FW 101, Lesson #9, Making Blackmatch

[@blackbird1234100]

I'm glad I found your channel. you have taught me much that no other channel has.

[@nedgorski]

Cool. Thanks for the nice feedback, Rand... n

[@southbayrickybobby5820]

This is like arts and crafts, for men!!! Would love to some day get my pyrotechnics license. I’ve always been fascinated by firework shows. And after watching some of these videos the amount of time and skill that goes into making them is incredible. So much respect and appreciation for your work.

[@butchblakesley6239]

I've tried about zillion ways to make and black match, you're wrapping a circle and dipping method is the best by far the most consistent black match I've been able to make thank you very much

[@nedgorski]

My pleasure, Butch. It does make fine blackmatch, doesn't it... Enjoy.

[@7TDI50MPG]

You sir are a dying breed, glad I came across your videos and can enjoy them!

[@Ken-er9ec]

I'm Very Much a Beginner ! These videos have been very, very educational, informative and comprehensive

[@nedgorski]

Thanks

[@MrTopsfield]

Thank you Ned for sharing your passion. I have found you to be one of the good people that are in thin supply theses days. Australia now has a 1T arbour press from your design, with my own input of using a 36 inch boat wheel instead of a bar. Very quick press, would love to show you. Jackson

[@nedgorski]

Sounds like a nifty machine, Jackson. Have fun with 'er.

[@scottplagmann3411]

A friend turned me onto your channel, I like you are very detailed and safety oriented!

[@nedgorski]

Thanks, Scott. Enjoy

[@Ohio_Hobbies_Guy]

I made a small 150 gram batch. It actually worked well! I couple spots needed better coating but over all it worked! I air dried mine only but no issues. Used it as quickmatch for my memorial day show on my canister shell racks. Thank you Ned! Now onto making charcoal and color stars.

[@nedgorski]

Congrats, MC. Enjoy the ride.

[@sshpyro]

Just tried this method and it worked great! I normally have issues with the BM getting tangled when I go to stretch it out to dry, not this time thanks to your method of using the cone. Helped me a lot thanks.

[@nedgorski]

Xlent

[@rockbandgamer]

These videos are awesome. Thank you for sharing your knowledge Ned. I have never tried to do anything like this before, but I can totally see myself getting into it as I've always been a pyro.

[@nedgorski]

Many of us have always been interested in such things, starting when we were young, Steve, but we never had any guidance that indicated that it could be a legitimate artistic pursuit, until we stumble across a book or website or someone familiar with fireworking. Many folks still don't understand, but if it's in your blood, it's in your blood...

[@PraetzelProjects]

ned gorski exactly, you can’t explain it to someone who doesn’t get it

[@fineartonfire_5327]

I LOVE ALL of your videos. Don’t worry about it being an hour long. I prefer longer videos...ESPECIALLY if they are educational and teaching me something. I’d MUCH MUCH MUCH rather see an hour long educational video than even 10 seconds of bull shitting around. ESP if the short video doesn’t show me all the details. The small details in this fireworking hobby is CRUTIAL and even deadly at times! So those of us that are serious APPRECIATE ALL your instruction!! Don’t worry about the rest!! Love ya Buddy! Hope the New Years is great and hope Santa brought ya LOADS of new fireworking tools and supplies. Again, I at least really appreciate ALL the videos and tutorials from you, along with the info on the website. Thank you again, James Brown (The Piece Keeper on Fireworking forums) PS, Please tell the Mrs that we greatly appreciate her help in making the video and being the camera woman. Thank you!

[@BlisterHiker]

Thank you Ned for making all the videos. It's not only educational but also relaxing. One little thing I would change in the method you show is tying the string to the end of your strand in advance, before coating the coil with slurry. It will make the job a little easier, I think.

[@PYROCHEM-Alex]

Hi Ned, very Very good video. Perfect lesson to do black match. There’s no channel like this in Italy. Great, ciao from Italy!! Alex.

[@nedgorski]

Grazie, Alex. Happy New Year. ned

[@PYROCHEM-Alex]

@@nedgorski happy new year to you Ned!! Great!!

[@softdet2118]

I made a batch of black match a couple weeks ago but I used four ply cotton string and made it four strands, I used ball milled black powder with willow charcoal and and dextrin. It came out very hot and fast as lightning, never used the laundry starch so I purchased some to try out. Thanks for the great information.

[@jooniDj]

Wow nice tutorial

[@nedgorski]

Thanks, P. It is satisfying to be able to make good match, one of the main components of fireworks.

