3 Inch Color and Report Shell Construction

Complete details of such shell construction, guided by Fulcanelli 1 and 2. The firing of the shell is in this video: • 3 Inch Color and Repor...

[@tonsta1703]

I never realized how much time and effort it took to make a single fireworks

[@memeshack9454]

everything used to be hand made

[@themanuel111]

@@memeshack9454 everything is still mostly handmade

[@kevinduprey9326]

Absolutely 😮... Never again will I question the price that these fireworks command .. I've been educated on craftsmanship and attention to detail makes all difference. Outstanding work from Ned.

[@HYMN_SCIENCE]

Pyros are the only one who can truly appreciate the beauty of fireworks😊

[@zubaidi8078]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@94XJ]

I'm not entirely certain how I got here but this is beyond fascinating. This independence day, I'll appreciate the craftsmanship that created the fireworks that much more. Thank you for sharing!

[@nedgorski]

Hey, cool. Happy 4th. ned

[@matthewcncsutton5283]

Yeah only if we knew what it fires like!!

[@haggard21077]

Excellent tutorial. I have always had a passion for fireworks. When I was a little kid me and my bro would walk through the yard on July 5th looking for fireworks that didn't go off. We would find rockets or maybe a small ball shell or 2 that didn't go off so what I would do is take the fireworks apart (maybe not the greatest idea lol) but I always even at a young age had an interest in how fireworks functioned. Over the years I started realizing how fireworks worked. Ever since then I've had a passion for fireworking....it's an art. It's great to see your attention to detail when it comes to you making your fireworks. Top notch work!

[@Duggernaut23]

Looking around the yard for unpoped fireworks means you had some great 4th of Julys

[@haggard21077]

@@Duggernaut23 o yeah. Family had fireworks every year. Alot of great memories made and more to come.

[@robertschmits4304]

You're a very thorough teacher. I appreciate your very detailed explanations! Your work is awesome too watch and learn from

[@nedgorski]

Thanks, Robert.

[@bulletproofmum]

I'm pyro obsessed, love buying them, handling them, firing, watching. Always have loved fireworks. But making them isn't an option here (uk). That said, every few months I go on a binge watching your videos Ned. Fascinating and just... fun. Thank you for sharing this wonderful process, I never get bored of it. Its a cliché, but you're the Bob Ross of pyro :)

[@nedgorski]

Thanks, Jenny. That's funny. We do have some folks in the website from the UK, and other restrictive countries over there, but I do know it's tough to practice the art in the nanny states. We may not be far behind you here in the US if some folks have their way. But "keep putting that little firework video in 'your world'..." It's your world, and you can do anything you want in it. (-:

[@tjlovesrachel]

Jenny Moody you really couldn’t order what you needed and just do it (all laws aside)... or is it so bad that you can’t even get the chemicals in to your country?

[@bobw222]

An incredible amount of work for 3 seconds of pleasure.

[@jthunders]

Sounds like some of the dates I was on in high school

[@bobw222]

@@jthunders OK... you win the internet for today...

[@219Pyro]

@@jthunders LOL

[@timporzukowiak18]

Thank you so much for sharing. I love watching all of your videos. Art in the sky makes my best best day happen always and every time.

[@chrispyrozigzeigler9298]

Great video. I love learning how fireworks are made. Gives me a new appreciation to them, other than firing them off. Thank you so much for your demonstration of skill and knowledge. Love to see the follow up video of how it performed.

[@madbhagwatmahapurandevkina1943]

Iamalso

[@pyrodiscoflash6115]

Artist in a Beautiful Craft that helped give birth to Chemistry, great way to introduce applied Mathematics in real world applications

[@onemorething100]

Unbelievable attention to detail and Professionally crafted. Very intriguing

[@johnhutchinson3231]

Hey Ned, love all your videos on shell making. I don't know where most of us would be at if not for your great informational videos on pyrotechnics. They are very detailed in all aspects. Hate to hear skilighter is going out of business. I hope you can keep us informed on where we might be able to continue getting our chemicals for our star making and our other Pyro projects. Like the Humminbird the other day. Stay safe and keep all the good info coming. Thanks a lot Ned.

