Possible to grip the tubes too tight?

[Metric6]

I was going to make the side rails for my rack 2-3/8" apart so that they would snuggly hold the tubes. I notice a lot of people make this gap 2.5" . IS this just due to the wood you use or is there another reason?

[Todd20021]

I also used 2 3/8" gaps on my racks....Check out my gallery pics.

http://www.pyrouniverse.com/gallery2/showphoto.php/photo/16920

Also if there are some spacers that are a little loose, Could you use shims?

[St1dinoh]

one technique i used in the past to snug the tubes up a bit was to just shim the guns in place with some strips of cardboard (from cases of 1.4). the trick is you build it all with the sides not quite screwed in all the way, this way once the cardboard and tubes are in place, and you tighten the screws the rest of the way, it compresses the cardboard around the guns and grips it locking it in place.

if you have loose guns in a rack that was constructed with screws, this technique can be a good fix.

just back the screws out a bit, shim with cardboard, then tighten the screws back down and bam, the rattle is gone. :lol:

[LawnDart]

I was thinking maybe one or two rounds of duct tape to keep mine snug. Wrapped around the tube that is.

[TRMPyro]

Why do you worry about loose mortars in the racks? I only have experience from the 1.3 side, but the mortars are always loose in the racks I have been around. Is there something I am missing with the 1.4side? I plan my racks with 1/8" larger space than the O.D. of the tubes and they haven't been an issue. Had some 4" tubes fly out of the racks last year but that was due to the bottom rail not being supported well and having some spring, hell of a site when you are handlighting. I would not worry about spending time shimming as I don't see the benefit. I am sure there is a lot of opinions on this topic.

[ben]

Why do you worry about loose mortars in the racks? I only have experience from the 1.3 side, but the mortars are always loose in the racks I have been around. Is there something I am missing with the 1.4side? I plan my racks with 1/8" larger space than the O.D. of the tubes and they haven't been an issue. Had some 4" tubes fly out of the racks last year but that was due to the bottom rail not being supported well and having some spring, hell of a site when you are handlighting. I would not worry about spending time shimming as I don't see the benefit. I am sure there is a lot of opinions on this topic.

I agree on all points. Spend the time making more racks not snugging tubes. I have 2 3" racks where I cant hardly move the tubes. Others can bang side to side.

Ben

[camjoe63]

The racks I built have a space of 2.5"

The DR11 2" tubes have a diameter of 2.35" so the actual space is a little over an 1/8"

The theory is that a little play in the tubes will damper the shock force on the racks.

[St1dinoh]

Why do you worry about loose mortars in the racks? I only have experience from the 1.3 side, but the mortars are always loose in the racks I have been around. Is there something I am missing with the 1.4side? I plan my racks with 1/8" larger space than the O.D. of the tubes and they haven't been an issue. Had some 4" tubes fly out of the racks last year but that was due to the bottom rail not being supported well and having some spring, hell of a site when you are handlighting. I would not worry about spending time shimming as I don't see the benefit. I am sure there is a lot of opinions on this topic.

dr-11 and dr-9 are small enough to pose a "hop" hazard. if a gun hops out of a rack that doesn't have spacers (the tubes are touching) you could have a danger of loose tubes that are loaded and now pointed in the wrong direction.

a 3 inch gun in a rack isn't going to pose as much of a "hop" hazard as a dr-11 or dr-9.

then again, if you build your rack so none of the tubes are touching you won't have that problem to worry about at all.

[Metric6]

I don't mind making them snug. I was just making sure there wasn't any reason to leave them a little loose that I just wasn't thinking of.

[hvac_superman]

I also used 2 3/8" gaps on my racks....Check out my gallery pics.

http://www.pyrouniverse.com/gallery2/showphoto.php/photo/16920

Also if there are some spacers that are a little loose, Could you use shims?

Just curious why you don't have bottom rails? Seems like it could be a little dangerous the way it is.

[runvs00]

Just curious why you don't have bottom rails? Seems like it could be a little dangerous the way it is.

