News
August 23, 2010
Our well-earned vacation has come to an end, and we're feeling rested and refreshed and ready to fulfil orders again. So now when you click any "Add to Cart" button, your order WILL get added to the cart.
Thank you for being patient with us, and we hope your summer was even better than ours.
August 14, 2010
We're back from the convention, and what can we say? There will be better ones. It seems nobody wants to light fireworks in the rain. At any rate, we're still busy with back orders and personal matters, but we will resume accepting orders on the 23rd. In the meantime, we hope you all are enjoying the sun while it lasts.
July 12, 2010
We will be closed to build up stock for the PGII convention which runs from Aug. 7th to the 13th. We will be back in business to serve you on Aug. 23rd. Until then, we cannot accept any new orders. We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we really need to concentrate on the convention and we're still not getting any younger.
June 7, 2010
More good news: the Shell Spiker and all the Whistle Rocket Kits are back in stock. So now your 4th can be extra noisy.
April 26, 2010
We're back from Schaumberg. If you sent anything before then, please know that we are processing all orders as fast as humanly possible.
April 13, 2010
We need to go back to Schaumburg for a week. We will be gone from April 17 to April 24. As usual we will ship out any orders after we return in the following week.
March 04, 2010
We have produced a new size of coated star plate. Only two are one is available. Once they are sold, they will not be offered again. call to place your order.
| Product | Stars | Star Size | Stock | Price | # Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Plate | 42 | 5⁄8" | 189-58 | $272.00 | 1 |
December 13, 2009
Here's the perfect gift for that hard-to-please pyrotechnician on your shopping list: A Gift Certificate good for reducing the price of any of Rich Wolter's high-quality pyro tools.
The Certificate will be emailed to your recipient, who will then be able to instantly credit its value toward their purchase. Certificates have no expiry date, can be bought in any dollar amount, feature your personal message, and can be easily created on this page.
December 7, 2009
We're taking a much-needed vacation on December 15th. All orders sent to us will be processed when we return on January 15th.
We hope your holidays are just as happy!
November 4, 2009
The ½" Star Plates are back from the coaters and back in stock. We also have two new plates in 3⁄16" and ¼" sizes.
Star Plates
If you need to produce a lot of uniform stars from 3⁄8" up to ¾" in size, we've got the tools for you. Our star plates are machined from heavy aluminum plate and made to last. The 3⁄16" and ¼" plates have pins made of stainless steel; these are what we call core stars to roll bigger stars. All the other plates have aluminum pins. The stars they produce are great for aerial shells, Roman candles, cakes and more.
| Product | Stars | Star Size | Stock | Price |
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These are mainly used for making core stars which are then placed in a container with other composition and rotated to cover the star with a different color, making them as big as you want.
October 16, 2009
We've been working hard to get some items back in stock. All of our 3½" and 2½" Comet and Crossette Pumps are available once again, and the Shell Spiker has returned after a long absence.
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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Also, our Extreme Whistle Rocket Kit comes in two more sizes.
Extreme Performance Whistle Rocket Kits
These whistle rockets were developed with the help of Jim Biersach. We started with a clean slate and the goal of seeing how much performance could be achieved with whistle mix. Starting with an extremely long spindle, we had nothing but chaos at the beginning. Gradually shortening the spindle after each test, we finally settled on a spindle length that gave a bullet-like performance—nothing but straight flight, with no rocket lay-over. Initial take off is like trying to watch a bullet. This is a real winner!
The kit comes with a stainless steel spindle and aluminum base. 4 oz and 8 oz kits come with 2 rammers, while 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 lb kits come with 3 rammers for proper length and a steel puller.
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October 7, 2009
All of our Star and Comet Pumps are back in stock. Thanks for being patient.
September 19, 2009
The welder has finished making more copies of this popular tool, so you can order yours today.
Premium Star Gun
Many star comps won't perform properly if the star is placed on the ground and ignited; most of the time all you see is a pile of ash. The star needs to fall through the air for the full effect to be seen. Star guns are especially valuable when making crossette stars to check burn time and break charges, saving much time building a shell and having poor performing stars.