[@nedgorski]

Thanks, John. I'd not heard that Skylighter was going out of business. Where are you getting that info? I do like Phil's General Store, and FireworksCookbook.com for chemical purchases nowadays. ned

[@johnhutchinson3231]

ned gorski I talked to Harry this morning and he told me. Said just as soon as they sell their last products they will be closing the doors. Gave me a suggestion though. Told me to snatch up on all The fuse possible but calls he looks like the sales across the United States is going to stop.

[@johnhemingway597]

Very Informative..A lot of work involved for a couple of seconds burst. You show us why they cost so much. Thanks.

[@Ringele5574]

Way above my comprehension level, but I found this very informative.

[@whatme3473]

Love too watch fire works but the craftsmanship that goes into making them realy ticks my O.C.D box amazing. 😃

[@pyromike3002]

You are great at what you do Ned, i love your tutorial videos. I hope there's more on your fireworking page.

[@dylanhealy4473]

It's amazing to watch you work. Great instructional video. Thanks for all the time you take & your attention to every detail.

[@bsh21wash1]

Wow! Incredible craftsmanship! Nice work!

[@petebuxton3341]

That was an excellent demonstration, your skills are second to none.....nothing more need be said......except maybe...Bravo and Please continue ;-)

[@nedgorski]

Thanks, Pete. I am surrounded by excellent fireworkers, so trying to keep up with them is a challenge. We prod each other on. Best, ned

[@woodyahh2110]

So an hour and a half $300.99 later for 5 sec of pure bliss NICE !

[@nedgorski]

Yep, satisfaction priceless, Woody.

[@gazmeister1984]

Would dampening down with acetone not make this safer?

[@johnhutchinson3231]

I talked to Mr. Harry today because I had noticed a change in their website and the products that they are selling. I asked how much longer would they be open and he told me just to soon as they finish selling everything else I have in stock. Suggested that all of us that has a Pyro hobby needs to start buying up as much fuse as we can. Did not get into deep detail about it but said it was a very good idea to do so and as soon as possible.

[@SPG063]

Wow thats a lot of work really respectful handcraftship… My respect man

[@georgescott1180]

It would be great to have a link to these when they are fired to show what you built. Looks like great work.

[@nedgorski]

It's pretty easy to look at my vids, and see the followup vid which came shortly after this one.

[@bellowphone]

Ned, you said the last thing you want to happen is to have the bottom shot go off in the mortar. Then later you said the last thing you want to happen is to have the leader come detached from the shell. ONE of those has to be the second last thing. I'm only pushing your leg; I loved the video.

Glad he did it the quick way.

[@johnstaton5524]

For spiking i have been using juke cord with a 49lb break strength and get very decent results.

[@nilsrichart9074]

Amazing video. Can someone summ up the safety measures for building a shell?

[@nedgorski]

Some basic ones, Nils. Wear good eye protection, and cotton long sleeve clothing. Don't work on pyro if you just had a fight with your spouse; be able to focus intently on the task at hand. Have doors on shops outswinging, and slightly ajar when you're working. Keep a bucket of clean water handy for dousing burns. Absolutely keep explosives/flammables to the bare minimum in the work area, to keep a small event from turning into a big catastrophe. Store explosives safely. There are other safety measures, of course, but those will get you a long way toward working safely, and enjoying this art.

[@nilsrichart9074]

ned gorski thank you for your speedy reply. I really love your passion about pyro. You’re a master of your craft. Many greetings from Germany ✌️

[@joshuamalo2868]

I recommend people wearing one of those static prevention bracelets to prevent a static shock or something. A lot of people use them for working with computers so they don't short out the components. I myself, will be buying a few.

