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(31 votes) Published: Nov 19, 2005 8:33 a.m. In 1 Favorites Lists Viewed 314 times
The components needed for assembling an M-80: Visco Fuse (also called % Fuse", "Hobby Fuse or "Safety Fuse"), Elmer’s White Glue, Paper End Plugs, a Cardboard Tube, and of course Flash Powder. With the exception of some old Chinese ers & Lady Fingers, Flash Powder is the only composition used in exploding fireworks... yes, even Firecrackers. You can see how Flash Powder is made by Clicking Here.
The M-80shown here is made from one of our "Beefy" M-80 cardboard tubes. It’sa bit larger and thicker than the older "Classic" M-80 tubes, but weprefer it because it produces a louder report and a deeper boom. This particulartube measures 1-3/4" long x 3/4" inside diameter, with a 1/8"wall thickness. Any size tube with matching endplugs can be use for makingSalutes. Simply put, the larger the tube you use, the more Flash Powder itwill hold, and the larger the report will be.
Just as a reference, our "Beefy" M-80 tubes hold about 8 grams ofFlash Powder, the M-160 tubes hold about 13 grams, and the Quarter Sticks holdabout 19 grams.
Using a 1/8" drill bit, a hole is drilled in the side of the casing. This is where the fuse will be installed. You can also make the Salute with the fuse coming out one end, like a stick of Dynamite. This is called "End Fusing", which we’ll cover later on this page. Contrary to popular belief, there is no difference in the report if you put the fuse in the middle of the Salute or in the end. It will work the same either way.
A bead of glue is spread just around the inside of one end of the M-80 tube. This will adhere the End Plug to the case
The End Plugs used are just heavy weight paper pressed into a cup shape that fit snugly inside the tube. There are many other ways to plug the ends of the tube if commercial End Plugs are not available. Some old manufacturing techniques use plaster or similar thick pastes to secure the ends. These are dangerous and should not be used. When the M-80 explodes, these solid plugs become projectiles and can blind or penetrate the skin and must be avoided. It is a misconception that End Plugs must be thick for a loud report. Stick with thin, lightweight plugs that will fragment & not travel far when the firework explodes. Plugs made from pieces of tissue rolled into a ball, pressed into the end of the tube and thoroughly covered with white glue are acceptable.
The End Plug is pressed into the tube until flush with the surface. Wipe off any extra glue that might seep out when the plug is inserted.
A piece of Visco Fuse is cut, no shorter than 3", and inserted into the tube. Make sure that the fuse is unobstructed and extends all the way to the bottom of the tube
The tube is then filled 3/4 full with standard 70 / 30 Flash Powder. This is the only Flash Powder that should ever be used in exploding fireworks of this type. Do not fill the tube more than 3/4 full. The formula and mixing procedure for this Flash Powder can be found here.
Just as was done before, run a bead of White Glue just around the inside of the tube and insert an End Plug flush with the case. Wipe off any excess that may squeeze out.
Just for looks, the case can be painted red, signifying an e device. There are many different types of paper tubes available that already have a colored outer wrap.
The completed M-80. Remember that these devices were banned for a reason. It is suggested that the construction of M-80’s and similar devices be left to the licensed pyrotechnician. Never light any exploding fireworks in your hand, always follow the basic fireworks theme... lay on ground, light fuse and get away. have a blast!!!
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