CaptRon Posted July 6, 2012 Posted July 6, 2012 I'm new here, did some searching but didn't see an answer to my question.I've always purchased cakes mortars etc through a wholesaler and did so this yr as well. Would it be considered safe to reuse the tubes from the cakes?I've got a long way to go before I start building anything but I thought I'd ask before I toss this stuff in the dumpster.Thanks!!
pyrokid Posted July 6, 2012 Posted July 6, 2012 Reusing tubes can save you a lot of money. If you are lifting little shells, I would give the tubes a little inspection to check that the plug is still intact and the tube is solid and such.
CaptRon Posted July 6, 2012 Author Posted July 6, 2012 Reusing tubes can save you a lot of money. If you are lifting little shells, I would give the tubes a little inspection to check that the plug is still intact and the tube is solid and such. That was my thought exactly!!THX!!
Blackthumb Posted July 6, 2012 Posted July 6, 2012 I reload my rockets 4-5 times...when I can find 'em...
taiwanluthiers Posted July 6, 2012 Posted July 6, 2012 (edited) I don't reuse rockets, mostly because it's difficult to recover them in the first place, but also the paper is usually ablated. I do reuse "star gun" tubes though, because I mean the tube don't get ablated all that much after firing (it's a short burst of flame rather than sustained like a rocket or fountain). I have to go recover any cakes I find though... I see them used a LOT in Taiwan but never occurred to me to reuse those tubes. If worst comes to worst and I can't find any used cakes I'll just buy some cakes myself and have fun with them, then use the tubes. Completed cakes are cheaper than a set of tubes from Freakydutchman. Edited July 6, 2012 by taiwanluthiers
PlatypusPyro Posted July 8, 2012 Posted July 8, 2012 As long as you make sure the plugs are still strong and that the tube is still pretty sturdy, you should be fine.
garyrapp55 Posted July 8, 2012 Posted July 8, 2012 I have heard of folks coating paper tubes in wood hardener (Minwax) to help keep their integrity.
spitfire Posted July 12, 2012 Posted July 12, 2012 For cake items, smaller mines and so on, they are great. I always collect the cakes that have the tube size i need. Why make them if you can reuse them? Saves a lot of time and effort. They do need a little cleanup and plug inspection, but that's all there is about it. Have fun!
dagabu Posted July 12, 2012 Posted July 12, 2012 A friend and I are going to press whistles in used cake tubes for a rising effect on shells. -dag
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