[BProckets]

[Terry McCreary]

At 07:48 AM 9/22/2004 -0700, you wrote:
>i currently have "Black powder Manufacture Methods and Techniques" by Ian 
>Von Maltitz as well as Tom Perigrins book "Introductory Practical 
>Pyrotechnics" wich has a prety good section on makeing BP.
>
>Untill i have at least tried the methods in these books I think ill hold 
>off on more how to  books on BP. Unless of course the general concensis is 
>that these books are not something a beginner should be useing. I have 
>been told by several pyros that these are indeed reputable books.
>
>Please advise on youre opinion.
>Thanks in advance, Bill .

Hi Bill:

You can never be too thin, too rich, or have an amateur's library that is 
too large... <grin>

I have Peregrin's book and recommend it highly.  One caveat to his 
techniques for BP:  a stainless steel or pyrex (kimax) vessel is strongly 
recommended.  Some coffee carafes are NOT pyrex and can fracture.  Even 
pyrex can break if the vessel has a layer of solids at the bottom, and is 
heated too quickly (personal experience).  Do not try to make too much at 
one time.

BP without dextrin incorporated will crush easily...but it also 'dusts' 
easily.  With dextrin, it's harder to crush but doesn't produce as much 
dust when ramming dry (which is how many pyros make BP motors).

I have not read von Maltitz' book but it has been strongly recommended by 
some folks on other pyrotechnics groups.

Best regards -- terry

Dr. Terry McCreary
Department of Chemistry
Murray State University
Murray, KY  42071
270.762.6499