This page describes an
easy-to-make collapsible fireworks stand that can be used to hold a
pole to which wheels, saxons, waterfalls or California candles can be
attached. When ignited with quick match such arrangements make
spectacular results (see pictures below).
MATERIALS
- piece
of plywood at least 12" x 12" and 0.75" thick
- (4) 2.5" 90 degree brackets with screws
- 2' long PVC plastic pipe (1.5" inner diameter)
- (1) 1x2, 6-8 feet long
- Some bricks
Procedure
Measure to find the center of the 12x12 board. Stand the
pipe at this location. Carefully place the brackets evenly spaced
around the pipe. They should be ninety degrees to each other. With a
pencil mark the holes for the brackets on the pipe and the board.
Drill about 1/8" tap holes in the board and pipe. Loosely screw
the brackets to the pipe. Line up the brackets on the board and if
needed use a level to make sure everything is level. Go around several
times gradually tightening the screws and keeping the pipe level. Sand
and paint the wooden base with "Latex Enamel Porch and Deck"
paint or cover it with the very heavy aluminum foil found in pans of
frozen pies and cakes. You now should be able to slide the 1x2
into the pipe. If it goes hard, don't force it too much. It much
easier to push the 1x2 in than it is to pull it out. Besides, if it
does not go all the way down, you will have a taller stand. If it
slides in too easily you can wrap some duct tape around the 1x2 at any
point to make it stick better. This also lets you choose how high you
want the stand. You can attach a wheel, saxon, California candle to
the 1x2 before you stick it into the pipe. Place some bricks or heavy
weights on the 12x12 board to make it sturdy and less susceptible to
falling over. If you make two stands, you can put a nail or eye hook
at the tops of the 1x2s and run a rope or wire between them. You can
then attach your waterfall to the rope or wire. Please note, one of
the reasons I used a 12x12" board and a 2' pipe is that this will
store very nicely in a 30 gallon trash can. I store other fireworks
holders and material in the can too. When it comes times to do a show,
I will place a fireworks station (2x4' board or metal plate) on top of
the trashcan. I then place fireworks on the station. This will make
the fountains be closer to eye level and they appear to shoot much
higher because they are up a few feet higher. Also, the sparks from
the fountains have further to drop before they reach the ground, which
is a nice effect.
Here's a few pictures of the thing in action. NOTE:
Do not ignite this device close to buildings or flammables.
The angle at which these photos were taken only makes it appear
as if the stand was right next to the house. Click
here to see a video clip.
