18 replies to this topic

[Rhodri]

Hi

I'm not quite at the 'shell level' yet but I've started thinking about it.

One question that I don't have the answer to is this:

How does one attach a fuse to a shell device that is itself ignited from the lift but burns slowly so that the shell bursts at its apogee - rather than straight away.

In 'little tests' that I've tried the fuse is always 'flashed' so much by the lift that the star either bursts in the mortar or just as it comes out.

I'm sure there's an easy way but can't think of it?

[BigG]

You use a special fuse called time fuse. This fuse receive and eject fire only from the edges, so you can bury it inside the shell, and it will not pass fire until the fire reaches the edge that is inside the shell. Another option employed by the Italians is spolette. Those are small diameter tubes that are rammed hard with BP. The spolette takes fire at one end, and then the bp burns through until you reach the other end. One end should be outside the shell and the other inside.

Just a brief explenation Do some research on time fuse and spolettes.

BigG

[Edited on 25-7-2003 by BigG]

[bernie]

This is a manufactured fuse that is about 1/4" in diameter and comes in a continuous length that you cut to size. The center has a black powder core wrapped in a tar paper of some sort and finished off with a few strands of white and red thread. It burns at a very reliable rate. I want to say 3-4 seconds per inch.
In use a hole is punched through from side to side about 3/8" from an end and a piece of black match is inserted all the way through. If the flight time is say 3 seconds then you measure off an inch and punch another hole and run some match through it. The black match provides a wonderful transfer of fire and spit as you might imagine.
As Big mentioned already the spoolette is used for cannister shells. On the smaller sizes a piece of the above fuse can be used but you won't find anything but spoolettes on larger shells. It's an anchor for your string. The manufactured variety is just not stout enough. If your new to it and can't find any Jap. time fuse I suggest you make a few can shells. :cool:

[Matt]

Whats the arguement against using spolettes in round shells? A lot of people say not to but I just cant think why it wouldnt work or why anything would go wrong. Can soomebody fill me in?

-Matt

[adamw]

They arent used in Chinese spherical shells because of the cost. By all means use them on your own shells if you cant get time fuse. I suppose another reason is they are bulkier and 'heavier' so they would need securing better to withstand the lift.

[Matt]

Oh ok. So its just from a mass production point of view? now it all makes sence. Can anyone see my avatar? it doesnt show on my screen for some stupid reason

-Matt

[adamw]

'Tis because you are linking from a Geocities site, and they dont like giving you a place to store your pictures and display them on another site.

[Matt]

hmmmm. well that sucks. Anyone feel like hosting a pic? :duh:

-Matt

[nickpatts]

http://nickpatts.pwp...o.uk/avatar.jpg

there you go

[Matt]

Oh thanks! i was only jokin but since ya done it i might aswell use it. cheers.

-Matt

[Stuart]

Is that meant to be a grenade or a shell?

[Matt]

its a 2 inch shell. I dont make grenades.

-Matt

[Rhodri]

Nice shell Matt!

[Richard H]

It looks like a respectable Italian star shell to me.

[bernie]

Wish we could have seen your shell before you paste wrapped it. There's just something about a spiked shell that really gets my motor runnin'. How big were the little squares when you were done spiking? Your little knot of lift at the bottom looks very Maltese ish.

:cool: