pyrotech experts

[canoe]

Hi.
I need to know something I can put in a fire ring to make a big boom like an explosion but, not spread or hurt children it goes along with our story at the halloween party we are suppose to explode the ccc camp but I don't have a clue as what to use that is harmless any ideas????? thanks I need to know this ASAP thanks Pam

[Fish]

Hmmmm... Explosion plus harmless is not a simple thing.

You might try out some kind of balloon that's already blown up and ready to be popped. Maybe one of those extra big/thick balloons. Or something like a water bottle blown up - if you can manage that - would work well I bet. Heat pops it, bang, no harm done (though it could scatter a few embers, so I'd still stand back). Any other kind of sudden air pressure release that does not scatter shrapnel would work. Any time you use something flammable/volatile it can potentially be dangerous.

Or, a big firecracker can produce a bang without much chance of major damage. Might get the biggest one you can get your hands on (M-80 type of thing) light it and seal it in a coffee can (with a plastic lid on one end so it can blow out harmlessly). I'd test that combination a couple times before I used it, but I'd bet it would make a good noisemaker. :)

Just some ideas off the top of the head of Beaker.

- Fish

[canoe]

so fish.
do you have an m-80???? or maybe several to test???? thanks Pam

[Fish]

I'd talk to paddledog (Steve Runnels). He had a bunch of fireworks at the party last weekend. Et tu Steve?

- Fish

[canoe]

I have talked to a good friend that has some and will bring them but, he says to put in a 5 gallon metal bucket no lid and they won't go anywhwere but, will be loud what do you think?? Pam

[Fish]

I think that's a winner. The bucket should contain the explosion and magnify the sound a bit perhaps. I think a coffee can without a lid would do it too. Might test on both if you can. Could even pack some red/orange confetti or something on top of it - put some tissue under it or something like a bowl and pack it into the coffee can above the lighted firecracker... A good looking and fairly safe fake explosion might result!

- Fish

[paddledog]

Depends on how big a bang ya want.
Cracker in a barrel is fine if you want to impress a 5th grader.
In my opinion a small baggie of acetylene will produce the effects needed
with no shrapnel danger whatso ever.
Easily remote fired, timing is easy.
Guaranteed to impress.....

[Fish]

Told ya to talk to paddledog. :) Since 5th graders (and younger) are indeed who you want to impress, I'm not sure it's worth messing with volatile liquids, but if you want a very big bang, Steve's right on target.

- Fish

[Cowper]

My feelings are hurt that you didn't just ask me.

No - wait - you said "harmless", now I know why I was bypassed...


If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space...

[canoe]

oh coop, you scare me some times I was just hoping you would respond I thought you were in the big outage I am so sorry I need your mind and body to pull this off ....what do ya think about the conversation so far... LOVE YOU PAM

[canoe]

ya know we try ou best to scare not to harm that is why blow logs do not go to this party we had Billy W get hurt no no just want folks and the kids to have a big bang but be very safe. Pam

[druse]

Do you remember Zook or Zuke Guns?

These were kind of like potatoe guns but used just for the loud sound and not to fire things out of. Main use was for preventing black birds from roosting. They consist of 7 cans duct taped together end to end (each with the ends cut out) and the bottom can end having a baffel in the top (several holes punched through), and bottom with only one hole for lighting. The fuel used is lighter fluid. I remember how to make them and would recommend using a sturdy can (soup or chicken broth can that's easily emptied) rather than the lightweight aluminum that is most available for soft drinks & beer.

[CapnTom]

Oh druse,you bring back memories!!!

The politically-incorrect name for them(back in the 70's) was the Polish-cannon.
Back-in-the-day when beer cans had the steel seam down the side(basically any can except Coors).
And you are correct' six cans won't do it' seven is the proper count.

My favorite "Big Boom" comes from a combination of: either a 20oz. or 1liter carbonated
beverage bottle,chunked dry-ice(about a quarter full),& water(below the Half-full mark
on the bottle). Tighten the lid,throw a "safe" distance away. Will let out a bang that
attracted law enforcement almost every time. No fire needed and no sign of
explosive matter. :twisted:

Just an idea.

CapnTom...waiting for rain.

[paddledog]

The acetylene is the most harmless of all suggestions so far.
Dry ice bombs send the bottle flying.
Zuke guns contain flammable liquids.
The ziplock baggies hold for long periods of time and remotely fired
with toy rocket ignitors and a 9 volt battery.
A major pop with only a baggie left.
They can also just be tossed in a fire.

[canoe]

are you coming???? to the party and would help me ???? thanks Pam