Aerial Shell Tools
General Information on Time Fuse Punching Tools
For guaranteed time fuse ignitions, the time-tested method of cross matching is without equal. Two holes are punched in the time fuse, one on each end. Through these holes a short piece of black match or thermolite is inserted. This cross match is what transfers the fire from the lift charge to the time fuse, and from the time fuse to the contents of the shell. All time fuse tools I manufacture cut a slug of material from the fuse, leaving a clean hole. This is far better than pushing a pointed awl into the fuse as this smears the tar layer into the powder core and can lead to a misfire.
Precision Time Fuse Cutter

For pyrotechnicians who need absolutely accurate shell and effect timing. This precision time fuse is cutter-copied from a design by Tom Rebenklau who inspired this tool with his roundel rockets.
The fuse length is precision-measured by a 3⁄8" diameter brass measuring screw that has 32 threads per inch.
Each turn of the aluminum handle increases the fuse length by 1⁄32 of an inch or fraction thereof. It's great for roundel shell effects or indoor pyro effects etc. A red oak covered aluminum handle holds a double-ended utility knife blade. As the fuse is cut, it's held against the brass adjusting screw and supported along its length for a square cut. The tapered shape of the cutoff knife packs the powder core to limit powder lost during handling. After cutting the fuse, touch prime the ends with N.C. lacquer and meal powder. There is a tip sheet and sample tubes enclosed.
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Optional Wood Fuse Holder

This optional machine-drilled wood block holds up to 32 cut fuses in order of cut length to eliminate mix-ups. Also comes with an additional hole pattern to hold 32 ¼" I.D. x 2" long red salute cases from www.pyrocreations.com. 3½" x 8¾" x ¾" thick poplar wood with shellac finish.
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Time Fuse Tool #1

Tool number 1 is the least expensive. The body is constructed of aluminum; the punch is steel for many years of service. The block is drilled for ¼" and 3⁄8" fuse. The operation is quite simple. Sections of the fuse are precut about 3⁄8" to ½" longer than the required burn time.
The fuse sections are then inserted in the tool. The punch is inserted in the top hole and struck with a mallet, punching the hole. This is repeated on the opposite end after the shell is completely finished. Keep in mind that the distance between the holes is what actually determines the timing. The fuse punch has a convenient mounting base, so it can be mounted to your workbench.
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Time Fuse Tool #2

Tool # 2 is for the production minded person or shell manufacturing company. This tool is the ultimate in speed and ease of operation. Each stroke of the 18" long handle punches both holes, cuts off the fuse and ejects the finished fuse out the right side of the tool.
By simply removing the self-contained unit one or both piercing punches can be removed. This way, fuses can be punched with no holes, one hole, or two holes, giving the shell maker complete freedom over the fuse preference. Comes with an adjustable stop to gauge the proper fuse length. The complete cutter assembly is mounted to a plate so that it can be bolted to a work surface. When ordering please specify the size of the fuse to be cut, whether ¼" or 3⁄8"; it will not accept both sizes. Please also specify whether thermolit or black match will be used, since it will only accept one size. If not in stock, please allow 8 to 10 weeks for delivery.
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Basic Spoulette Kits

Thinking of getting into rammed fuses? This is the basic kit to get you started. It consists of an aluminum base and a graduated stainless steel rammer with knurled aluminum head. The graduations are machined ¼" apart to help you perfect your shell timing.
Note: Unless otherwise specified I use spoulette tubes from PRECOCIOUS PYROTECHNICS PYRO to machine the various pieces of your kit. If you have tubes from a different source, please ship me a sample to insure your tool fits your tubes.
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Premium Spoulette Kits

If you're serious about making your own rammed fuses, then the premium spoulette kit is for you. The premium spoulette kit comes with a ramming base, which contains a domed bottom. This domed bottom produces a concave surface in the end of the spoulette that promotes shell ignition.
The kit also comes with 2 rammers. The first rammer is the loading rammer, which has a flat end and is graduated in ¼" increments. The second rammer is also graduated in ¼" increments but with a pointed end used for the last increment of composition. The pointed end produces a cone in the end of the spoulette for ease of ignition. In addition to the loading base and 2 rammers, you will also receive a case support, ejection base, and ejection rammer.
For a perfect fit, you must send me a tube sample. (There are 5 different companies making tubes, and they all come in different sizes. Even when you get a tube from the same company, there is no guarantee in the future that the outside dimension will be the same as the last time.)
Note: Unless otherwise specified I use spoulette tubes from PRECOCIOUS PYROTECHNICS PYRO to machine the various pieces of your kit. If you have tubes from a different source, please ship me a sample to insure your tool fits your tubes.
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Pyro Clock Assembly Tool

Do your hands get tired after assembling dozens and dozens of Pyro Clock segments? This tool will put an end to that. The pyro clock assembly tool holds each segment securely while you simply activate the red handle to click the segments together. The assembly tool is machined from solid aluminum for a perfect fit; no cheesy channel iron is used here. It comes complete as shown.
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Shell Spiker

Need an extra hand when stringing can shells? Bolt this tool to your workbench and it will free both hands to pull the string tight. An ingenious tool that automatically clamps the string as soon as tension is applied and releases more string when tension is released from the clamp bar.
The shell spiker is made of all aluminum construction with bronze bushings and stainless steel bolts. Four holes are drilled in the base so the unit can be bolted to a work surface. This high quality piece of equipment will provide you with a lifetime of service.
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Maple Case Formers

A maple case former is the finest quality case former you can buy for making traditional Italian can shells. To prevent cracking and splitting, our case formers are made from laminated maple. After they are fully machined along the entire length and topped off with a contoured handle, they are sanded and given two coats of shellac.
A ¼" hole is drilled through the entire length of the case former which provides a quick way to remove the cases. Simply blow in the handle and the cases are easily removed. The end of the case former is relieved to accept a time fuse or flash bag. Other sizes are available for multi-break shells.
Note: Custom size case formers can be quoted for your special needs.
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