Read the description..........



These will eventually be a 33 Shot Angled Rack. I know I do not have bottom rails yet. That is because I do not have OSB boards.

[hvac_superman]

Read the description..........

Sorry don't know how I missed that. Guess Im a picture kind of guy.

[Georgie-Tiger]

of the other opinion. . . i like my tubes to rattle a little bit. :lol:

[Pyro-ace]

of the other opinion. . . i like my tubes to rattle a little bit. :lol:

yes it allows them to stretch their legs...they are claustrophobic and get cranky when held close together



on a serious note i only have poor mans racks so i dont have to worry about this :lolbash:

[Metric6]

yes it allows them to stretch their legs...they are claustrophobic and get cranky when held close together

Ok, well I am about to build today. So, when you say cranky do you actually run into issues with having the tubes fit snuggly or is it just a matter of preference?

The HDPE tubes are fairly heavy wall so I am assuming that any compression on the OD due to the lumber fitting tight wouldn't warp the diameter right?

[Randall]

Mine are tight at the base and loose at the top. Seems tubs are a little wider where the plug was put in. 1/16" or so doesn't bother me. Room for expansion.

[LawnDart]

As long as you can put them in by hand or with super light tapping, I doubt you would have any risk of warping the tube.

[Metric6]

also, if you guys drill up through the plug to secure to the baseplate, do you pre drill or do anything special? I am kind of hesitant to drill into the plug. I want very little interaction with the physical aspects of the tube.

[LawnDart]

also, if you guys drill up through the plug to secure to the baseplate, do you pre drill or do anything special? I am kind of hesitant to drill into the plug. I want very little interaction with the physical aspects of the tube.

That depends on the screw size. I usually pick a bit that is about the same size as the screw at the bottom of the threads.

here ---^^^^^^

I guess I should qualify that statement. I would personally not screw up from the bottom. Not to say it's a bad idea. I would be more inclined to come in from the side so I could ensure I was low in the plug.

Ok, I'll go one step further. I have not built any racks yet. I have no plans to screw the tubes in. I do plan to make sure they are snug if for no other reason, than if the rack is tipped in handling, the tubes don't fall out.
I will be screwing my racks together as this is how I do all my woodworking projects. I won't be gluing them so I can disassemble them if needed.

[Metric6]

Ok, but drilling into the plug is a common practice? I didn't know if liquid nails would be enough on its own.

[Randall]

Drilling or gluing tubes IS NOT a common practice, and I would advise against it.

[Metric6]

Ok, why would the tubes be better off not secured? I am a noob so I am not questioning your methods, just trying to learn as much as possible.

[dustons]

Ok, why would the tubes be better off not secured? I am a noob so I am not questioning your methods, just trying to learn as much as possible.

It is easier to store and clean the tubes if you can easily take them out of the rack. Especially after doing it 100+ times.

I don't mess with the integrity of the plug in any way. Why are you wanting to secure the tubes to the rack? Leave them loosey goosey :)

[camjoe63]

The whole concept of the tubes are to be just slid into the racks. It's That simple. No need to drill anything into the plugs to keep them inplace. The rack depth will support the tube. A little wiggle room for the tube is a good thing. Saftey in the racks you build is of more concern. Once you are done with the show then pull out the tubes and clean them out and put them away for the next time. I checked every space in the racks I built so each tube will drop right in.

Others have posted good suggestions. No need to over analyze it, keep it simple but safe.

[russell]

I make my spacers 2.5" so the side rails are that far apart -- at least when I cut 'em straight :lol:

I would definitely NOT screw or glue the mortars in place. As said before, you'll want to be able to remove them for cleaning.

[St1dinoh]

if we are trying to "keep it simple" then why the hell are we removing tubes from racks once the show is over?

just leave em racked up and stack em.

a pile of racks with tubes takes up much less room than a pile of tubes and a pile of racks, and why does a tube need to be out of a rack to get cleaned? just tilt the rack on it's side and hit it with a hose and brush so you can do many at a time.

limiting the hop/bounce of your gun isn't a bad idea, but trying to stop it all together isn't a good idea either.

i've found that using cardboard shims as i described above is a good middle ground.

