Another Flash Powder Thread...

[ghost808]

Hey guys i may look new here but i actually just found this website. I've made countless fireworks with many many ours of work. But for now please take it easy on me.

Anyways back to the Topic. Flash powder I've been doing extensive research for a while and found many many different Comps for flash but i could never find the difference between bright aluminum and german dark. So my main point is that does bright aluminum still make a reliable flash powder for salutes?

Also spherical aluminum doesn't work right???

 

Well i do know that bright aluminum is coated usually with silver and gives it that bright color but german dark and indian is coated with charcoal ever so slightly but burns much more efficiently.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

Ghost

[Pretty green flame]

*snip*

 

Well i do know that bright aluminum is coated usually with silver and gives it that bright color but german dark and indian is coated with charcoal ever so slightly but burns much more efficiently.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

Ghost

 

Bright aluminium is just pure aluminium and is usually coated with stearine which makes it geasy and gives it that distinctive smell. Do you really think bright aluminium would be so cheap if it were coated with silve?

 

While german dark is simply milled to such a fine particle size that it appears to be dark (something to do with light refraction or some other optical phenomenon). I've also heard it has a small ammount of charcoal due to the manufacturing process but I think this was proven to be false information.

[qwezxc12]

When did we become kewl central? I'm sure a tutorial for a sparkler bomb is next...

[Cookieman]

Hey guys i may look new here but i actually just found this website. I've made countless fireworks with many many ours of work. But for now please take it easy on me.

Anyways back to the Topic. Flash powder I've been doing extensive research for a while and found many many different Comps for flash but i could never find the difference between bright aluminum and german dark. So my main point is that does bright aluminum still make a reliable flash powder for salutes?

Also spherical aluminum doesn't work right???

 

Well i do know that bright aluminum is coated usually with silver and gives it that bright color but german dark and indian is coated with charcoal ever so slightly but burns much more efficiently.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

Ghost

 

Ghost, my suggestion to you is you should be doing extensive research on making BP and not flash if you are into fireworks!!!

[Ralph]

When did we become kewl central? I'm sure a tutorial for a sparkler bomb is next...

 

thats in the newbie section

 

top 3 topic in pyrotechnics at the moment yet another flash thread ground salutes and "we finally worked out how to make stars" other forums we have people trying to argue with a fireworks company that a death mix is safe what has decended over the pyro community.

 

 

I've been doing extensive research

ever Kewl and his hamster says I have done extensive research before they ask something so basic as you have people are much more inclined to help if you dont lie , hell im sure even youtube the most unreliable pyro recrorce on the planet (ok the cookbook may be worse) will tell you that bright al is suitable but slower and very mesy had you dont the hard dificult and time consuming research like task of typing bright al into the search box you would have found the 7th result is the flash safety thread and talks about its use (if a highly intoxicated person could do that in 15 seconds think what you could do with extensive research). atomised al in general wont work though if you have stuff suficently fine (the single digit micron level) it will work

 

thank you anyka for your great sujestion im sure dark report is the brightest and loudest comp out there not to mention its sensitivity

 

END RANT

 

edit spelling errors needed fixing

Edited June 29, 2010 by Ralph

[laser200]

Hmmmm. I know flash based comps. is a sensitive subject and I understand why. But sometimes I think its taken to far. What I really wish is that a proven experienced Pyro Tech would just write a column or something on it that would answer all kinds of questions. Think of it like this. All amateur Pyro's are going to want to try it and use it eventually (well maybe not all but majority) I would rather see those that do use it have all the questions answered and not left up to them to figure it out. Hopefully with some information answered fewer people will have accidents which does make the world of Hobby fireworks look bad. You wouldn't tell a person wanting to learn to fly a plane to google the subject and jump in and give it a whirl would you? Basically that's what I'm getting here. Don't get me wrong I do understand why also...But there has got to be something done about this so sensitive subject so people can have information that's needed for them to be safe as possible. I myself have messed with the stuff and I break out in a sweat every time. And yes the only thing I use it for are some aerial salutes in a 3" shell and I don't use anymore than 12grams per shell. Believe me that gives a good thud. But I go to youtube and I see KIDS cramming 200 grams in a 3" shell. Geeeez!! Im pretty sure my 12grams is as loud as theirs... So misinformed... I must be to green to know what KEWL means so if someone could fill me in... And yes Im new and still learning. I got 20 3" and 20 4" shells all based on organic comps ready to go this year and only 5 salutes. yet I never found any info on how to make a simple 3" aerial salute shell. Mine are from experimenting. I use tissue to fill void in one half the shell with 12grams of 70/30 in a flash bag and in the other half bp coated rice hulls.... Not quite the thud you hear in the pro shows but enough to rattle windows and set off car alarm.. But anyways enough with me and I hope I didn't disrespect anyone or anything. Stay safe everyone!!!