[@playworkproductions4193]

Hi Ned, Ive been searching for info on how to make black match, as I have been unsuccessful, and came across your video. Ive read some of your responses to peoples questions on forums and just found your channel. You really seem to know what your doing (probably an understatement) and deliver your instructions very well. Thanks for the videos. Cant wait to learn more from you.

[@nedgorski]

Thanks, Chris. Good luck with your match.

[@ChiraqVet]

Very good education. Iv learned alot from your videos for my future builds. Thank you

[@mediaguardian]

I watched one of your videos years ago where you untwisted the twine with an electric drill and then pulled the twine thru a container of slurry, using a rod thru the cup to ensure the twine was near the bottom. I like this method better. But I was wondering if it wouldn't be easier to use a thinner slurry to coat the twine. What are the downsides of that? And one thing I would do is to tie a loop in both ends of the twine. Then have a hook attached to the extra string to snag the loop when the coil comes to an end when stringing it to dry. I think I would find it difficult to tie the ends with my gloves full of slurry.

[@nedgorski]

I like this old traditional method, but there are different approaches which do work. It's really a matter of finding what we feel works best for us.

[@mr10k2]

Love this process. Thanks for all the detail

[@segarza]

49:36 Now Ned, Mama is gonna get that bar of soap out again if you don't watch your language! lol

[@jeffdover7639]

Really enjoyed seeing how black match is made.

[@dennishicks8962]

Ned I really do enjoy your videos. I am going to give this method a try. I made my own black match machine out of aluminum plates as well as Delrin and aluminum rods with some skateboard bearings and it worked well but it’s a bit messy. I am looking forward to trying this. I also used dextrin as a binder so I wanna try the starch as well. The match came out great and I built 36” square wheels to wrap the match on so I had very nice 36” 5 strand match sections. This seems so much nicer for smaller batches though.

[@joesbarbecue1]

Hey Ned, I've made about 3-5 somewhat small batches of blackmatch now with varying degrees of success using different numbers and combinations of cotton string. I believe somewhere in the comments someone suggested using a food saver or similar, forcing the slurry deep in with vacuum. I worked the string for a good while, then placed it in a vacuum bag, removed the air, sealed it, and went upon my way for about 2 hours. It's only been hung to dry about four hours. It isn't close to dry, but yet this stuff already burns faster than any previous batch. Coincidence? Not sure but there may be an argument for this procedure. I found a whole lot less dry spots usin the seal a meal as well.

[@kevinduprey9326]

Great job Ned..... I tried thinking hard on another faster option. Air compressor funnel hopper spray ? Using hang method w/back drop for over spray front/back separate applications... Unfortunately super messy and potentially increased waste. I think your doing it best way.

[@kingkama]

Nice video, you make in video what i read many time on manual, very usefull the trick of cone and bucket!!!

[@CityPigeonNOLA]

Thanks for all the info you provide. I tried this with Dextrin since the red laundry starch isn't available around me. I will be ordering some since I am not happy with the results.

[@nedgorski]

Some folks use dextrin when making match, but I do prefer the laundry starch. It's readily available on Amazon. Good luck.

[@goodmaro]

Supposedly starch is less hygroscopic than dextrine. What I don't know is whether laundry-specific starch works any better than food-grade corn starch. I've used preserved liquid laundry starch and cooked corn starch, with just as bad results!

[@goodmaro]

@hustleappMatch could be bad in various ways. Why would you want it stiff? Well, try threading a piece into a small fuse hole. Or threading it a long way up a rocket motor core, or thru a cannula.

[@jimmysrandomness]

Question what would you prefer for binding Black match , SGRS or laundry starch ???

[@beavischrist5]

Gom arabic is good

[@dustinbogart9161]

Thanks ned for helping us all be a part of the art of fireworking. Do you do the same process with smaller 4 ply string for smaller match for cross matching spolettes and what not?

[@nedgorski]

I do, Dustin. I enjoy making the match.

[@nhotv8092]

I like to study about fireworks ... but in my country is not popular with documents ... always wished to have some book about them. But now he has help ... I thank you very much

[@Ken-er9ec]

I cans end PDF copies of several Fireworks books if you wish

[@snakesnsparklers]

Think you could send me some copies?

[@PyroDad1236]

Great Lesson Ned....Thank You

[@JEFFFRYESr]

very informative and safely done much respect and thanks.J

[@agenttassadar7272]

Anyone know of a replacement for the Argo laundry starch? it appears to be hard to find these days.

