Blackpowder ignition problem with a model cannon

robhof

That's alot spiffier than my old cast iron cannon. I did experiment with percussion ignition awhile back using a nipple with the threads ground to fit into the touch hole(didn't want to tap the cannon and it not work) held it on with pipe clamp drilled to fit top of nipple through, fired it with hammer taped to end of broomstick, it worked when I made contact with the cap, went back to fuses, more reliable.
 
Thanks again to everyone who replied to my original question. I thought my powder mix was somehow wrong,the main charge I know is very explosive but to use it as a fuse would instantly foul the touch hole. I now roll a tiny bit of 'dust powder' in a cigarette paper along with a 1/16 drill. Roll it as tight as I can,then slowly pull the drill bit out,twisting it as I go.I then cut off one end at a 45 degree angle and stick it in the touch hole. Its like a little rocket going off,straight into the hole.:D Its amazing how little powder you need in the fuse for it to still work.Next time I will drill 1/8" touch hole instead of 5/64" and see how that goes. THANKS AGAIN from Sam
 
Fuse

Sam: Have you tried making fuse from saltpeter and water and string? Or from saltpeter and sugar, water and string.
Last, the best homemade fuse tutorial that I could find involved common match heads turned into a slurry in a small amount of water and then mixed onto a piece of wool yarn. Kind of work intensive but it yields two feet of fuse and you probably only need two to three inches at a time.
Here's the video on youtube. The burn is the best that I have seen in home made fuse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkKMHblUXI4&feature=related
Pete
 
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