Drying Screens (migrated from what did you do today)

[starxplor]

As mentioned in a different thread, I made my first 'proper' drying screen recently. It uses 1ft and 2ft long pieces of 3/4"x1.5" sealed wood, so the inside area is 12"x21". The screen is just from an old screen door and it has been suggested this will not last long because of give under the weight of drying material.

 

So, here are my questions:

1) Can I add galvanized steel, UNDER the current nylon screen for support. Since the new metal would be 12"x24", it would not mount to the wood at all in one direction, and would have about 1.5" extra on either end to mount to the wood of the frame.

 

2) Is it just better to give up on the idea of using the door screen at all, set this already built screen aside, and start anew with a slightly smaller frame so the 12x24 stainless steel screen can be mounted in the wood on all four sides?

 

I will be brining the current screen with just the door screen up north as I will only be drying MCRH and will keep the batch small to avoid too much weight. The above questions are for as I get into needing to dry bigger things like full sized stars.

[Arthur]

Be realistic! How many batches of stars do you expect to dry? Per Year? If you make fireworks professionally then heavy duty screens are worth while, if it's an occasional hobby for the 4th and NYE then a light duty mesh will be fine.

[starxplor]

I plan to build many 4-12in shells per year in the future (MPAG shoots allow up to 24in shells in some locations), for now I am making between two and four 4in shells in one weekend each year (including next weekend, woohoo!).

 

I also plan to vary what I make, so I may have a batch of 4 different types of stars plus a couple of batches of MRCH or granulated BP, so I could easily see needing half a dozen or more screens in the future. I would not want to have two different comp stars sharing the same screen.

 

The point of this thread was to figure out if the screen door screen I made is salvageable or if I should only use it for small batches of MRCH and plan to replace in in 1-2 years as I get set up to build more per year.

[Baldor]

Meshes usually come in standard sizes rolls. Adapt your screen sizes to what is available and not the contrary. You can get complete rolls and get it cheaper per square meter, or buy just the length you need for short term savings. I don't know what are standard sizes in USA, but 24" seems a plausible width.

[starxplor]

Interesting, mostly I have seen them come in sheets, not rolls, where you pick both length and width, as well as mesh size.

 

I also assume woven is better than welded if drying on the screen so the weld point is not a starting point for corrosion?

 

For example, I could use this and not have to deal with the door screen: https://www.mcmaster.com/#9319t173/=1drhdu0

Of I could use this as support with the door screen on top: https://www.mcmaster.com/#9219t152/=1drhe3q

 

Is there any reason not to go with the door screen + galvanized steel at least as long as I have door screen available? The price differential is pretty steep.

[Baldor]

The welding is done before the galvanization, don't worry. For drying, I think fiberglass + galvanized should be Ok. Lloid uses it. :-) Stainless is better for sieves.

 

Go to your local hardware store. Ask for galvanized wire mesh. I'm sure they sell it by the foot, or whatever. In the big stores, they usually sell by the roll. Compare and see what is better for you.

[davidh]

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/gardenzone-hardware-cloth-10-ft-x-24-in?cm_vc=IOPDP1

[Baldor]

Exactly this. :-)

[memo]

i have a mix of screens 30cm x 60 some are window screen I use them when I granulate black powder (it doesn't stik) most of my screens are AL for stars , for shells they are wood to hold the weight.

[starxplor]

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/gardenzone-hardware-cloth-10-ft-x-24-in?cm_vc=IOPDP1

 

I do not think I have ever seen one of these stores... I could check a lowes or home depot, I would also have to get something that can cut the metal as well. Any suggestions or just a generic pair of tin snips?

 

i have a mix of screens 30cm x 60 some are window screen I use them when I granulate black powder (it doesn't stik) most of my screens are AL for stars , for shells they are wood to hold the weight.

 

Aluminium screens for stars? Are you not worried about any of the comp in the stars reacting with the screen?

[Baldor]

You can cut this with good scissors or with cutting pliers.

[memo]

 

I do not think I have ever seen one of these stores... I could check a lowes or home depot, I would also have to get something that can cut the metal as well. Any suggestions or just a generic pair of tin snips?

 

 

Aluminium screens for stars? Are you not worried about any of the comp in the stars reacting with the screen?

 

not had one yet. been 3 years

[OldMarine]

I'd say if the comp reacts with the drying screen you got it way too wet. My stars feel almost dry after pressing cutting etc..