So how are fireworks made? If you read Part 1 of this
two-part series, you're ready to delve into the details. This is a
dangerous subject and a secretive topic, however, so information is hard to find
on-line. Fortunately for you, I've dug deep and found plenty to share. Because what
I learned could fill volumes, I won't repeat it all word-for-word here. Instead,
I'll give you links to sources where you can find all the nitty-gritty details
yourself. But remember to check your state and local laws before applying
anything you learn. You've been warned!
Fireworks 101
One of the best resources I found was an online book called Practical Pyrotechnics by
Wouter Visser. This book contains formulas, assembly instructions, and much more.
It goes into detail about what to mix to make each color, and how to assemble
them. By itself, this book is more than enough to get you started, but maybe
you need some pictures that show how to assemble and mix ingredients. For that type
of stuff, you may want to check out United
Nuclear and, in particular, their Chemistry Experiments. Since
most of the "good stuff" is no longer there, however, you may want to look at
an older version of the same page in the web archive.
If that still isn't enough for you, here is someone's web
site with some additional pictures and details.
Beyond the Basics
After you study the basics of Fireworks 101 and wonder "What
else can I do?", it's time to read some of the various newsletters. I've
already pointed you to American
Fireworks News, but you can also search their archive, which includes all
sorts of projects. Need another newsletter? No problem! Check out Skylighter's
newsletter archive .
Open Your Wallet
By now, you know how to find enough information to be
downright dangerous. So are you ready to open your wallet? Believe it not, you
can buy just about anything you need to make any of the pyrotechnic devices
you read about. I can't vouch for the safety of any these devices - and I would
discourage you from building any of them -
but, for the sake of completeness, I've included some information here.
This, however, is where you really do need to find out if what you're about to
do is legal. You've been warned!
PyroSupplies.com
and Pyrocreations.com aren't the best Web sites for fireworks supplies. I already mentioned Skylighter's newsletter, but the company's
main business is to sell you stuff. A company similar to Skylighter goes by the
same name as the Internet browser you may be using: Firefox. Just in case these Web sites aren't
enough for you, and you only need particular items (such as fuses), you might
want to check out Cannon Fuse.com
Be Careful
Now that you are exploding with information, I want to
remind you not to hurt yourself if you choose to apply it. For me, I was able
to satisfy my curiosity just by learning all the details. Now, when I see my
local fireworks tonight, I'll know something about all the work
that went into making them.
| 