[@Findyournextguitar]

Hey Ned, I have some SGRS and Dextrin - I don't have the laundry starch - could either of those be substituted for the slurry - or is there a specific reason to NOT use dextrin or SGRS? Would cotton bakes twine work for the string - or does any cotton string work? Thanks!

[@paulbennett2619]

hey Ned. you could use "yarn ball winder". instead use orange cone ...

[@marcuskarlsson8512]

Tried a batch earlier tonight. Went pretty well until the hanging up part. I couldn't get the clean hanging as the video, such as strait and tight lines, mine looks more like Kabul-ghetto-kind-of hanging networkcables, a hamock, or a place for the birds to rest in. Doesn't matter though, as long as it works as expected 😊 will see that, when it's dried properly😘

[@crazydave1145]

Wondering if I can sub FP for BP & make my own fuse & then maybe a parafin soaking after for waterproofing

[@uarbor70]

Sweet system. You should stick a lint roller up inside the cone handle first so the handle sticks out the top and you would have a rotating handle

[@cremed]

Really enjoy your videos Ned! I really respect the safety aspect that you prescribe. I have been learning a lot from watching and of course, from my beginner mistakes. I made some highly successful black match using this kind of process. However the burn rate was quite a lot faster than the KNO3 + Sugar type I was using previously. This type of bp match is MUCH more reliable. Q) Is there a good reason something like Baking Soda (bi-carb soda) isn't used to reduce the burn rate? Or is it simpler to just reduce the oxidizer or otherwise to settle it down a touch?

[@goodmaro]

Any additional sodium (as in baking soda) adds hygroscopicity. If you wanted to reduce the burn rate with a diluent, why not something sodium-free and insoluble like talc or chalk?

[@goodmaro]

I know another way to keep a coil from tangling. I use it when I put away the extension cords from the electric lawn mower. I form loops that alternate in opposite directions around my forearm. The first loop goes between my thumb and forefinger, around my palm, around my elbow, and back to the space between my thumb and forefinger. The next loop goes around the base of my thumb, around my elbow, and back to the space between my thumb and forefinger, passing my palm and emerging from that space in the opposite direction from the first loop. I have not tried this for string for match, and I'm not about to try it now that I have a plastic cone, but it seems like it should work.

[@MrSoarman]

Wow, tried and true awesome process. A lot of work.

[@redox33b]

42:49 imagine someone walking by, thinking, "what the hell is that guy doing?"

[@kaliumnitraat]

Hey jij ook hier

[@heirunapparent]

Ned is a terrible hammock designer.

[@svtkilr]

Ned is there another substitute that we can use for the ARGO Laundry starch since it’s not being made anymore ?

[@nedgorski]

Some folks are using corn starch from the grocery aisle. I think it's called corn flour in Europe. I've actually developed a method that I use now which doesn't include any binder. It's detailed in the website.

[@svtkilr]

@@nedgorski wow I did not think you would have responded so quickly! I appreciate your help. Can I buy this binder from Chris at Fireworks? I appreciate your time Ned.

[@nedgorski]

@@svtkilr If you're asking about the corn starch, it's in the baking aisle of the grocery stores, as I mentioned above.

[@svtkilr]

@@nedgorski okay I didn’t know if maybe Chris had something similar to it . The non binder is on the firework 101 site what does it cost to join ?

[@nedgorski]

@@svtkilr Just see the info in the first 7 seconds of the vid.

[@luyennguyen7286]

Do you have a book on dangerous flammable chemical compounds to avoid when making fireworks?

[@freedomgunsandliberty]

Isn't the laundry starch you use just corn starch? I looked it up on amazon and seems to me the only ingredient is corn starch. Couldn't we just use plain old corn starch from the store in the same portion and cook time? Figure it would save me money. Ok so went thru previous comments and it seems regular corn starch works so I'll try it. Thanks for making these videos. They are in depth and informative. Subbed

[@nedgorski]

It's a converted corn starch. Standard corn starch from the grocery store is not the same.

[@goodmaro]

@@nedgorski That's something I wanted to know. Is it "converted" in a way that gives better results HERE?

[@nedgorski]

@@goodmaro I don't know, Robert. I do know that for corn starch to be used as a binder in stars, etc., it has to be cooked/converted to dextrin first. I've personally never tried to use unconverted corn starch in anything, other than a recent experiment with my great-grandsons, where we added enough water to corn starch to make a thixotropic solid. Solid when unagitated, but turning into a slurry when agitated. BP dust, and charcoal star comp, will do the same.

