Are most racks really designed to survive a shell exploding in the tube? Is this even a reasonable goal? I just got started in fireworks, and plan to use the HDPE tubes, but am still puzzled about what a rack needs to do. If the reason for using HDPE tubes is that they behave more favorably in the event of a shell explosion, can the same criteria be used for building racks?
@wallykj The racks and mortars are not designed to survive an explosion in the pipe. The idea is to reduce shrapnel and TRY to prevent other mortars with shells in them from tipping over and turning into a real mess. The black high density will swell and split but not shatter. The white PVC pipe will turn into a massive amount of shrapnel in the air and could kill you. The black pipe and associated wooden frame may kill you also, but it decreases the odds.
@panzuman Yup. Steel is fine for most shells but you can't shoot salutes out of Steel because of the worry that it might fragment if it flowerpots. So steel is OK for 1.3 color shells it's being phased out because HDPE is just a better product. It's also lighter and cheaper than steel. If you're shooting consumer stuff absolutely go with HDPE, Fiberglass, or the cardboard tube that came in the kit.
@panzuman It's VERY unlikely that you will find a local suppler for HDPE. Lowes or Home Depot won't have it. Your best bet for finding it is to call your natural gas supply co, and see if they have some they're willing to sell you. The problem there is you have to find the correct size for the shells you are shooting and then cut and plug it yourself. It's much easier to buy them premade. Pyrodirect(dot)com sells display and consumer size motors on there website. Dave gets fuse from there.
Saved this to my favorites and gave it a thumbs up.... folks, please listen to the masters in this video, no matter how safe you think your set up is... this is what could happen when things go wrong, and from time to time, they will ( no shell is perfect all the time).... please be on top of your game and always have a plan-B
I agree, NEVER shoot shells ( even 1.75" consumer shells ) from PVC or ABS, they could shatter the tube if the shell explodes in the mortar tube, always use HDPE ( high density polyethylene) or HDPP TUBES ( high density polyproylene tubes for safety reasons.
Great video! thanks for sharing the info!
AxelTiger 8 months ago
Are most racks really designed to survive a shell exploding in the tube? Is this even a reasonable goal? I just got started in fireworks, and plan to use the HDPE tubes, but am still puzzled about what a rack needs to do. If the reason for using HDPE tubes is that they behave more favorably in the event of a shell explosion, can the same criteria be used for building racks?
wallykj 1 year ago
@wallykj The racks and mortars are not designed to survive an explosion in the pipe. The idea is to reduce shrapnel and TRY to prevent other mortars with shells in them from tipping over and turning into a real mess. The black high density will swell and split but not shatter. The white PVC pipe will turn into a massive amount of shrapnel in the air and could kill you. The black pipe and associated wooden frame may kill you also, but it decreases the odds.
displayfireworks1 1 year ago
what about metal pipe?
6649393 1 year ago
@6649393 if you want metal shrapnel in your head then do it
airs0ftMARIZON 1 year ago
fiberglass (gfk) is totally safe and good for shells from 1-4", for bigger shells i recommend hdpe ;)
nice vid dave!
schwarzehand86 1 year ago
i only use steel pipe is hdpe better then steel?
panzuman 1 year ago
@panzuman steel can be very dangerous. It acts like a bullet when it flies. change to HDPE
Barak24893 1 year ago
@panzuman Yup. Steel is fine for most shells but you can't shoot salutes out of Steel because of the worry that it might fragment if it flowerpots. So steel is OK for 1.3 color shells it's being phased out because HDPE is just a better product. It's also lighter and cheaper than steel. If you're shooting consumer stuff absolutely go with HDPE, Fiberglass, or the cardboard tube that came in the kit.
PyroBoydj 1 year ago
@PyroBoydj these are hommade shells can you buy hdpe at lowes or something?maybe homedepot
panzuman 1 year ago
@panzuman It's VERY unlikely that you will find a local suppler for HDPE. Lowes or Home Depot won't have it. Your best bet for finding it is to call your natural gas supply co, and see if they have some they're willing to sell you. The problem there is you have to find the correct size for the shells you are shooting and then cut and plug it yourself. It's much easier to buy them premade. Pyrodirect(dot)com sells display and consumer size motors on there website. Dave gets fuse from there.
PyroBoydj 1 year ago
@PyroBoydj well ill ask the natural gas company first if that doesnt work ill just buy them off line thanx for the help
panzuman 1 year ago
Saved this to my favorites and gave it a thumbs up.... folks, please listen to the masters in this video, no matter how safe you think your set up is... this is what could happen when things go wrong, and from time to time, they will ( no shell is perfect all the time).... please be on top of your game and always have a plan-B
yellowgroove 1 year ago
I agree, NEVER shoot shells ( even 1.75" consumer shells ) from PVC or ABS, they could shatter the tube if the shell explodes in the mortar tube, always use HDPE ( high density polyethylene) or HDPP TUBES ( high density polyproylene tubes for safety reasons.
yellowgroove 1 year ago