I got this rocket, looks like a micromaxx on a stick... set one propped up, light the fuse, and WOOSH it went, then it hits apogee at around 100 ft, then BANG it went. cost about 6 cents a pop...
better than nothing though... cant even find estes around here. was pretty loud for a small rocket though, I actually saw one guy held it between his fingers and light the thing, then let go when the thing went, I wouldnt want to know what that would do to his fingers should one go bang instead of woosh...
Since I got in this hobby, I've developed a whole new respect for fireworks. For example, I've seen guys duel with Roman candles, holding them by hand and shooting at each other.
While seemingly foolish, it's not all that dangerous. With a reasonble distance, it's easy to avoid being hit.
The thing is, though, getting hit isn't the dangerous part. Having one in your hand when it catos is the danger. Having seen the case split all the way down the side of a C5-3 is enough to realize what can happen to your hand. Hopefully, the heat will cauterize the blood vessels while it's cutting off the fingers.
Tai's right. What happens when that bottle rocket catos? I'm less concerned about it hurting your hand, but the rapid deployment of debris at arm's length is where the threat is.
Sorry if I sound like I'm scolding you, Tod. I'm not. I'm just glad I got back into the hobby. Practicing safety inside it has helped me think safer outside, too.
Well, for the sake of argument, there's a *large* difference between the size, and therefore (ooo, I hate to use this phrase in this group) "destructive potential" of a 10 ball roman candle, a C5-3, and a bottle rocket. Also, look at the construction of a typical bottle rocket (*if* that is in fact what Tai had). Fairly small rocket motor, and fairly small bursting charge at the end of a 12" stick.
Now, not that I'm advocating adopting this procedure for the masses, I've had lots of them CATO at arms length with no effects. Again, for the listening audience, these would've been _bottle_ rockets. Teeny micromax sized motors at the end of a long, rather thin stick. They were _not_ 36" long "Mega Hyper Particle Accelerator With Report" jobs that you'd pay $10 apiece for at the roadside stands in Tennessee...
I don't hold roman candles anymore since many moons ago, one decided to unload its burning contents aft-wise... Good thing I had my legs spread... I would never advocate holding a C5-3 period.
Honestly, I've injured myself far more seriously with common hand tools...
You made me cry. Should I go to my room now?
You're right Doug, and I'm not disagreeing. There's an element of risk in anything. The best people can do is to thouroughly understand what those risk(s) are, and adjust their actions accordingly.
Like riding a motorcycle without a helmet, for instance..
I know someone who had a Roman Candle shoot out the rear while holding it. The shot went down the sleeve of his long sleeve shirt. Now sports a nasty scar. We quit playng gunfight with them after that.
As kids we used to prove our manhood by holding Black Cat firecrackers and letting them explode in our hand. (It didn't hurt any more than the rulers that the nuns used.) Bottle rocket fights were common also, but last summer I had the misfortune to light the Roman Candle that CATO'd and burned up a whole table filled with fireworks. (Several hundred dollars up in smoke, but no one hurt.) Ever seen a "wave" of fire from five feet away? I have. I don't play with fireworks anymore now that I know the risks. (Although I still catch myself driving without fastening my seat belt.)
"Crackering Balls" can be avoided by using a grounding strap, or by maintaining proper humidity levels with a room humidifier.
Do not handle semiconductor devices if you have Crackering Balls.
If you must pick up a semiconductor device and you are not wearing a grounding strap, you should discharge your Crackering Balls by touching them to a grounded metal object first.
Kinda like trying to kick start a Honda 750 that had a stuck needle in one of the carbs, stuck open, that is. Filled the cylinder with gas and damn near broke my leg trying to displace the fluid. I wish someone would have caught THAT on video. It's funny now.
I think you were proving something other than your manhood.
As a kid, I also played around with firecrackers. On day I was lighting them and throwing them, one at a time. One went off about about 6 inches out of my hand. My hand was stinging for some time, and my ears ringing. I never did that again. I'd rather take a rap from the ruler. The most fun was launching tin cans...
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