[pyrochris732]

Hmmmm. I know flash based comps. is a sensitive subject and I understand why. But sometimes I think its taken to far. What I really wish is that a proven experienced Pyro Tech would just write a column or something on it that would answer all kinds of questions. Think of it like this. All amateur Pyro's are going to want to try it and use it eventually (well maybe not all but majority) I would rather see those that do use it have all the questions answered and not left up to them to figure it out. Hopefully with some information answered fewer people will have accidents which does make the world of Hobby fireworks look bad. You wouldn't tell a person wanting to learn to fly a plane to google the subject and jump in and give it a whirl would you? Basically that's what I'm getting here. Don't get me wrong I do understand why also...But there has got to be something done about this so sensitive subject so people can have information that's needed for them to be safe as possible. I myself have messed with the stuff and I break out in a sweat every time. And yes the only thing I use it for are some aerial salutes in a 3" shell and I don't use anymore than 12grams per shell. Believe me that gives a good thud. But I go to youtube and I see KIDS cramming 200 grams in a 3" shell. Geeeez!! Im pretty sure my 12grams is as loud as theirs... So misinformed... I must be to green to know what KEWL means so if someone could fill me in... And yes Im new and still learning. I got 20 3" and 20 4" shells all based on organic comps ready to go this year and only 5 salutes. yet I never found any info on how to make a simple 3" aerial salute shell. Mine are from experimenting. I use tissue to fill void in one half the shell with 12grams of 70/30 in a flash bag and in the other half bp coated rice hulls.... Not quite the thud you hear in the pro shows but enough to rattle windows and set off car alarm.. But anyways enough with me and I hope I didn't disrespect anyone or anything. Stay safe everyone!!!

 

what makes you think that your12 grams of flash is as loud as 200? You also have to consider the thickness of the casing among other things.

 

I do agree with you on the youtube thing. The poster of this thread seems like a Harvard scholar compared to the shit heads who make flash powder bombs to show off to the internet world. Look, I can understand the thrill of a boomer and dont hold it against kids to want to make them. But to throw it up (and potentially incriminate yourself) on the net and call it a bomb makes you about as smart as a pile of rocks. I really cant stand those people, and dont be surprised if most of them are over 18.

[al93535]

Bright aluminum will make an excellent report mix if used in larger aerial shells (I would highly advise mixing in some sulfur). In a ground salute with 3 grams, not so much, in fact a crappy report.

 

German dark will make an equally (but not better or louder) report mix in large aerial salutes. But It's a waste of money because the bright will do the same at a way lower price! however in smaller devices the german will COMPLETELY outperform. So german is best for smaller items, and cheap bright for larger.

[ghost808]

Well At the moment im working on some magnalium flash powder. Right now my ratio is 50-50 using nitrate and its a extremely slow burn burn really bright. Is it because its not fine enough?

[Mumbles]

I can guarantee a 12g salute is not as loud as a 200g salute. There is more to it than that just pure volume too. There is also a concussion. At a certain point you get diminishing returns on volume, but the increase really comes in the form of the concussion and thump in your chest. A 5" bottom shot contains probably 700g or so of flash if made with a hard walled tube. An 8" bottom shot probably has 2500g or more. I once witnessed a 12" bottom shot fired alone, which contained around 50lbs. The 12" was obviously the loudest, but not by as much as you'd think. The most serious difference is the concussion.

