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To reply to previous post about making mortars vs illegal m-80's. All the difference in the world. To simplify, fireworks are powered by two completely different explosives, black powder and flash powder. Black powder is the traditional black gunpowder as used in muzzle loading firearms. It burns relatively slowly and unless the gases released by combustion are contained in a sealed vessel, it does not explode. It is used mainly for "lift charges;" the powder in the bottom of a fireworks shell that propels it skyward out of the mortar (gun.) Flash powder is a combination of a powdered metal and an oxidizer. It is capable of detonation ( burning so fast that the expanding gases cannot get out of their own way and causing an explosion without being contained in a vessel.) The quantity of black powder necessary to produce detonation is approximately 500 pounds, of flash powder 4 ounces. Flash powder is the explosive contained inside a shell, either as an explosive to produce a report as in a salute or maroon shell or as a burst charge to spread "stars". Even small amounts of flash powder can explode with astounding violence from friction or especially static sparks. Conditions where the components are mixed must be carefully controlled, especially humidity and conductivity of clothes and mixing instuments. DO NOT make home-made flash powder or M80's, it just isn't worth the risk, especially if you are the personality type who feels that rules are only meant for other people.
Wisconsin's laws on commercial fireworks (what is now called 1.4 G or common fireworks as sold to the public) are quite liberal and the few restrictions in existence are generally unenforced. Despite this we see few fireworks injuries in the ER and most of the real horror stories that have occurred in the state in recent years have been due to home-made M-80s.
Final note: I'm no fan of big government but know that making M-80's is a Federal crime and is considered a serious felony on a par with bomb making and you could look at vast expense and serious jail time for some "harmless fun."
Again. my point, if you want to have fun with BIG fireworks, get some training and do it correctly and legally...Dave
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