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Looking for some suggested formulas


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#16 dannytsg

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Posted 04 September 2014 - 01:41 PM

Thank. I found the skylighter tutorial so that helps quite a lot.


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#17 Mortartube

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Posted 04 September 2014 - 02:36 PM

You might find this page generally useful. Your fountain will obviously be a lot smaller than the beast that is the "Clarks giant steel fountain", but many of the principles will be the same. http://www.brianredm...s/projects.html


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#18 dannytsg

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Posted 04 September 2014 - 04:44 PM

Yes thanks for that.

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#19 dannytsg

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Posted 05 September 2014 - 08:20 AM

 

Another good reference site. Thanks for that.


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#20 dannytsg

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Posted 05 September 2014 - 03:19 PM

Just as a further question. If I leave the fountain unchoked is there any chance of it going bang instead of fizz?

 

Worried about testing such a thing and it not doing as intended especially in my back garden or the like where it would draw unnecessary attention if it went boom.


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#21 helix

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Posted 05 September 2014 - 03:34 PM

The main causes of a fountain going bang are either the composition not being consolidated properly or the nozzle clogging up.

 

If you don't have a nozzle then chances are the spray height will be somewhat disappointing - you would normally have a nozzle unless its a rain formula or coloured fire/ traffic light type effort.  

 

The nozzle sometimes clogs up with comps. containing aluminium  but if you are starting with charcoal gerbs then you should be ok - just start with a fairly large nozzle.



#22 Arthur Brown

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Posted 05 September 2014 - 04:09 PM

If the powder core is properly rammed to a hard dense solid then there is little chance of making a banger, if the powder cracks then it might bang.

 

A gerbe without a nozzle will be weak and low, a gerbe with too small a nozzle will tend to bang. you need to find a fair size of nozzle to come between a wimp fountain and a big banger, Start with a nozzle about bore/2.


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#23 starseeker

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Posted 05 September 2014 - 06:06 PM

For your peace of mind if you start with a nozzle less fountain and when this performs correctly then add a nozzle to your next one.


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#24 dannytsg

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Posted 05 September 2014 - 08:33 PM

Well I gave it a try tonight. I made the tube myself, plugged it off one end and filled it using some BP+Al mix. I didn't ram it home as I didn't have the correct dowel size so it was just packed as best I could. I fitted it with Visco and nozzle which was 1/2 the diameter.

Here is the video:



It started off well but then slowed somewhat. I guess I need to really ram the composition next time to get a more consistent burn but I am happy for a first try.

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#25 Deano 1

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Posted 05 September 2014 - 09:44 PM

Good start.

But don't forget, if you've got metals in there, don't ram it, it needs to be pressed.

 

 

Dean


Our saviours : In the ninth century, a team of Chinese alchemists trying to synthesize an "elixir of immortality" from saltpeter, sulfur, realgar, and dried honey instead invented gunpowder.

#26 Arthur Brown

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Posted 05 September 2014 - 09:52 PM

For a first try that is superb. You can now try to choke it a little til you get a fair height and a slightly noisy burn without the bang!

 

Remember that BP mixes can be rammed with a drift and a mallet, but once you add metal powder you should only use a press. Pressing is more steady and you get good compacting without the impact of ramming with a mallet. There is a tiny risk of spontaneous combustion if you ram a comp with metal powder, pressing is safer.


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#27 Crazy Cat

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Posted 06 September 2014 - 01:42 AM

Hi all,
I am now looking to progress to experimenting with fountains and flares. I wanted to get some collective ideas of which formulas are the simplest and still give good effect.
Any suggestions of compositions?


Many resources here, http://getanewgun.com/

Good e-book to read: http://getanewgun.co...f_Fireworks.pdf
 

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#28 dannytsg

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Posted 06 September 2014 - 08:36 AM

Thanks. I will give it another go later on and try and press the powder evenly this time.

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#29 Mortartube

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Posted 06 September 2014 - 03:49 PM

Did the tube burn through at the side, that is a possible cause of it dying down, or it may just need a choke to keep up the pressure. A good start. The addition of metals can raise the temperature. If you ever get on to Barium Nitrate and Aluminium mixes, some of those produce tremendous heat and need very thick walled tubes.

 

Keep up the good work. :)


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#30 dannytsg

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Posted 06 September 2014 - 04:54 PM

Can I also just ask what difference pressing the powder makes compared to just loose filling the tube? Is it just to do with more fuel for the effect?

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