[@goodmaro]

@@nedgorski Sure, but in this application it's needed more as a glue than a binder.

[@joaquinlandaverde8780]

friend ned a question how much starch did you use for the 500 grams thanks

[@GDS1970]

What about soaking the string in a solution of KNO3. Then coating the match

[@nedgorski]

That's been touted by some folks, but I've never found it to be necessary if the BP slurry is really worked well into the string. To each their own, of course.

[@Michael-rg7mx]

Left it overnight to set up. I found it out by the fence. Deer??

[@nedgorski]

Ooch~

[@CF23583]

Dear Ned, First off, thanks for taking the time to do this video course. Great work and info! I have a question concerning the number of strands in the blackmatch. Why not only one string? Reliability? U.

[@nedgorski]

Uwe, the higher the number of strings, the easier the slurry is to work into the hank. Traditional match string is made up of many, thin strands of thread, untwisted. It would be possible to make match using, say, 16-ply cotton string, twisted, though, if care is used to really work the slurry into it. I chose to use the two strands of 8-ply cotton string for a few reasons. That string will also be use to tie many knots in the projects, and also to spike aerial shells and rocket headings. And, only one of those 8-ply strands could be used to make nice, thin match, too.

[@SilentDeath002]

Hello Ned. Thank you very much for your videos. a Question if you have the time. i tried to make some fuse using a little of the 2Fg i had here. i took a guess on ratio of dextrin . i used 8 ply and tried a batch using 4 ply string. its been a few days letting it air dry here in missouri. i cut a short 3 inch section of the two different type stings used and they still seem dam even though the weather here is been close to 100 past few days. i have some chemicals on hand, still need to get a paint can to prepare the charcoal the way you did in your video. is it ok to use 2FG or will it not work as well the home made mix ratio you used in the video?

[@PhilieBlunt666]

The only thong that might have gone wrong is how much dextrin you used.... the more you use the slower your powder burns... when I make my powder I only use a gram or two for every 100g of bp... so basically try to use as little as possible and still have it dry hard

[@PhilieBlunt666]

Also if you don't have a ball mill when making your powder it will be a significantly slower burn, you can blade mill it for days its just not the same I had to break down and shell out a hundo to get one myself, makes a world of difference

[@goodmaro]

i have trouble imagining how a grained powder would stick in a slurry. Maybe if it were as fine as 4Fg.

[@mattcangie]

Why not use a vacuum sealing machine/pump system. Put the slurry infused cotton thread into an air tight bag, connect that to a vacuum pump and suck the air pockets out from within the tread whilst replacing them with your slurry. This would also help reduce the chance of any tangles from handling it over and over on itself. Good idea?

[@waynerainey2606]

Put it in a vacuum pot, pull a vacuum for 5 mins then release the vacuum and voila, fully coated. Cover with mixture and pull vacuum 2x more and done

[@gabsterboy808]

Do you use hard wood charcoal or soft?

[@thainguyen-lz1sc]

Tinh bột giặt có tác dụng gì vậy??

[@nedgorski]

Nó là chất kết dính làm cho mọi thứ kết dính với nhau.

[@christianduquette2173]

If I Don't have any dextrine or laundry starch anything else could be use as à binder? Thank you.

[@nedgorski]

You could try SGRS, or kitchen corn starch cooked like the laundry starch is.

[@christianduquette2173]

Thanks Ned, your response are so quick and much appreciated!

[@papabapyro8169]

How fast should it burn ft per second. Thanks

[@bobharrison9620]

sir my match turned out gritty and didn't seam to have the binding the strands didn't stick together on one run of it. Now it is starchy on the upper part of the pan where it dryed. Didn't really thicken.. Please advise if ya know..

[@nedgorski]

What did you use as the binder, Bob?

[@bobharrison9620]

@@nedgorski The Argo red box . Boiled as per your instructions and weighed water and starch 32g total weight 1200

[@nedgorski]

@@bobharrison9620 Odd, Bob. Something sure sounds off in the results you got.