 

Al is right, bright aluminum will work in larger salutes. A few people I know use german blackhead for everything. I am also in that category. I plan to do it until I get everything dialed in. Once I know everything is preforming correctly, I am going to cheapen up my mix. When you buy in bulk it's not really that bad price-wise. I personally hate bright aluminum with a passion. I am going a different direction than bright Aluminum when I ensure everything I have is working correctly.

 

The reason many avoid talking about it with people starting out is pretty simple. Salutes are one of the biggest things that give a black eye to the hobby. I once heard someone compare it to how moonshiners tend to tarnish the homebrewing community to some point. It's the people who are starting out, who are yet to develop the deep respect and addiction for the hobby, who are the most likely to have accidents with flash and most likely to do something stupid and draw unwanted attention. Granted it not beginners or newbies who supply the vast majority of illegal salutes though.

[aftertheaftershock]

The reason many avoid talking about it with people starting out is pretty simple. Salutes are one of the biggest things that give a black eye to the hobby. I once heard someone compare it to how moonshiners tend to tarnish the homebrewing community to some point. It's the people who are starting out, who are yet to develop the deep respect and addiction for the hobby, who are the most likely to have accidents with flash and most likely to do something stupid and draw unwanted attention. Granted it not beginners or newbies who supply the vast majority of illegal salutes though.

 

 

Absolutely amazing I could'nt have said it better myself!

 

And holy carp 50LBS. of FP!!! Bet that gave the retina a burn.

 

I much agree with you that it is a must to at the very least to develop a great respect for FP and pyrotechnics. Also Cookieman is right if your a beginner in pyro start, out with BP or even R-candy to satisfy every pyro's craving for a flame and smoke. Then maybe move on, to something else, not suggesting FP yet. Maybe some colors. Time takes the longest but is most importent in gaining wisdom.

 

Thats why theres no wise youngn's around haha!

Edited June 30, 2010 by aftertheaftershock

[dagabu]

Yes, 50# of FP is a lot! Think about 300# all going off at once, just look up "Butterfly landing gently on princess cheek" on Youtube. This effect was so powerful that you could actually feel the heat from the shells.

 

In the right place, at the right time, by those that know how to do so safely, flash is a part of pyro.

 

I use flash every time I make shells, some is for flash bags to break smaller shells, some is used in 1g amounts for timed reports and some is used for 10g bottom shots for those shells. I mix what I am going to use and dispose of what I do not need. I do not store it and never share it with anyone. I also do not make any ground devices.

[laser200]

Yes, 50# of FP is a lot! Think about 300# all going off at once, just look up "Butterfly landing gently on princess cheek" on Youtube. This effect was so powerful that you could actually feel the heat from the shells.

 

In the right place, at the right time, by those that know how to do so safely, flash is a part of pyro.

 

I use flash every time I make shells, some is for flash bags to break smaller shells, some is used in 1g amounts for timed reports and some is used for 10g bottom shots for those shells. I mix what I am going to use and dispose of what I do not need. I do not store it and never share it with anyone. I also do not make any ground devices.

 

Oh My Gosh!!!!!!! That was awesome!!!

[DoodieSmoothie]

what makes you think that your12 grams of flash is as loud as 200? You also have to consider the thickness of the casing among other things.

 

I do agree with you on the youtube thing. The poster of this thread seems like a Harvard scholar compared to the shit heads who make flash powder bombs to show off to the internet world. Look, I can understand the thrill of a boomer and dont hold it against kids to want to make them. But to throw it up (and potentially incriminate yourself) on the net and call it a bomb makes you about as smart as a pile of rocks. I really cant stand those people, and dont be surprised if most of them are over 18.

I feel attacked

[FlaMtnBkr]

I feel attacked

 

Lay off the drugs?! This thread is from 10 years ago which is probably about the time you were coming out of diapers and into big boy pants!

[Richtee]

Lay off the drugs?! This thread is from 10 years ago which is probably about the time you were coming out of diapers and into big boy pants!

I *AM* grateful for the stupid bump. I’d have not seen that "Butterfly landing gently on princess cheek” vid Dag mentioned above. Jeebus! WooHoo!

Edited September 12, 2020 by Richtee

[Piccaso]

I feel attacked

Attacked? Frick that I am down right TRIGGERED!