4" plastic shell class
Moderators: richardh08, Boophoenix, Lloyd
4" plastic shell class
About twice year, I teach a beginners' class on making 4" plastic shells to theme-park pyrotechnicians and other new shell builders.
It's not the DEFINITIVE answer for plastic shells, but a method that works (so far) 100% of the time, for EVERY student -- over 200, so far! So you might get some hints from it, at least.
http://www.pyrobin.com/files/shell%20cl ... andout.pdf
I did say "100%". Actually, we had ONE student who had already built some shells on his own. He told the entire group he "knew better" than the instructions, and defied our guidance all the way.
And his shell flower-potted! <G>
Lloyd
It's not the DEFINITIVE answer for plastic shells, but a method that works (so far) 100% of the time, for EVERY student -- over 200, so far! So you might get some hints from it, at least.
http://www.pyrobin.com/files/shell%20cl ... andout.pdf
I did say "100%". Actually, we had ONE student who had already built some shells on his own. He told the entire group he "knew better" than the instructions, and defied our guidance all the way.
And his shell flower-potted! <G>
Lloyd
"Pyro for Fun and Profit for More Than Sixty Years"
Re: 4" plastic shell class
Great tutorial Lloyd.
- Boophoenix
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Re: 4" plastic shell class
I witnessed 30+ shells built and built one too following the instructions to see my first shell launched into the air and break. It even broke much better than my second shell which was a solo adventure.
If I recall correctly no one participating in that class had built a shell before. Some made some pretty nice shells too. Especially some of the young women playing with color combinations.
If I recall correctly no one participating in that class had built a shell before. Some made some pretty nice shells too. Especially some of the young women playing with color combinations.
Re: 4" plastic shell class
That class happens to be one of the truly joyous times in my life.
I've had people come in there just absolutely objecting to "having to be there" (because the theme parks _send_ them), and leaving the evening jumping up and down, "high-fiving" everyone, and giving me hugs!
I have to tell you... that FIRST shell you ever have work right is just a marvel! And I get to be there for everyone's first shell!
Lloyd
I've had people come in there just absolutely objecting to "having to be there" (because the theme parks _send_ them), and leaving the evening jumping up and down, "high-fiving" everyone, and giving me hugs!
I have to tell you... that FIRST shell you ever have work right is just a marvel! And I get to be there for everyone's first shell!
Lloyd
"Pyro for Fun and Profit for More Than Sixty Years"
Re: 4" plastic shell class
nice tutorial Lloyd
- richardh08
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Re: 4" plastic shell class
Very clear and concise. Excellent stuff.
You should be a teacher, Lloyd!
You should be a teacher, Lloyd!
Even when I'm wrong, I'm convincing.
Re: 4" plastic shell class
Thanks, all.
"You should be a teacher, Lloyd!"
Richard, teaching this class a couple of times a year is a wonderful, exciting thing. You should just SEE the lights in the eyes of students who've never built a shell before! A lot of them are professional shooters (for the parks, etc.), but have never really known what's inside those things.
They're usually ecstatic upon seeing their own shell look as nice as those commercial ones. And, it takes some of the "mystery" out of it all.
Yep! Fun stuff!
You have to understand, at age 66, I'm still one of those people who pump their arms in the air and "dance" and cheer out loud while I'm shooting a good show. It's just the BEST art anyone could be a part of!
LLoyd
"You should be a teacher, Lloyd!"
Richard, teaching this class a couple of times a year is a wonderful, exciting thing. You should just SEE the lights in the eyes of students who've never built a shell before! A lot of them are professional shooters (for the parks, etc.), but have never really known what's inside those things.
They're usually ecstatic upon seeing their own shell look as nice as those commercial ones. And, it takes some of the "mystery" out of it all.
Yep! Fun stuff!
You have to understand, at age 66, I'm still one of those people who pump their arms in the air and "dance" and cheer out loud while I'm shooting a good show. It's just the BEST art anyone could be a part of!
LLoyd
"Pyro for Fun and Profit for More Than Sixty Years"
Re: 4" plastic shell class
Once you smelt the smoke Lloyd as they say! Hopefully over here we can keep the hobby alive.
- richardh08
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Re: 4" plastic shell class
I'll drink to that!Lloyd wrote:It's just the BEST art anyone could be a part of!
Even when I'm wrong, I'm convincing.
Re: 4" plastic shell class
I agree wholeheartedly, with both of those statements.richardh08 wrote:I'll drink to that!Lloyd wrote:It's just the BEST art anyone could be a part of!
"If you don't learn anything, what's the point?"