[@bobharrison9620]

@@nedgorski Yes sir, learning a new starch. Match is fast, smooth burn but I think I might have let it dry too much. Or maby my quanitys. Weighed the starch and water to 1250 a tad over for boil down and 4 batches and reliable reprobuceable results till I get the feal. Need to run some fast match so I have talked the wife into double checking my cooking skills on a new batch. Argo did say there still making it and I called the Fireworks cookbook to tell him .This pound I was lucky at it only being $25. I don't care, availability and function is my thing now. Sir , I gota get a mister from ya , where do I go? I also need gerb and driver tubes up to 2in. was triple g (?) but i locate them. Might you have a name you could send me to? Pyro direct has had the few I have wanted but not all this time. My damaged class C supplyer dosnt expect me to get much this year so instead of a fill in mines the bulk of the show this year. Gota join FPA and your Websight, but after the 4th. Product is first. Thank you Soo much, I do appreciate it and I hope to repay you a bit some day. Bob

[@pyrofrench6369]

Hello ned, sorry but I can read English , but when I watch your video I can’t understand your formula with laundry starch and water: you are starting with 1/4cup laundry starch with 1/2 cup of water, you mix , and after you add a big buck of water ? How much liters of water ? Thanks by advance

[@nedgorski]

The mix of 1/4 cup starch and 1/2 cup water is stirred, and then 1 quart of water is added to that, and boiled. The added quart of water equals one liter. I hope that helps. Good luck.

[@pyrofrench6369]

@@nedgorski oh yes it help me , thanks very much ned , stay safe …

[@nedgorski]

@@pyrofrench6369 👍

[@bigpapaj9165]

Is softwood or hardwood charcoal necessary for making fast fuse ?

[@nedgorski]

There are good charcoals to make hot BP/fuse with, not necessarily divided by that type of classification.

[@bigpapaj9165]

@@nedgorski what would be a good charcoal ?

[@nedgorski]

@@bigpapaj9165 For hot BP, willow/sassafras/EasternRedCedar/Paulownia, and probably some others use successfully.

[@titahibayflier3160]

Hi Ned I have a question regarding Black Match. I'd like to make single strand match, in the past I'd used dextrin and a small amount of CMC. I found it was more flexible and didn't chip off during handling for use with a small cannon. Could you advice what those percentages might have been?

[@nedgorski]

In that case, Ti, I'd use 4% dextrin, and 1% CMC. Enjoy

[@todpevy8952]

Do you need any kind of permit to build fire works for personal use at home?

[@nedgorski]

In the US, you'd need no Federal license/permit if you won't be transporting the fireworks on public roads. But, state and local law may differ.

[@daytonpyro]

would you like a Palowina tree log ? i would love to see how it works out for you

[@nedgorski]

Thanks for the offer, but I just use Eastern Red Cedar pet bedding shavings. Easy to use and then mill, and makes hot BP.

[@ngocngokim]

Hello Sir. Please tell me What is the "Argo laundry starch"?. And how to buy it from Vietnam?. Thank you very much

[@nedgorski]

I don't know if you can get it over there, Ngoc. It is a starch, though, so you could try substituting rice starch, dextrin (corn starch) or another starch available over there. Good luck.

[@ngocngokim]

@@nedgorski thank you very much

[@johnanderson186]

The ARGO company states that their red laundry starch is nothing more than corn starch.

[@dannyruiz6868]

What is the difference between Fast Fuse and Black Match?

[@johnanderson186]

👍👍👍👍

[@CuetZ0001]

Nice scale back there is that the my Weight 7000 gram or 8000 gram ?

[@nedgorski]

I have both the KD 7000 and 8000. I really like them.

[@Lionman-rw7xb]

So can you tell about what is the ratio of starch to water? I really can't understand how much the ratios. Thanks

[@nedgorski]

I mixed 1/4 cup of the starch with 1/2 cup of water.

[@Lionman-rw7xb]

Yea but after mixing them, you add quite a bit of water from the glass beaker into the starch

[@nedgorski]

@@Lionman-rw7xb Well, the next step shown is mixing one quart of water into that pre-mixed batch. That's all clearly spelled out in the vid, and on the box instructions.

[@Lionman-rw7xb]

@@nedgorski Can you calculate, from your experience, about how much the total water could weigh and how much the starch? Thanks for your reply

[@nedgorski]

@@Lionman-rw7xb 1/4 cup of the starch weighs about 30g, and there's about a total of a liter of water used, 1000g.

[@vh14a]

Ned. What makes better match, this method with starch or machine with dextrin and cmc?

[@nedgorski]

both methods can make good blackmatch if done properly.