[@notskeppy638]

This man must be protected at all costs

[@MetalHeadPyro510]

I thought you were supposed to use bp coated rice hulls. Granulated bp works better?

[@nedgorski]

For these smaller shells, yes, I find granulated BP works best. For the larger shells, yep, BP on ricehulls.

[@ChaplainDaveSparks]

”Brown paper packages, tied up with string These are a few of my favorite things” 😀 A question, though: Is the reason it's constructed with paper and string, rather than, let's say, plastic so the casing will burn up more or less completely and not produce shrapnel? Seeing this shell actually produced gives me a real appreciation for pyrotechnics -- spending this much time and effort for something that lasts just seconds!

[@nedgorski]

Hi, Dave. Yep, it is a favorite time of the year. I'm working one some more packages as we speak. Paper, string, and glue are the traditional materials used in fire working. They can be adjusted and tuned to produce the nicest device displays. The don't produce hazardous fallout, and they are bio-degradable. They are also readily available anywhere we go on the planet. Good stuff.

[@ngarmy6602]

Do you use cotton and yarn string for spiking ?

[@Kongfufrank]

Onde vende livro que usa para fabricar?

[@nedgorski]

It is available in the Store in Fireworking.com , Franklin, but international orders must be processed manually. You can contact me at [e-mail] to arrange that. It is Fulcanelli 1 and 2 combination edition, originally in Pyrotechnica 9 and 11

[@goodmaro]

Wow, building the stars in like bricks in a dome, tamping the polverone in each space like mortar, and when you turn it over, everything stays in place! No wonder you get the results while mine are hit or miss.

[@cjb9754]

I question the spiking use of string or twine (and additional paper wrapping) to have the strength required to hold end caps, seeing the casing must be around 3/8" thickness. I've watched numerous videos and the most common technique is the same. Is there any other method? Maybe someday show this DOES hold showing casing rupture, Yours ARE some of the best videos I've seen. Thanks for sharing.

[@pyrofrench6369]

Hello pyro master, Nice tutoriel, but what is the mesh titanium sponge ,do you add for your report shell ? Thanks mister ned !

[@paulpothier123]

18:30 them are some shiny aluminium fingersdo u always use glue on your spiking twine?

[@paulpothier123]

TheRealUbehage I know I was asking him

[@denisonjesse]

Sometimes I put this on while at work it is like watching Bob Ross paint

[@nedgorski]

I put anything I want into my own little world..... (-:

[@joshuamalo2868]

So true.

[@KC9RXP]

Happy little shells 😄

[@PyroMailou]

Nice job Ned. But very complicated salute construction. Wet from glue contaminate flash powder (inner disc help a lot). Thickness of salute tube is enormous (4mm, spiral tube works perfect) Small spacch full of slowflash (booster) makes salute sound better...

[@joshbousquet8821]

Hes following the book to the letter

[@kohnbonn9744]

This is a great man.

[@johnreeves1907]

++

[@fineartonfire_5327]

Shit Ned, I am EVER so happy to have found this video!!! I’ve tried and tried to figure out bottom shots. And only MORE confused after reading Fulcanelli 2 and watching that other “bottom shot” video here on YT. So thank you thank you!! Idk how I haven’t seen this before. But I’m very thankful that I did today!! Thanks again, ThePieceKeeper!!

[@nedgorski]

Excellent, James. It always helps to see something done. Enjoy.

[@bungieflute]

@@nedgorski I was gonna tell him ,He better jump back and kiss himself....heyyyyyy

[@usa5865]

I've been trying to watch all of your videos but haven't seen what "pulveroon" is. What type of powder are you putting around the stars?

[@nedgorski]

Polverone is just a screen mixed filler black powder made with standard charcoal, JT. It was traditionally used to fill the outer spaces of a shell, saving the use of commercial BP for the inner actual burst charge, therefore being more economical.

[@mikepelletier1399]

What is the ratio of flash to rice hulls/ titanium?