There are 7 tubes on each plate. Sizes are for 3⁄8", ½", 5⁄8", ¾", 1", 11⁄8", and 1¼" diameter stars. Each tube is 1⁄16" diameter over the star diameter and 9 times the star diameter in length.
Each tube is drilled for visco fuse. All tubes are welded to the base plate by a certified welder (no chicken poop welds on the units). All tubes are D.O.M. (drawn over mandrel) inside finish; there are no weld seams for the star to catch on like guns using common water pipe. Coated with a clear, penetrating dry film rust preventative.
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August 16, 2009
We just returned from the PGI Convention, and had a great time meeting customers and fireworks fans from around the world. So many people loved our products that we temporarily ran out of a few items.
- The Star Guns are all gone. Rich said he wasn't going to make any more, but he now says he has enough leftover material to make a couple more of them. We shall see.
- The 4 non-standard size Star Plates have all been sold. Rich might make these a regular product in our catalogue.
- The ½-inch Star Plates, along with the 2-½ Comet, Crossette, 3 in 1 Comet Pumps are also out of stock. We will have new ones available as soon as possible.
So you see, we have a lot of work and planning to do. But right now we have to get busy and fulfill the orders that came in while we were away. (So many people just couldn't wait!) Please be patient; we haven't forgotten any of you.
July 16, 2009
We will be attending the PGI Convention which runs from August 8 to 14. We have to do a lot of preparation work before then, so we won't be able to fulfill any orders until we return on August 20th.
We thank you for your patience, and hope to see you at the convention!
June 2, 2009
We made a few upgrades to protect our customers' personal information. Our site has been independently evaluated and certified as meeting the stringent requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Among other changes, we moved to a new host and upgraded our secure page to a more robust 256-bit protocol. You might not notice any difference; however, if you have bought anything from us before, you will probably have to resubmit the Hold Harmless Agreement when making a new purchase.
Also, the security seals on our Order Page look a little different:
Our site was safe before. Now it is even safer.
May 28, 2009
We've moved the website to a new host and upgraded our security pages. There might be some downtime or occasional glitches while we get settled in, so patience and understanding is always appreciated.
May 22, 2009
We're going on vacation to beautiful, sunny Schaumburg, Illinois and will return on June 2nd. Naturally we won't be able to fulfill any orders until we get back, and of course we appreciate your patience during this time.
May 17, 2009
Your wait is over: We've made some new #1 Time Fuse Tools which you can order right here:
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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And if you're curious to see how we make these tools, check our gallery to see some pictures of our sprawling, ultramodern manufacturing complex.
May 6, 2009
Due to popular demand, we will soon be offering Hybrid Black Powder Rocket Kits in 4lb and 6lb sizes.
We can't give an exact date yet. Production was halted when Rich spent a couple of days in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer. He is feeling fine now. And he has received more than enough get well cards.
April 22, 2009
(Updated August 16)
Here's a special offer: four Star Plates in three different sizes.
| Product | Stars | Star Size | Stock | Price | # Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Plate | 72 | 3⁄16" | 189-316 | SOLD OUT | 0 |
| Star Plate | 49 | 1⁄4" | 189-14 | SOLD OUT | 0 |
| Star Plate | 25 | 1" | 189-1 | SOLD OUT | 0 |
These plates might be featured on our regular product line. We will let you know.
March 28, 2009
We will be entertaining guests during the Easter holidays between April 10th and 15th. Any orders placed during this time will be processed after the 15th.
March 13, 2009
We've made a lot of one-of-a-kind tools over the years, and you can see some of them on our new Gallery Page.
March 11, 2009
Regular visitors might notice that we've made a few changes to the site and added some features that should make it easier to read and navigate. We've improved the shopping cart so it stays in sight as you move around, rather like a real shopping cart. (If you prefer not to use this feature, just click the Park the Cart button and it will shoot to the top of the page and stay there.) We also wanted to take advantage of the larger monitors being sold today. (When the site was first launched in 2001, a 17-inch monitor was top of the line. Now you cannot get anything smaller.)
