BillConnerFASTC
Well-Known Member
Size matters.
@Van And would you mind doing it a couple of more times?What did you do with the Real Bill Conner?
Thank you! ☺ I really appreciate the feedback from everyone. I have a cheap shipment of flash paper coming soon (?) and will get aa chance to test it then. Will post to this thread for alk all of you to see.
You're exactly right. I'm thinking about 5 feet long and scaling the height accordingly might be about a foot. Visibility will be a huge factor.Perhaps I'm wrong, but I don't think a size has been mentioned, and I suspect we all have somewhat varying notions of how large this is. I think the test outdoors would be safe and give an idea of the hazards and the effect. I am also concerned just from the aesthetic side it will burn too fast to be legible long enough to read it.
Some cool you tubes on making your own flash paper and "nitro-cotton" though.
Hi all! Just conducted the long-awaited test. Instead of cutting the letters out of the paper, we decided to frame the letters and paper the whole backside. We may yet experiment with cutting just the letters out. Here's the video of the test. Using a phone's camera is a little inaccurate/blurry since it doesn't focus on the flames very well. The frame is about 8ftx1.5ft and I ended up using 9 sheets of flash paper that were each 50cmx20cm. Turn off your audio unless you want to hear my annoying comments.
We're talking about using electric starters connected to several points on the paper to make the whole thing go quicker. We might attach a starter to the bottom of each letter. Any thoughts on how to improve this are much appreciated!
Just wondering for clarification...do you mean we need a permit for the flash paper or using those clips? I talked the whole project over with our HR rep and she said we didn't need to do any kind of paperwork. (This is the state of MN if that helps at all.)FYI, you 99.9% need a permit for this .
For electronic ignition, give Talon Igniter Clips a try. They contain a small filament inside which can ignite Visco fuse or (probably) flash paper when 12v is applied. You just clip the jaws on to whatever you want to ignite and you're ready to go.
Just wondering for clarification...do you mean we need a permit for the flash paper or using those clips? I talked the whole project over with our HR rep and she said we didn't need to do any kind of paperwork. (This is the state of MN if that helps at all.)
@Les Simply reading through all of that was quite the slog. Does each state write something like that from scratch or do they borrow from one another and customize to taste? I did note the paragraph outlining inter-state boundaries and restrictions. After having invested about an hour reading what you've provided, I can't help but wonder how anyone could / would suggest there was no need of any "paper work". Sound's like a quick cop-out on someone's part to me.The igniter clips are totally legal (e-matches, however, are not). It's the flash paper/open flame effect that gets in to the potential need for permitting. In most states, this would be the case unless MN is extremely lax. In fact, you most likely need a licensed pyrotechnician in addition to the permit, as having one doesn't necessarily satisfy the other. I would contact the AHJ - even though I know that's a can of worms akin to asking the barber if you need a haircut. But better to be safe than sorry.
If it's any help to you, this should fall under NFPA 1126. If I have time, I can do a little cursory research. But inquiring with the AHJ is what I would do in either event.
Edit #1: Here's a little light reading: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/pr.../Fireworks/FireworksGuidelinesRevised2011.pdf
Pages 5 and 6 get in to indoor displays. I'm sure there is much more relevant information — I've only begun skimming it myself.
Edit #2: There is an exception on Page 7 involving theatrical flash paper effects. However, the document urges organizations to contact the AHJ to ensure that the exception applies to them. With the amount you're planning to use, I certainly would recommend that.
I hope this is helpful. I'd dig deeper, but I actually just got home from shooting fireworks at Four Seasons and still have a layer of black powder coating my clothes, arms, and face .
@Les Simply reading through all of that was quite the slog. Does each state write something like that from scratch or do they borrow from one another and customize to taste?
I can't help but wonder how anyone could / would suggest there was no need of any "paper work". Sound's like a quick cop-out on someone's part to me.
Thank you-I really appreciate your work on this!The igniter clips are totally legal (e-matches, however, are not). It's the flash paper/open flame effect that gets in to the potential need for permitting. In most states, this would be the case unless MN is extremely lax. In fact, you most likely need a licensed pyrotechnician in addition to the permit, as having one doesn't necessarily satisfy the other. I would contact the AHJ - even though I know that's a can of worms akin to asking the barber if you need a haircut. But better to be safe than sorry.
If it's any help to you, this should fall under NFPA 1126. If I have time, I can do a little cursory research. But inquiring with the AHJ is what I would do in either event.
Edit #1: Here's a little light reading: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/pr.../Fireworks/FireworksGuidelinesRevised2011.pdf
Pages 5 and 6 get in to indoor displays. I'm sure there is much more relevant information — I've only begun skimming it myself.
Edit #2: There is an exception on Page 7 involving theatrical flash paper effects. However, the document urges organizations to contact the AHJ to ensure that the exception applies to them. With the amount you're planning to use, I certainly would recommend that.
I hope this is helpful. I'd dig deeper, but I actually just got home from shooting fireworks at Four Seasons and still have a layer of black powder coating my clothes, arms, and face .
Unless your HR rep is trained on fire and pyro safety, or is your fire marshal their "blessing" means very little. As you are associated with the state, it is very likely that your venue has a fire marshal who is likely your AHJ. In this day and age, most AHJs want/need to approve of lighting candles or cigarettes on stage. An effect like this is way beyond simple "open flames." Most states require a licensed shooter for an effect like this, and at this point I think you need to consult a local professional.Just wondering for clarification...do you mean we need a permit for the flash paper or using those clips? I talked the whole project over with our HR rep and she said we didn't need to do any kind of paperwork. (This is the state of MN if that helps at all.)
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.