[@powerfury1]

If you want to make 25ft of blackmatch what is the math formula for it

[@mjf1069]

Ned, thanks for the very informative video. I’ve noticed there are two types of “Cotton” string out there. There is a cotton/poly blend and 100% Cotton with the latter being harder to find. Is one better to use than the other? If so, is there a significant difference?

[@goodmaro]

I can't say from experience with match making, but I've cotton-polyester fabric blends are noticeably less hydrophilic in the wearing and drying. Therefore I believe all-cotton would be better for match.

[@tonymcwhirter]

What can I use for starch?

[@enthusiasticbanana6232]

Why go to all that effort with the laundry starch rather than just adding a little dextrin to the composition? Is it superior is some way?

[@nedgorski]

It's just how sure I was shown by a guy who learned it in an old Italian-American pyro shop. There are other methods which can work, too. Yep.

[@Ken-er9ec]

I wonder if Corn Starch would work with the same result? Any thoughts>?

[@nedgorski]

Dextrin is cooked corn starch that is also acid treated. Some folks do make a homemade "dextrin" by baking corn starch in the oven. But in the long run, I prefer to use commercial dextrin when dextrin is called for, and the laundry starch in this blackmatch making.

[@Ken-er9ec]

Thanks Ned. Your videos are very educational and I sincerely appreciate your time, effort and devotion to this 'craft'; your skill level and knowledge is impressive! which I also enjoy very much! I ordered some Argos today. made some black match but fudged-up the ratios- Hey, newby errors ! Thank you for your time and effort !

[@pedrocr500]

Corn starch Works great! No problems !

[@pa-pyro2804]

Hello Ned, I plan to make some black match in the near future. Could I just use Argo cornstarch it is the same thing i presume and can not find the Argo laundry starch without paying shipping and I'm sure you know how much of a pain it is to continuously pay shipping fees. Any info would be appreciated thanks.

[@nedgorski]

Hi, PA. One member of Fireworking is currently trying just that. I've not tried it myself, though. With Amazon Prime I get the laundry starch without paying extra for shipping. Good luck in your experimentation. ned

[@pa-pyro2804]

Thanks Ned it turned out great i used the Argo corn starch now just waiting to dry but look just like the pros

[@selfmadepyro3874]

PA- PYRO And.. did it produce nice and hard blackmatch?

[@pedrocr500]

I used the cheapest cork starch that has in the supermaket and it turn out really good !!

[@PyroThunder]

never made black match. can it be bent without breaking or affecting the burn?

[@wlhlmknrd6456]

PyRoOWL 1995 yep

[@Astro_city_pyro]

Could I use glass marbles instead of lead?

[@nedgorski]

I would not. They can chip, and it is reported that some can spark. There's nothing like good, traditional media.

[@Astro_city_pyro]

@@nedgorski Ok, I will go ahead and put in an order for the lead ones. Thank you for the quick reply!

[@abecoulter18]

Could you use fishing weights as a ball media

[@accipiternisus649]

Abe Coulter yes you can

[@johnanderson186]

The only issue with fishing weights is they’re more than likely 100% lead, maybe a little tin to help casting. A good lead media has a good amount of antimony in it. The antimony makes the lead much much harder, so as to not disintegrate slowly and leave lead dust in your chemicals.

[@paulbennett2619]

can't find laundry starch what the subtitue for that

[@nedgorski]

I'd try grocery-aisle corn starch, or dextrin and CMC.

[@paulbennett2619]

@@nedgorski thank you

[@paulbennett2619]

@@nedgorski what is cmc?

[@paulbennett2619]

@@nedgorski a question. did you make 1.4 g consumer 5 inch canister video ?

[@nedgorski]

@@paulbennett2619 I have not, Paul

[@zakpanek4013]

Can black powder from fireworks be used?

[@nedgorski]

It would have to be ballmilled very fine, and combined with a binder. Not the most efficient process. I wouldn't recommend it.

[@zakpanek4013]

ned gorski ok thanks for the info

[@goodmaro]

@@nedgorski Not only that, but black powder recovered from other devices could be contaminated with other compo. However, I would recommend recycling the slurry instead of fertilizing the woods.

[@simplepyro7897]

Is there a *BIG* Difference between using laundry Starch and just using dextrin ??? Because i can't find Laundry starch and i want to make a very good fuse :)

[@nedgorski]

There is a pretty big difference, Kareem. Can you get stuff from Amazon there? Here in the U.S., they sell it.