[russell]

i agree. i actually only clean em when i notice there's debris left over from last time while i'm loading it this time. Then i pull out the tube and shake it. Done.

[Metric6]

does the fear of attaching rigidly stem from the rack tipping if the bounce is strong enough? I didn't think consumer mortars were powerful enough to cause problems.

[dustons]

and why does a tube need to be out of a rack to get cleaned? just tilt the rack on it's side and hit it with a hose and brush so you can do many at a time.




I take the tubes out of the racks for cleaning because I don't make my racks out of pt wood. I only use a little water and try not to let any get to the plug.

[St1dinoh]

I take the tubes out of the racks for cleaning because I don't make my racks out of pt wood. I only use a little water and try not to let any get to the plug.

i've never used a hose on mine, never used a brush either. they've been shot over 10 times and i've never needed to brush them out.

but i have used a cleanout stick quite a few times :twisted:

damn CA's leave sleeves behind everytime :brick:

[UnkleSAM]

i agree. i actually only clean em when i notice there's debris left over from last time while i'm loading it this time. Then i pull out the tube and shake it. Done.
x2

[HeLLy]

x2

x3

[Metric6]

I finished my rack last night. Here is what it looks like. It was my first rack ever, but I am fairly happy with the results. You guys have had some great input so far so let me know what you think.

[Pyro4fun]

Looks pretty sturdy...and heavy. Great job on your first rack. I made my first angle rack (30 shot) and it weighs a ton. Used a lot of wood for that one but it was my first large rack I made. Nice to not have to worry about movement when you put it to work.

I have wondered about using OSB as compared to dimentional lumber. I have seen some posts about blowout being handled better by OSB (makes a hole rather than blowing the whole board off) but nothing about weight, size, or functionality. Anyone have preferences?

[Metric6]

Looks pretty sturdy...and heavy. Great job on your first rack. I made my first angle rack (30 shot) and it weighs a ton. Used a lot of wood for that one but it was my first large rack I made. Nice to not have to worry about movement when you put it to work.

I have wondered about using OSB as compared to dimentional lumber. I have seen some posts about blowout being handled better by OSB (makes a hole rather than blowing the whole board off) but nothing about weight, size, or functionality. Anyone have preferences?

It does weigh a ton. That was one thing I didn't forsee. Well, im glad it is built like a tank. Just have to get help to move it.

[St1dinoh]

It does weigh a ton. That was one thing I didn't forsee. Well, im glad it is built like a tank. Just have to get help to move it.

no offense, but i predict that rack is used to cook marshmallows in less than a year.

it looks sweet, but damn son that thing probably weighs a ton and you'll get real sick of carrying it around and redesign it soon.

thats what happened to this monstosity:

http://www.pyrouniverse.com/gallery2/data/517/IMG_0017.jpg

:twisted:

you can see the previous design in the foreground, that PITA rack held 100 tubes :brick:

i've now moved onto 12 shot line racks and 24 shot box racks.

[Metric6]

I only use it once a year. I dont care all that much about the weight.

[St1dinoh]

I only use it once a year. I dont care all that much about the weight.

thats what i said...

then i had to store it :brick:

you may only have to move it one day a year to shoot fireworks from it, but you'll be screwing with it for the rest of the year when it's in your way in the garage/basement/shed etc...

like i said, my first rack was stupid heavy, after dealing with that thing for 2 years i chopped it way down and i'm much happier with it now.

if you have this rack two years from now and you are still using it send me a PM telling me how wrong i am.

[Metric6]

will do, until then i am looking forward to seeing how it does

[russell]

what's holding the angled racks in place? particularly on the side where the straight one is

[Metric6]

what's holding the angled racks in place? particularly on the side where the straight one is

They are all attached to the plywood in the front and the plywood underneath with screws

[russell]

Ok, not trying to criticize, and that rack will work fine, but you could've done that with a LOT less lumber :)

The 2x4s on the side could be attached to each side of each of the 5 shotters to hold 'em in a fanned position, and the 2x4s that are the handles could make "feet" to hold the 12 shot upright.

