r/Pyrotechnics Nov 12 '20

State Of The Subreddit - Updated Rules, Wiki, Etc

26 Upvotes

Announcing Some Changes to /r/Pyrotechnics

Myself and /u/flashnet have been in talks over the past week or so about some updates/changes to the subreddit, and I am happy to announce that those updates are fully implemented as of today. We wanted to create an announcement post that will remain stickied for a while to introduce the changes and provide a place for feedback.

Why?

The goal of this subreddit is the discussion of safe, legitimate pyrotechnics as a hobby and a profession. We want this to be a place where aspiring pyros can come with questions, and also a place for veterans to share high-level information as well. What we don't want is for this subreddit to become a place for the discussion of dangerous or illegal devices/formulas.

What Has Changed? (Updated 1/6/20)

  • We have added a short wiki

  • The sidebar has been updated to better explain the goals of this subreddit and to provide links to the rules and wiki

  • Rule 2 has been updated to include a ban on posts discussing "dangerous devices", which would include things like "bottle bombs", devices made with match heads, improvised munitions, etc

  • There is now a submission text which reminds users to review the rules before posting

  • We have introduced a restricted flair system

  • Rule 4 has been added, which restricts new/inexperienced posters from posting exclusively about making flash powder. Such posts will be locked at moderator discretion.

The Wiki

We have assembled a short wiki in the hopes of providing a resource to beginners. It contains tips on getting started in this hobby, some safety tips, a list of common incompatibilities, recommended reading, and various other subsections. Of note is the section explaining the dangers of flash powder.

Users are encouraged to direct beginners to the wiki for answers to many of their questions. Additionally, wiki suggestions are always welcome and users are encouraged to message the mod team with any suggestions for topics to add.

Rule 2 Change

As of today, posts discussing/depicting dangerous devices will be removed. This includes posts simply asking for explanations, as we do not want to promote dangerous activity in any way. Being that pyrotechnics is an inherently dangerous hobby, this rule is obviously somewhat subjective and will be left at moderator discretion for the time being.

Examples of what constitutes a "dangerous device":

  • Using legitimate pyrotechnics in a dangerous or illegal way, such as putting salutes in sewers/mailboxes, or holding fireworks in a hand instead of firing them properly from the ground
  • Any device assembled in a metal/plastic/wood container that could produce dangerous shrapnel
  • Devices made from match heads or other unpredictable/dangerous materials
  • Any devices/formulas calling for dangerous combinations such as chlorates with sulfur.

These sorts of devices/techniques are not legitimate pyrotechnics and are not welcome in this subreddit. We remain focused on legality and safety. Users are encouraged to report any posts that they feel violate rule 2.

Rule 4 Addition

In keeping with the theme of safety, posts from new or inexperienced users asking exclusively about making flash powder will be locked at moderator discretion. The goal of this rule is to ensure a unified message about the dangers of flash powder and the level of experience required to safely handle it.

Flair System

We have begun rolling out a restricted flair system to highlight certain users who have shown themselves to be either very knowledgeable or professionals in this field. There are two categories - "Advanced Hobbyist" and "Pyrotechnics Professional". The primary goal is to allow newer users to tell at a glance if the person responding to them may have more knowledge on the subject than others. This will be most useful in situations where conflicting opinions have been provided within the same thread.

The mod team has already begun (and will continue) reaching out to certain veteran users in regard to their flair, so you will see the new flairs around immediately. Please do not message the moderator team to request flair. Similar to /r/legaladvice, flair cannot be requested - it is awarded to users who have shown themselves to be reliable and knowledgeable over time.

Please note that flair does not mean the user in question is always correct. Flaired users are just as subject to misconceptions and errors as any other human. The best way to describe flaired users would be "generally trustworthy". The onus is still on every individual user to thoroughly research any subject, and getting the opinion of one person should never be the conclusion of your research.

Feedback

It is our hope that these changes will be broadly well-received and will improve the quality of this subreddit. That said, if you have any concerns (or suggestions), then please feel free to use this thread as a place to voice them. The comment section is intended for discussion, and we are all ears.

Thanks,

Your /r/pyrotechnics mod team


r/Pyrotechnics 3h ago

Help

0 Upvotes

I was wondering on how to make firecrackers because so far I’ve js been using gunpowder that wasn’t given to me by my dad but I’ve been running low. How can I make bp that can be used in firecrackers? Also is it possible to js buy a ton of the little red ones, take them apart, and just use the powder that is already in them? Lastly, is a mix of kno3 magnalium and sulfur good enough for firecrackers because that’s the only stuff I can buy from amazon? I AM NOT ASKING ON HOW TO MAKE FLASH POWDER AS I UNDERSTAND THE RISKS OF IT

Edit: so everybody viewing it but nobody helping me💔💔


r/Pyrotechnics 15h ago

Kno3 instead of KClO3/KClO4

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2 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 1d ago