[@simplepyro7897]

@@nedgorski Thank you for the quick reply... but I don't live in the U.S. So that's why I'm suffering with every single thing I'm doing in Pyrotechnics xD

[@nedgorski]

@@simplepyro7897 Kareem, you certainly can make black match with dextrin binder. It's nice to put 1% CMC powder in the slurry to keep everything suspended if dextrin is used. Good luck.

[@simplepyro7897]

@@nedgorski Thank you so much. :) Can i ask you one more question if there is no problem?

[@nedgorski]

@@simplepyro7897 If I can answer it simply, Kareem. I don't go into long-winded answers on KZbin. Thanks.

[@gilaszeinramdani3883]

what tools and materials bro

[@goodmaro]

Method doesn't scale down easily. I got a plastic cone about half that size to make a batch of match 22', i.e. about a quarter of what you did. Unfortunately at that size it wasn't easy to keep the coil as such while working it with the slurry in a smaller container. That is, that size of coil is harder to get a hand thru the middle of. Therefore the mixing I had to do defeated the anti-tangling measures you came up with. (I bought only one coil of the string, but pre-measured 44' of it and tied the ends together after doubling it back.) The coil was also smaller because the cone material was harder plastic, causing the doubled string to ride up higher as I wound it around the cone. The slurry didn't seem wet enough, and required additional water to work into the string. With a smaller volume of starch solution, it cooled faster, and then while I was working it it dried out faster. The doubles of the cords didn't hold together well against tangling, allowing it to pass thru the space between the cords a few times, and because the slurry didn't coat as well, even under tension there were places where the 2 cords separated. Because the slurry was drying so fast, it didn't seem to get the string as wet, so there doesn't seem to be much gain in tension as it dries. It's drying now. I suspect the product will be at least as good as any batch of match I've made, but largely because this one was 8 ply and thin, while others I've made were either 4 ply and thin or 8 ply and thick. However, I found myself taking so much care applying additional slurry with my hands after hanging the cords that it made me wonder how much I gained by doing it this way rather than ways I've done it before. Please tell me you had a hard time with your first batch by this method too, and that the product improved subsequently!

[@goodmaro]

I shouldn't complain much considering the result. The cords did separate, but each does burn steadily an inch a second. I have a lot of other string around that I've bought in large part for match making, but none of it has given as good a product as this T.W. Evans 8 ply cordage. I haven't been a good judge of string. I bought some rough twine thinking it would be strong and have high friction, but it has not been as good as more ordinary smooth string for, say, tying off lift bags. The twine turned out to not take much tension to break, and was not especially good for knotting.

[@nitinkatiyar8699]

What is the use of putting it in hot box for 24hr at 100℃ ?

[@nedgorski]

Not 100 C, Nitin. My drying box runs about 140 deg F. It dries the match thoroughly.

[@josephhession7681]

If i subscribe on your website do you get a step by step tutorial and all the measurement

[@nedgorski]

Yessir, and much more.

[@sneakyviking2582]

Could I use dextrin to make this instead of the laundry starch?

[@nedgorski]

I have used dextrin, but do prefer the starch.

[@goodmaro]

What is the advantage of tautness during the initial drying? If the string hung loosely, would the strands separate? I also notice you don't try to add dry powder to the hanging slurry-damp match. Did you find by experiment that trying to stick on extra powder is a waste? Similarly, have you found that pre-soaking the string in KNO3 solution is a waste?

[@nedgorski]

The tension just ends up creating nice, straight lengths of the match. I don't think the strands would separate if lengths hung loosely, though. It's just awfully easy to string the match between two supports, or around a frame. I don't find that dusting the wet match with extra BP dust, or soaking the string first, is necessary. I'm not inclined to fix what ain't broke. (-:

[@goodmaro]

@@nedgorski Why do you want straight lengths when your final product's a coil anyway? I've been hanging mine loosely, but only single strings, and I think I'm going to need multiple strings together to sustain ignition reliably when bare. Inside piping, strings laid close together are enough, don't need to be STUCK together, but as a bare leader in humid conditions I get a lot of hangs unless I can get 2 or more strings held together in the open, which is why I wondered whether taut drying would help that.

[@kamikazeclif6149]

thanks Ned it's really appreciated! I've been trying other ways with dextrin but nothing turned out like this thank you again

[@selfmadepyro3874]

Is the temperature in the drying box a hundred degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius?

[@nedgorski]

F

[@selfmadepyro3874]

ned gorski thank you

[@nedgorski]

You're welcome

[@falconparty817]

Do you ball mill it or just mix by hand?

