Projects Chemicals Ignition Compositions
I love Pyrotechnics. Ever since I was a small guy I loved them, I waited eagerly weeks before the fourth of July to watch them. My family would drive an hour or so to a firework stand in California to buy some fireworks. We always got fountains, sparklers and the other safe and sane variety of fireworks. My neighbor had a few items that spiraled into the air like a helicopter, and firecrackers, as well as big firecrackers. Stuff I have never seen. I just took it for granted that you could only buy fireworks like the ones I could get, safe and sane ones, in the U.S. Only 5 years ago when I seen the TNT fireworks website did I find out that you can buy shells, firecrackers, roman candles and other items in the U.S. I didn't like California then! Oh well, I had fun anyways. Last year however I found out I could make my own fireworks, which were not just as good as commercial ones, they were WAY better!
I also must give credit where credit is due. I
have learned a lot from the following sources, if you want to learn more I
highly encourage you to visit:
The Explosives and Weapons forum http://www.roguesci.org/theforum/index.php
Amateur Pyrotechnics and Chemistry forum http://xsorbit2.com/users/apcforum/
UK rocketry and pyro forum http://www.ukrocketry.co.uk/forum/
And the google newsgroup rec.pyrotechnics
All great sites, with wonderful information.
In this website you will find some of my
experiences with pyrotechnics, as well as instructions on making some items
yourself. By entering this site you acknowledge the following. This information
is presented as educational. Some of the information found herein may be
dangerous, and can cause personal or property damage. I can not be held
accountable for anything you may attempt, mix, construct, fabricate or ignite
from information attained from this site.
Above all, be safe, learn and read a lot before attempting
anything! Some chemicals are very poisonous even life threatening, read the MSDS
before handling them! Get yourself latex gloves, heavy leather gloves, a
respirator and a safe place to work before entering this hobby. Fireworks are
fun to make and pretty to watch. But it's not worth your heath, life, your loved
ones life or your and others property to do it!
Even though I have done a lot of research and have gotten results from
experiments don't take my information as the end all be all of everything, search
and read! There are many other great sites to get information from such as Dan Williams,
he has an excellent website!
From a legal standpoint making fireworks for your own personal use, as long as you follow local and state laws is legal. The ATF says it is perfectly legal to pursue this hobby as long as you follow a few laws. You cannot store fireworks unless you have built a magazine for storage. So unless you do have one, make 'em and light 'em. You must follow state and local laws. If your state only sells safe and sane, you can only make novelty items, fountains, sparklers and the like. But if your town doesn't allow them, well then its time to move! :) You also cannot sell or give away any fireworks, you are then under law a manufacturer and need a license. Read about your local and state laws, and pay a visit to the ATF website!