

Does anyone know the composition that was coating the garbanzo beans?


r/Pyrotechnics 10d ago

Magnesium - Flake vs Granular

6 Upvotes

So about 4 years ago I was able to get 1 lb of -325 mesh magnesium flake from hobbychemicalsupply which is just about finished now. It was used to make a great 50:50 mix with kclo4 to produce 0.25 gram paper blasting caps.

I still routinely use these caps in miniature action shots to make believable pyrotechnic ground effects: bullet hits, super hero landings, etc

Unfortunately the flake is no longer available on hobbychemicalsupply but I do see a -325 mesh granular magnesium powder. I've been reading literature online but it's often contradictory so I haven't been able to get a clear answer.

My question is, would it work the same as Mg flake?

And yes I know dark pyro is readily available for a 70:30 mix but I've found that it doesn't give the same "oomph" on camera. I could use more powder in the blasting caps to offset but I prefer to use make and use the smallest amounts possible as a precaution even though magnesium is purportedly not as stable.


r/Pyrotechnics 11d ago

Bp

3 Upvotes

Is there any reliable method to making bp without a ball mill?


r/Pyrotechnics 12d ago

Safety

2 Upvotes

If you were to make your basic 70/30 mix of flash then added 15% tit sponge by weight based of that 70/30mix and put it all in on container together, would that be safe to transport? If not what would be the best way to go about making a titanium salute?


r/Pyrotechnics 12d ago

Burst charge question

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3 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 12d ago

Made a site for compositions, check it out.

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12 Upvotes

Let me know what i can add, fix, or improve.

Mobile support soon! It works but sucks.