Then you could easily remove 'em for storing as well.

All that said, have fun with it. I love being able to send up a lot of shells at once.

Oh, and that's the first 37 shot rack I've ever seen, but I did see a 31 shot once :D

[camjoe63]

Fist time seeing a 37 shot for me as well. Anyone can come up with some sort of design and have multiple opinions on how and why they did it that way. For the most part, those of us that have built racks over and over again involves ease of construction. Some design theirs for setup at a shoot. Others design theirs for weight and storage.

Build it the way you want but in the end it must be safe if you plan on having others enjoy your show.

On that note I saved a copy of your picture and for the last hour and a half I have been trying to figure out how I would fuse it for a display.

[Metric6]

On that note I saved a copy of your picture and for the last hour and a half I have been trying to figure out how I would fuse it for a display.

Haha, you and me are in the same boat. I have (5) kinds of fuse:
1 sec/ft
3 sec/ft
10 sec/ft
24 sec/ft
30 sec/ft

So i will be bale to do some cool stuff with that rack.

[russell]

On that note I saved a copy of your picture and for the last hour and a half I have been trying to figure out how I would fuse it for a display.

how bout like this? (and i only thought for like 3 secs :lol:)

10 sec/ft on the fives, 1 sec/ft on the 12

[Metric6]

I like that idea for the angled parts. I might use that on the first 3 rows. Maybe the last 2 angled rows could do a quick Z style with the 1 sec fuse.

Your idea for the rear rack was what I was thinking of doing. I love just putting a lot of shots up in quick succession.

[Metric6]

by the way, does anyone see any major safety concerns with my rack> It is my first, and I am wondering if there is anything obvious to you guys that I have failed to notice. My parents know nothing about fireworks. For some reason they saw my rack and got nervous. There are a lot of people who come to watch my show, so let me know if anything jumps out at you guys safety wise.

[hvac_superman]

by the way, does anyone see any major safety concerns with my rack> It is my first, and I am wondering if there is anything obvious to you guys that I have failed to notice. My parents know nothing about fireworks. For some reason they saw my rack and got nervous. There are a lot of people who come to watch my show, so let me know if anything jumps out at you guys safety wise.

Yer chiropractor is going to be seeing green.:D

[PyrogearSteve]

2 things about racks:

1: tight tubes = if you have a failure you might kill someone

2: the strongest looking racks are usually the most dangerous ones

Why?

Physics,

Physics,

and ...

Physics.

[Metric6]

no offense, but i predict that rack is used to cook marshmallows in less than a year.

it looks sweet, but damn son that thing probably weighs a ton and you'll get real sick of carrying it around and redesign it soon.

.

Touche, waited until after I shot it on the 4th though.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs132.snc1/5648_129820870922_517955922_3497784_4958044_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6491_1180744992856_1055122470_585172_1727423_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs132.snc1/5648_129820875922_517955922_3497785_1487377_n.jpg

[St1dinoh]

Touche, waited until after I shot it on the 4th though.

[I MG]http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs132.snc1/5648_129820870922_517955922_3497784_4958044_n.jpg[/IMG]

[I MG]http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6491_1180744992856_1055122470_585172_1727423_n.jpg[/IMG]

[I MG]http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs132.snc1/5648_129820875922_517955922_3497785_1487377_n.jpg[/IMG]

LOL

this update made my day, not because i was "right" but because of the glorious way in which you got rid of it.

nice work *tips hat*

and don't feel bad, i bet if there was a poll of all the members who have been here a few years there'd be less than %1 of them who still have there first "racks" they ever built. i'm chilling with ST1D rack v5.0 right now, 6.0 is in the works.

redesigning them is all part of the fun...and the cost:brick:

[Kornholio]

Fire! Fire!