[@tsklj007]

This is 7:3 flash, plus "bulking agent" such as the rice hulls, wheat bran, etc, and plus 10% Ti for sparks. Fulcanelli spec's that the bulking agent volume be 1/4 or 1/5 the volume of the actual flash composition. And, +5% to +10% coarse Titanium sponge or turnings be added for the optional bright Ti sparks in a titanium report. Approximately 70 grams (2-1/2 ounces) of this composition will fit in a 3" thick-walled salute casing. (Approximately 0.5 oz per cubic inch) A 5" salute core will hold 530 grams. Observe all flash-mixing precautions. Source: Fulcanelli, etc

[@rskrks]

So much work for one spectacular BOOM

[@redneckpyromania6965]

Two spectacular booms haha

[@countryboompyro6746]

Kind of a noob question, but on the finished spolette, why do you put two holes through the gummed kraft paper where the black match comes out of?

[@nedgorski]

In a slow-mo vid of a spolette burning, you can see fire spitting from those holes prior to the interior blackmatch spitting through. The old Italian builders felt that the holes can prevent fire from being choked off at the match-tie, or being "spun out" as the shell is spinning and the spolette burns through. It's just a good insurance measure.

[@vh14a]

What exactly is the pulverone you are using arround the stars? I thought it was black powder until you added the hot granulated. I looked quite a bit down through the comments but couldn't find my answer. I apologize if you have already answered this question.

[@jthunders]

Ball mill 75/15/10, wet it and push it through an 8 mesh screen

[@nedgorski]

Polverone is a weak black powder, Vince, made with standard charcoal, and with no ballmilling, just screen mixing, and with a binder.

[@jthunders]

@@nedgorski I have been ball milling and granulated mine, are you saying it's more trouble than it's worth? Just use the rough powder? Where is my copy of fulcanelli dammit.

[@nedgorski]

@@jthunders Polverone is traditionally just screen mixed from fine chemicals, and then granulated. Fulcanelli details that.

[@jthunders]

@@nedgorski yeah I found my copy and re read that section I just got used to ball milling everything because my KNO3 and sulfer are agro and it's easier that way because it's prilled. Happy Thanksgiving

[@kenbuster3524]

Your black match is nice and flexible, huh. Mines always brittle and falls of or cracks the coating when it bends. Do u use single base sp or ping pong balls?

[@nedgorski]

I make blackmatch with the BP bound with Argo laundry starch, dry powder.

[@kenbuster3524]

@@nedgorski huh, gonna look into that, i lost sleep last night thinking about your noodle like flexible black match.

[@idrisusman3747]

No tester fire?

[@JasonAlexzander1q47]

I obviously don't know what quantity you buy your supplies in or at what price. Or added time to construct one shot. But what would be the price of just one of those units, if being sold for a commercial display type of event?

[@jew5913]

Very nice presentation i just have one thing that i am confused about as i am new to this arena, your black match was on the outside attached to the bottom enclosed by paper and nothing else. Then you attached your black match to the top of the spalet. So from what i see is the black match ignites the spalet which starts the entire process. So what is the reason for a strip of black match down the outside then enclosed in paper ??

[@nedgorski]

Thanks, John. You are referring to the passfire, going from the spolette on top of the shell, down to the lift charge at the bottom. Without the passfire, the lift charge on the bottom of the shell would not ignite and lift the shell into the air. I hope that clarifies it.

[@jew5913]

Thanks Ned for replying i just watch another video where i saw you put a balloon of lift powder. I assumed in the first that is what should have been i might have missed that part, getting coffee or something :). still i like all the video you have done and there detail. I made my first sugar base fuse and first bottle rocket made a 1/2 in just to see if it would work. It did i got a nice plume. fuse was a little slow about 20sec per inch. dont know is that is good - work in progress.