[@nedgorski]

Either will work if the chemicals are very fine. I like to ballmill at least for a while, to ensure that fineness and good mixing.

[@retiredsquad7716]

Hey Ned I'm a bilateral leg amputee it would be easier for me to do the black match drying vertically do you see a problem in that? I will be subscribing very soon to fireworking.com

[@nedgorski]

That should be no problem at all, BS. Traditionally, the blackmatch would be wound on large rectangular wood racks, pivoting around a central axle. You could get creative and develop a process which works well for you. Good luck.

[@goodmaro]

On a small scale, I've bent a metal coathanger into a square frame for match.

[@hedonisthobbyist707]

Hi Ned, Can you replace the Argo starch with dextrin to bind the BP to the cotton string? TY

[@nedgorski]

I prefer the laundry starch, but dextrin, with some CMC to keep the solids dispersed in the slurry, can be used instead.

[@hedonisthobbyist707]

@@nedgorski thank you Ned.

[@hedonisthobbyist707]

@@nedgorski CMC is an acronym I’m assuming, what is it specifically? TY

[@nedgorski]

@@hedonisthobbyist707 carboxy methyl cellulose CMC is used as a thickener in some foods, etc. Amazon it.

[@joseorozco4701]

Would 16 ply twine be better it has the same strands, and you probably get less tanglement

[@SimoWill75]

Interesting method. Back when I was making this 25 years ago, I would just draw the string through a small hole in a funnel full of the slurry as I wound it onto the drying rack. Worked perfectly and took about 5 or so minutes.

[@nedgorski]

I'd have to bet that, with your method, if you cut the match, there'd be bare, white string in the center. The idea of good match making is to have the string impregnated to the core, with no white string in there if it's cut. But, if that worked for you..., there are lots of ways to skin the cat, and some of them work pretty well.

[@SimoWill75]

To be honest I don't remember, quite possibly but I never had any issues with it on Jute (burlap) twine, worked as expected. It wasn't my idea, I read of the method being used commercially in either Rev. Lancaster or Shimizu's book (only two I had at the time) and I adapted it for my very small scale use. I sorely miss making FW stuff, unfortunately I live in a nanny state where, even tho I have a pyro (purchase/store/use) licence, manufacture is strictly forbidden. Sigh. (Edit, forgot to mention, the twine wasn't pulled thru dry, it was pre-soaked in water+kno3, comp binder was glutinous rice starch)

[@mikehammer2473]

Kool!

[@joeydubbs763]

You are a master & an artist my friend.

[@instagib783]

Hi Ned. I have a question about how the starch itself might affect the burn rate. What are your thoughts on adding additional oxidizer to compensate for the extra carbohydrate fuel from the starch?

[@nedgorski]

I wouldn't want to change things to fix what isn't broken.

[@user-sg2yt6nc1z]

49:36 "smoothed out a Bitch"....LMAO...Whats on your mind???

[@pacman10182]

I've seen BP wetted with alcohol and water a little thinner than your slurry, kinda just soaks in

[@hydrus77]

Ned is my youtube unlcle

[@nedgorski]

I'll include you in my will, Hyd... (-:

[@PhilieBlunt666]

Sir Ned I have two quick questions, in the comp you're using is the starch replacing the dextrin as the binder? And second could you use the starch instead as a binder to granulate your bp ? In a lesser amount of course cause you'd never be able to granulate a paste.. just curious if it might ne a former end product without affecting the hotness of the powder

[@nedgorski]

Yes, in the blackmatch slurry, the laundry starch is acting as the binder instead of dextrin, Philie. I prefer to use no binder when granulating black powder. Any binder will slow it down some, and with certain methods, no binder is necessary.

[@PhilieBlunt666]

@@nedgorski thanks man, you always come thru for me, big reason I love this channel so much

[@PhilieBlunt666]

@@nedgorski do you have a video you could point me to on that? Cause every time I've tried to granulate without dextrin it just crumbles back down once it dries

[@nedgorski]

@@PhilieBlunt666 I, and others, have lots of info on that on the website, Philie. But a short tip would be to use a good hot BP charcoal, a well milled mix, and 70% isopropyl alcohol to granulate, getting the putty ball good and glistening wet. Good luck.

[@PhilieBlunt666]

@@nedgorski ahh the alcohol must be the key, cause my powder is pretty good, make my own willow char and have a double barrel mill. As always your help is extremely appreciated

[@southbayrickybobby5820]

Smoothed out, a bitch... 😂😂😂