4 replies to this topic

[Paintballislife]

OK couple things ive been meaning to ask, First of all, could i use a rock tumbler like this for mixing? http://www.harborfre...temnumber=90979

Also, would it be ill advised to use potassium chlorate in a gun powder mix? What are some good books for a newbie to read?

After i make a batch of fuel or powder that requires dextrin, can i add that will i am melting them, or do i let the main ingredients cool, then add water and dextrin to it?

Is it best if all these composistions are melted, if not which ones should not be melted together.

[The_Djinn]

In short, yes you can use the rock tumbler shown on the web site. Best is to get hold of lead musket balls to use as milling media with the rock tumbler.
Next, as you are new to all of this, stay clear of chlorates as they are more sensitive by nature and there is a lot of incompatibility's related to the use of chlorates.
Take a step back from trying to re create items found on Richards web site with regards to the rocket motors. Richard has a lot of experience and most items on his site are not for beginners.
One book that come highly recomended and has numurous mentions on the forum is Tom Periegn - Introductry to Practical Pyrotechnics which is available from skylighter.com in the states.
An area you need to look at carefuly is safety. I notice in your previous posts about baking etc.. I have no doubt that this was carried out in your kitchen along with melting the KNO3 and sugar on the stove. Most members have small single stove plates which they use in the garden or in a shed away from the house where in the event of an accident, damage is kept to a minimum ie. no loss of life or property.
You need to learn to walk before you run. Start of small and build from there. The book mentioned above covers basics right through to various device and will give you a good foundation to work from.
Another point is to read up on the laws related to pyrotechnics etc as it is good to know where you stand from a legal point and to know what you can and cant do.

Most of what I have said here is covered within the forum. read through the various links and make use of the search facility.. you will be amased at the amount of information in here.



Mark

PS: Do not keep creating new threads, there are areas where general questions are asked and areas for most of your other queries.

Edited by The_Djinn, 05 August 2004 - 11:41 PM.

[Richard H]

Everything Mark has said is so true. Get yourself a few good books, and learn the basics. Never EVER make blackpowder with a chlorate. Chlorates and Sulphur mixtures are unstable and can be very dangerous.

[Paintballislife]

Another question, i have charcoal about 2 microns, is that too small for what im using? should i buy a largemesh and then tumble it down? Ill put the potassium chlorate in a safe place for now, what would one advise for storing these chemicals? I have alot of plastic tubs, i dont know of any static discharge factor but i would not be storing mixed, only raw chemicals.

Edited by Paintballislife, 06 August 2004 - 01:43 AM.

[Dan]

Another question, i have charcoal about 2 microns, is that too small for what im using? should i buy a largemesh and then tumble it down? Ill put the potassium chlorate in a safe place for now, what would one advise for storing these chemicals? I have alot of plastic tubs, i dont know of any static discharge factor but i would not be storing mixed, only raw chemicals.

store the fuels on one side of garage (or shed etc) in its own cabinat and oxidizers on the other side of the garage (or shed etc) in it own cabinat also. make sure u have a fire extinguisher, resperator and safety glasses.

If u must use strong oxidixers like potassium chorate get potassium perchlorate instead. it is a lot more stable but still not safe.