[@zacchurch8701]

New drinking game! Every time Ned says "fresh bead of glue around the base of the spollette" take a drink. Lol

[@jeremyarnold629]

Damn, I got drunk as hell in 20 minutes. 😉

[@danielstein6715]

Omg im dead!

[@basvanvliet7622]

I have 2 questions: 1 where do you get those amazing tubes or how do you make them? 2 why would the salutshell burst trough the tube, the enddisks look way less strong?! Good video though!

[@nedgorski]

I have those tubes for 3" and 4" shells available on my site, Bas, and flash is so powerful, and explodes so rapidly, that everything is simply turned into confettin in an instant. BP would just blow the ends off, as you envision. Thanks, and best for the Holidays. ned

[@dopihead]

Who the fuck disliked this video? smh GREAT JOB MAN! Craftsmanship is on point!

[@nedgorski]

Thanks, Dop. Ya can't make everyone happy...

[@sbeverunner6083]

Was there a reason that your pulverone has quite a bit of dust in it? Was it just a granulation method?

[@nedgorski]

It's not very dusty. It is screen granulated, not pucked and corned, so has a bit more dust than the latter.

[@sbeverunner6083]

ned gorski ah I see, I didn’t mean any harm. On the video it looked a bit dusty, might be my terrible eye sight. I made a batch of 3/4” red crossettes and will be making a 6” shell per your tutorial, just upscaled

[@nedgorski]

@@sbeverunner6083 Good luck with the projects, S.

[@liberalove8993]

Hi Ned Gorski, I'm a fan of yours, I'm Italian, and I'm a huge fan of dark shot. Unfortunately, even with subtitles it is not very easy for me to follow you but I am committed. Is it possible to do a tutorial on how to do the dark shot perfectly? Excuse the disorder.

[@nedgorski]

Hi, Liberia. I typically use flash powder, with or without titanium. The only time I do use dark-report composition is sometimes when breaking crossette comets, or other times I don't want the flash from a device. Dark report can be more sensitive than is flash-powder, too, so it needs to be handled very carefully. Good luck.

[@liberalove8993]

Hi Ned, I wanted to ask you if it is really necessary to put the black match inside the fuses, can I put it on the tip of the fuses? I also wanted to know the measurements of the card you use for the 3 inch salute

[@nilsrichart9074]

Hey Ned another question. Which ingredients can I work with hammer and chisel and which would explode?

[@nedgorski]

Hand ramming really should only be done when using charcoal compositions. Comps with hard metals, or strobe/whistle/color comps are best pressed for safety.

[@qfudgedoggy]

Very nice work as always Ned. I think you don't need spiking for that bottom shot though. I have your bottom shot casings and I just glue the end disks. ... 30g flash in that mixed binary and it's not a subtle reaction by any means.. Aa.

[@joshbousquet8821]

If you go by the book the bottom shot gets spiked.

[@MrNicovdw]

sir , where do i find that instruction manual you talk about ?

[@nedgorski]

The Fulcanelli 1&2 Combo issue is available at Fireworking.com , Nico

[@MrNicovdw]

@@nedgorski thanks sir

[@tjrusso582]

Thought your not suposta screen both fuel/oxidizer through the same screen unless u clean it ?

[@Dario_Kart]

Why do you mix rice hulls in the Flash?

[@garymoore9650]

makes air spaces between the flash mix, so all the flash will burn evenly and make the loudest report.

[@ngarmy6602]

where you get that paper tape when you make it wet it glued to paper ?

[@nedgorski]

McMaster Carr is a good source, or WoodysRocks.com

[@ngarmy6602]

@@nedgorski for Croatia ?

[@nedgorski]

@@ngarmy6602 I'm sorry, NG, I don't know about Croatia, but I'd have to guess gummed kraft paper tape is available and used for something over there. Good luck finding it. Of course, you could explore making cylinder shells, which don't require gummed tape, or using pasted paper strips on your ball shells, instead of the tape.