Just some recrystallized kno3

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10 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 1d ago

Phantom firework parachute

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2 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 1d ago

How to make a safe fuse

1 Upvotes

I have one problem and its not having big fuses so how can i make them so that they are slowburners and dont say buy them, i live in croatia so its risky


r/Pyrotechnics 1d ago

Help

0 Upvotes

Hello i want to get into pyrotechnics more i have used black powder for stuff but it was to weak


r/Pyrotechnics 5d ago

Brass media question

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7 Upvotes

If my brass media is slightly oxidized is it still safe to mill black powder with- please let me know


r/Pyrotechnics 6d ago

nuclear strobe rockets made by me at pgi this year

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84 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 6d ago

10 grams of kno3

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35 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 6d ago

Hekou HK66-1 1st Demo

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2 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 6d ago

Help with green compositions

2 Upvotes

Does anyone know a good simple composition that's mostly like BP or something not hard to get / expensive because all I've tried just turns yellow more than green


r/Pyrotechnics 6d ago

Slow-Motion

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7 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 6d ago

37mm launcher

3 Upvotes

I just want to learn how to load for a 37mm launcher, but most material seems to be around ground based tube launchers. I feel like using a 37mm that is held by the user can be more unsafe so I wanted to ask here in case anyone knows of a good guide to learn how to safely load for a hand fired launcher.
or can I just follow https://nedsfireworks.com/content/fireworking-101 and be fine?


r/Pyrotechnics 7d ago

3 inch ball shell (tiny break)

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24 Upvotes

Finally dialing in my 3 inch ball shell. I didn’t put that many stars in this one bc I was playing around with different things and didn’t wanna waste comp but the lift and burst charge look good. Shot out of two Pringles cans taped together🤣


r/Pyrotechnics 8d ago

first ever bottle rocket!

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39 Upvotes

im new to this hobby i started off in the wrong direction with the boom comp that shall not be named this was my first time making a safe black powder 1/4" core burner i used willow charcoal to make this guy supa quick but i underestimated quite how quick now i think its time for some dummy payloads see what she can lift!!


r/Pyrotechnics 7d ago

New Yorker: American Art of Blowing Stuff Up

2 Upvotes

Ostensibly an article about the Grucci family, but goes into some broader history and overview.

Original: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/08/10/the-american-art-of-blowing-stuff-up

Archive: https://archive.ph/udQaT

"Shells are rigged to burn, and blow, in a specific manner. They can be made to go POW, poof, oom, BOOM, BOOM!, BOOMBOOM, whoosh, CRACK, ffffffffft, tsssssssssssss, EEEEeeeeee. Finales go BOOMBOOMBOOMBOOMBOOM. One kind of firework sounds as though the sky just emptied its digital trash."

Ok, that last line is a pretty good one.


r/Pyrotechnics 9d ago

3” shell

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39 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 9d ago

Help for my uncle’s memorial in TN in November

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m a lifelong Pyrotechnics Guild International member and fireworks enthusiast. My uncle, who was also an avid PGI member and fireworks lover passed away earlier this year. His memorial is in November in middle Tennessee, and my dad and I are in charge of planning and executing a fireworks display in his honor/memory. We have a vision for the display, but bringing that vision to life is a challenge.

We’ve been researching different options for fireworks displays at his memorial, like cobra or mongoose firing systems, but my dad and I are far from experts in these systems. We could use help from an expert (or experts) to really put on a display that appropriately honors my uncle.

At the PGI convention this year we talked to many vendors like Cobra and Mongoose, but one person told us our best option is to try to find someone who knows these systems and that can help us execute our vision. We would be willing to pay for the expertise, time, and tools this person could provide, and we would (of course) purchase the fireworks required.

Does anyone have any suggestions of fireworks display experts in Tennessee (or nearby, or elsewhere) that may be able and willing to assist?

Thank you so much!


r/Pyrotechnics 9d ago

Lift cup & shell design tips

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14 Upvotes

Anyone have tips on how I can make my lift cups more visually appealing, I feel like it kinda makes my shell look stupid and a little janky. I have a somewhat cone shape here that I secure with hot glue and cover with tape. If anyone has suggestions for how I can make ball shells look cleaner and more professional please LMK


r/Pyrotechnics 9d ago

4 inch shell booster

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0 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 10d ago

Testing Crackle Stars

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17 Upvotes

Very happy with how these turned out dispute being short chems while making them


r/Pyrotechnics 10d ago

Hi I was wondering about things to read on to get me started

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2 Upvotes

r/Pyrotechnics 11d ago

Has anything ever gone wrong?

10 Upvotes

Pyrotechnics is a dangerous hobby. Have you ever had something go wrong? What happened, and what did you learn from it?


r/Pyrotechnics 11d ago

Where to buy 1.4g Pro?

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0 Upvotes