Jason Posted July 26, 2012 Posted July 26, 2012 I was curious as to what compositions are safe to ram? I have a star plate and just made some C6 stars, since I know BP mixtures are safe to ram. However, would Veline stars be safe to ram? Shimizu Silver Waves? Also, a question about Shimizu's Silver Waves, it's a 50/50 KClo4/Aluminum mixture, would it be safe to use Bright Flake Aluminum? Thanks
californiapyro Posted July 27, 2012 Posted July 27, 2012 generally you can ram just about any comp, but the most sensitive ones, when wet. they're fairly incombustible that way
dagabu Posted July 27, 2012 Posted July 27, 2012 (edited) generally you can ram just about any comp, but the most sensitive ones, when wet. they're fairly incombustible that way Do Not Ram any comp containing metals on a spindle. How are sparks made you ask? What they are made by striking metal against metal, this also goes for "safe" metals since you don't need an actual spark but friction caused by heat which happens in the micro climate inside of a rocket tube. Just about anything in the way of stars is OK like Cali says. Cali, we are gonna have to start calling you lefty... -dag Edited July 27, 2012 by dagabu
californiapyro Posted July 27, 2012 Posted July 27, 2012 i don't ram metal around a spindle! how are stars unsafe to ram?
Mumbles Posted July 27, 2012 Posted July 27, 2012 I would be uneasy about ramming many metallic star compositions. Pumped stars are typically make much drier than their cut or rolled analogs. The thing that would concern me is the idea that composition could get between the plunger and the sleeve/plate and dry out sufficiently that the act of ramming would ignite it. By the same idea glitters in theory shouldn't be rammed either, however I have done that on many occasions without incident. Still, it is not something I would do with perchlorates or chlorates. Even though they are damp, it's just not one of those risks I'd take, especially considering how cheap an arbor press is.
Zumber Posted July 27, 2012 Posted July 27, 2012 [quote name='Jaso Also, a question about Shimizu's Silver Waves, it's a 50/50 KClo4/Aluminum mixture, would it be safe to use Bright Flake Aluminum?you must use coarse aluminium like flitter aluminium,fine aluminium will give you bright white star, not wave effect.
Zumber Posted July 27, 2012 Posted July 27, 2012 Do Not Ram any comp containing metals on a spindle. How are sparks made you ask? What they are made by striking metal against metal, this also goes for "safe" metals since you don't need an actual spark but friction caused by heat which happens in the micro climate inside of a rocket tube. Just about anything in the way of stars is OK like Cali says. Cali, we are gonna have to start calling you lefty... -dagwhy not to use wooden tools for ramming..??
dagabu Posted July 27, 2012 Posted July 27, 2012 why not to use wooden tools for ramming..?? It makes no difference, the metals in the comp and the metal spindle and the culprits as much as is the rammer. As Mum says, and arbor press is cheap insurance. I haven't rammed a comet or star in years, they did a good job here straightening me out about pressing and for $40.00, I got my first arbor press, I now have two and a hydraulic press as well. Yes, there is an investment but worth every penny and more. -dag
Jason Posted July 27, 2012 Author Posted July 27, 2012 Thanks guys, I guess I will just save up for an arbor press. Do you think one of those 1 ton arbor presses would work well for a small star plate?
dagabu Posted July 27, 2012 Posted July 27, 2012 Thanks guys, I guess I will just save up for an arbor press. Do you think one of those 1 ton arbor presses would work well for a small star plate? 1/4", perhaps but certainly good for comets up to 1". -dag
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