[@ngarmy6602]

@@nedgorski I'm going to make cylinders shells but its beter to have it for shells and petards its easier

[@ngarmy6602]

@@nedgorski thanks

[@rdlc3572]

What disc widths did you use 1/16 or 1/8

[@nedgorski]

I used 1/8" thick ones, but either would work.

[@dustinbogart9161]

Great work ned as usual. Some people voice concerns of adding the sponge titanium directly to the flash comp. Doesn't seem to bother you lol.

[@nedgorski]

Thanks, Dustin. Naw, zillions of salutes have had Ti in them. We just have to be careful with flash powder, no matter what.

[@Rootpuma2.0]

What type of glue is being used?

[@nedgorski]

I typically use a yellow wood glue like Titebond, Rick.

[@redneckpyromania6965]

Could one do a lot of shells one step at a time lile say make the bottom salutes for 20 shells at a time then do the next part the next day

[@nedgorski]

Sure, Red. That's probably the way they have done it in commercial settings.

[@redneckpyromania6965]

@@nedgorski Okay thank you very much for the response and the info!

[@awamlehaoamlh795]

Work well done with all the respect and appreciation

[@LouisianaPyro93]

Do you have a video or any tips on pasting shells?

[@nedgorski]

+Military Pyro Yep, in the website. Plenty of info. ned

[@LouisianaPyro93]

+ned gorski thank you

[@lakshanvithanage5292]

Dear, can you tell how to make color smoke recipe....

[@anthonycomes7896]

What books are these that youre reading from? I really enjoy your videos!

[@nedgorski]

Thanks, Anthony. Those are the Fulcanelli articles on cylinder shell construction, from Pyrotechnica 9 and 11. They are now both included in the Fulcanelli combo edition.

[@anthonycomes7896]

@@nedgorski Thank You, I will definitely check that out.

[@layedbackkustomz]

Ned always great vids but I got a few questions can you tell me where you got the tube your using for the bottom shot and its dimensions. also where did you get the spolette tooling. im ready to switch to spolettes because I can see some positive things about them over 1/4" time fuse.

[@nedgorski]

I got a couple cases of those report casings surplus, Layed, and have them available in the Store on the website. They are 2-1/2" OD, same height, and 1-5/8" ID. One could roll such a casing from chipboard, though. I got my spolette tooling from Rich Wolter, wolterpyrotools.com. I really do like spolettes, especially for cylinder shells. Good luck in your projects. ned

[@jamesciembor8129]

For Flash try using corn cob dust instead of saw dust, I personally like adding cab-osil to the mix at one gram to every 100 grams of flash. This way you can fill her up, instead of 3/4 the way. I personally love using blue aluminum at 80/ 20 dark aluminum with a spolette with a cross match, Spike her up, and remember the stronger the confinement, the stronger the pressure, The bigger the boom.

[@georgiangeileanu9792]

Can you make a tutorial for making stars for shells?

[@nedgorski]

There are one or two here on KZbin, GG, and I have numerous ones in the website, Fireworking.com

[@georgiangeileanu9792]

@@nedgorski thank you, can you give me the links of the videos?

[@i_am_aladeen]

@@georgiangeileanu9792 kzbin.infovideos

[@phien9ah272]

Bắn ống bao nhiêu vậy

[@stinkpotbaby]

Respect where it's deserved. We all thank you.

[@MinhNguyen-zn3gf]

Could you please share with me the recipe for making black explosives that completely burn star particles in fireworks. Can I make black explosives that cannot burn star particles in fireworks for unknown reasons?

[@nedgorski]

Simple 75:15:10 black powder is the simplest explosive used to break star shells, and ignite the stars, Minh. Failures can result from lots of things, yes.

[@fyrcrack1]

By Fulcanelli you mean Mike Swisher don't you?

[@johnhutchinson3231]

Good afternoon Ned. I looked at Phils general store and was going to order a thing or two and for some reason I cannot get logged in or get a phone number to call to where I can get everything set up to where I can. Do you have any suggestions? It would be appreciated.

[@nedgorski]

John, email me at [e-mail] and I'll relay your message to Phil. ned

[@dutchk9833]

Ned another great video. When you put your lift charge in, can you put a disc between the BP and folded paper? Or would it leave debris in the tube after launch. I would think it would make the bottom more square and level with a disc.

[@nedgorski]

There's no need for a disc, Dutch, but you could put one in if you do prefer a squarish bottom of the finished shell. It wouldn't hurt anything. I do like the molded rounded bottom of my finished shells as shown, though. Lots of ways to skin the cat. ned

[@jrhattenstein]

Throughly enjoyed the build. Roughly how long did it take you to build that, aside from dry time, actual hands on time? And about how much did it cost?

[@jrhattenstein]

I've tinkered with small stuff by taking apart other fireworks

[@nedgorski]

Honestly, Jeremy, I don't keep track of time or money in these projects. It's an art form, a craftsmanship, and much of the time and effort is in gaining the experience to do it all. It's a labor of love.

[@jrhattenstein]

Fair enough

[@aldos.6108]

what was the outer diameter of the bottomshot casing? I have some 1/4" thick walled casings which are close to 2 3/4" OD and I was wondering if it could still be used to form the casing of a color and report shell, or is it too big?

[@nedgorski]

The BS casing OD was 2.5". That allows for the buildup of shell size as the construction progresses. I think you'll find your casings to be too large. ned

[@aldos.6108]

Thanks, I saw some of those for sale on your website, the walls are super thick!

[@nedgorski]

Aldo S. Yeah, they are. I'm in the process of restocking, and will be ordering the new tubes with 3/8" walls. Good salute and bottom shot casings.

[@aldos.6108]

ned gorski also how thick are those end discs, 1/4" or 1/8"?

[@johnhutchinson3231]

Would you happen to have any good advice on where and who might have a store like skilighters. Some of us that is been buying there for years is going to be lost.

[@nedgorski]

For chemicals, John, FireworksCookbook.com or Phil's General Store. For common tools and supplies, WoodysRocks.com . I do sell some hard-to-find literature and supplies in the Fireworking.com Store. One doesn't have to be a subscriber to purchase form that Store. Good luck finding what you need. ned

[@armrarr]

maybe a stupid question, but why doesn't the powder ignite when ure hammer it?

[@i_am_aladeen]

Black powder (Gunpowder) is very stable, and can absorb the forces of being hit. It is also relatively stable regarding friction. What that means is, the powder itself is stable. But the friction might create heat.

[@sswankk0070]

Would it be ok to substitute the black match with some visco?

[@nedgorski]

Visco's not really a good substitute for blackmatch.

[@i_am_aladeen]

No. Visco and blackmatch burn very differently. You cannot make quickmatch with visco.

[@nicolasclark7788]

Ned, what do you use to humific the ambient? I mean, to spray yourself and the work table (Without ruin the gunpowder)? And what other advice to avoid static? Thanks man!

[@HomeGrownPyro1]

@Nicholas Clark - Just grab some static guard spray from the laundry section of your local grocery store. Don't spray it onto the actual chemicals. Spray your clothes and table before you begin working and the outside of the containers or bags if you want and that should suffice.

[@tjlovesrachel]

I know this is an old question… but me personally… i just spill a water bottle or 2 of water on the floor brush it around and let it evaporate… then I have a spray bottle of water for various things that I take and mist my self with… then I’m ready to go

[@PraetzelProjects]

How long is that mortar?

[@nedgorski]

Standard length, 6 ID's long.

[@PraetzelProjects]

Ok thank you

[@Skyward.illumination]

What book is this

[@nedgorski]

Fulcanelli, the volume containing Parts 1 and 2. It's available in the Fireworking.com Store.

[@cjb9754]

Back in the day 1950's I was told that shellac was used primarily to glue these bad boys.

[@charlessmith5409]

Where do you get the papers with all the mixing info for each composition...??

[@nedgorski]

Those are all printed out from the Formulas database on Fireworking.com , Charles.

[@charlessmith5409]

ned gorski one more question... what type of string are you using sir..? Is it the same for using to spike also and make clove hitch knots?

[@nedgorski]

@@charlessmith5409 Yep, Charles, that's just 8-ply cotton string.

[@charlessmith5409]

ned gorski after you placed the stars you fill it with black powder granulated..? To fill the gaps ...?

[@HomeGrownPyro1]

@@charlessmith5409 Yes, when you stack the stars along the wall of the shell casing you'll see triangular shaped voids between the casing wall and where each star touches one another. You fill those empty spaces in with granulated black powder. This makes the shell construction much stronger and less likely to fail

[@xThizu]

Why don't you scrape the spolettes at the very start?

[@nedgorski]

That is explained in the video, xT. ned

[@xThizu]

ned gorski I must've missed it.

[@bonzoligist6330]

What do you think about using magnesium for flash,i cant get magnalium i can ,only get aluminium powder and magnesium..

[@nedgorski]

I don't use pure Mg. It's very water/moisture reactive. For flash, I use Al. For color stars, etc., MgAl.

[@bonzoligist6330]

ned gorski yes its very unstable if stored and handled the wrong way im very safety oriented.. ok cool so thats...um.. mgal=magnesium and aluminium mix...? might do some test mixtures,with nitrate and aluminium for flash as i cant get perchlorate,i tried some magnesium and nitrate yeh its works good but i would never leave it around in the open air i basically mix how much i want to use that day and put the rest back in storage..

[@nedgorski]

MgAl, magnalium, is an alloy of magnesium and aluminum, not just a mixture. Good luck.

[@bonzoligist6330]

ned gorski oh i can get that no probs. mgal 50/50 325mesh,would that work well with nitrate..

[@nedgorski]

I don't know, but I doubt it. Nitrate flash is typically not very powerful.

[@emilioopengo8726]

Where do you order your cemical and shell casings

[@davidmarshall385]

ned rocks how long does it take to dry a shell of that sort ill b in iowa see you there my freind

[@nedgorski]

In the sun, or in a drying box, David, the shell will be good and dry in a few hours. See ya in Mason City. ned

[@davidmarshall385]

youre shells kick ass my fave is shell of shell with verry loud inserts lol

[@homemadepyro1426]

i just made a 3" cylinder shell double break and is 500g for lift is good to put 45 g ?

[@nedgorski]

Per Fulcanelli 2, a typical lift charge for a two-break 3" cylinder shell would be 1-1/2 oz (42.6g) of commercial 2FA BP, so you should be good to go, HMP.. Good luck with 'er. ned

[@i_am_aladeen]

My rule of thumb is 6%.

[@juniormazza2781]

Do you teach or hold training courses?

[@nedgorski]

Sometimes at pyro events, and in the website.

[@omartazz5929]

what are those big pellets? what are they called?

[@nedgorski]

Those are called stars, Omar.

[@josephastier7421]

19:00 Now that's a salute shell. Dang.

[@mybuickskill6979]

Can I ask if there is anything to be gained by pasting and dryer single layers? Or is the time lost worth more than anything that might be gained? Just a curiosity keep up the good work you chemistry wizard you! 😇💕

[@nedgorski]

With the smaller shells, that's not typically done, but with larger shells, several pasting/drying sessions can be implemented.

[@mybuickskill6979]

@@nedgorski hmmm... Makes good sense 🤔😌👌

[@nigelpoole7163]

I wanted to see you light it

[@nedgorski]

Nigel, the vid of its performance is just down the vid list a few videos.

[@ricardosantos7241]

Good afternoon, what is the function of the rice husk in this powder?

[@i_am_aladeen]

Making it fluffier, so it takes up more space. Cheapens the salute a bit. AND, it also creates air-pockets for the fire to spread faster through the mix.