As with anything new, there are always some bugs that escape notice. Our hard-working programmer has tried to make the design work for all common browsers, but he cannot be 100% sure it will work for everybody. So if you have a problem with the site, he would really appreciate your feedback. The address is over here.
One thing we haven't changed is our commitment to our customers. You will still get the same high quality, affordable pyrotechnic tools and the same personal attention that you have all come to expect and deserve.
Thank you for your continuing patronage, and we look forward to helping with your pyrotechnic celebrations for many more years.
February 16, 2009
We have a rare and special new tool.
We have made only 16 of these Star Guns. Once they are sold they will not be offered again.
February 14, 2009
Need to find information/instructions/formulas or share your experiences with like-minded pyrophiles? Check out the blog at Pyrotechnics Hobbyist for links, facts, a forum and more.
February 12, 2009
Our Pressure Conversion Gauge is now available in five different pressure calibrations from 1,000 to 10,000 PSI. Use these lower-pressure gauges if you work with smaller diameter pyro items where a 10,000 PSI gauge has way too much capacity.
Pressure Conversion Gauges
Strobe rockets, whistle rockets, and other rockets that use whistle mix for propellant require a sturdy press that's capable of pressing with a force of up to 8800 P.S.I. This pressure conversion gauge directly reads the P.S.I. that's being applied to the rocket tooling. That means no guesswork as to what cylinder size your press has and converting that information into useful working pressures for your tooling.
Different diameter rockets require different loading pressures. Simply look up the required loading pressure on the chart provided and place the pressure conversion gauge into your press. Press down on the pressure conversion gauge with the press's ram until you reach the required pressure. Set your press's pressure relief valve at this point and you're ready to go. If your press does not have a pressure relief valve, the reading on your press's pressure gauge is the pressure you would want to press to, to achieve optimum loading pressure on the rocket tooling. This eliminates the time consuming process of mathematically calculating the required loading pressure on your press. The pressure conversion gauge does it all for you.
Be sure to check our Rocket Pressure Pressing Conversion Formulas that show optimum pressing pressures for rockets using whistle type mixes.
Another tip: If you need a quicker reacting gauge, remove the black cap at the top of the gauge and pour out the glycerin. The gauge will react much faster especially in cooler climates.
This pressure conversion gauge is machined from solid 3" diameter aluminum and is built with Premium VITRON seals and a stainless steel 2½" diameter glycerin filled 0-10,000 P.S.I. pressure gauge. It is then tested for 18 hours at 4,000 P.S.I. for any leakage. The pressure conversion gauge comes completely assembled and ready for use. Each gauge comes with a chart showing the required pressure for various sized rockets.
| Product | P.S.I. | Stock | Price |
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January 26, 2009
The extra two ¼" star plates have been sold. Due to popular demand, we will soon offer these star plates in our regular catalogue.
We added a new article on making rocket nozzles.
January 20, 2009
We rarely, if ever, lose any products in the mail, but just to be safe we insure everything we send. For more information on our guaranteed delivery policy, please see our updated Terms and Conditions page.
January 16, 2009
We've enhanced the Clark's Steel Fountain Kit with a new Fountain Nozzle and Drill Fixture.
Clark's Fountain Nozzle & Drill Fixture
John Sagaria and I designed the nozzle and drill fixture to solve a problem that has plagued the Clark's fountain builders in the past. It puts an end to the blown nozzle that sometimes happens due to high internal pressures. The nozzle support system was engineered to stop the problem of the clay nozzle being blown out of the case upon ignition. The kit consists of one machined aluminum drill fixture that is held in place by 4 bolts drilled through the case and fastened into the aluminum nozzle support. The nozzle support sits in direct contact against the rammed clay nozzle (see picture below).
To ensure correct hole locations the kit comes with a drill fixture machined from a solid piece of aluminum that fits over the end of the case and is held in place by two screws. Four guide holes in the fixture pilot your drill to correctly position the 4 holes that hold the support in place. Each kit comes with 1 aluminum nozzle support which is reusable for your next fountain and 1 drilling fixture. Also included are the 4 screws that hold the support nozzle in place (drill not included). John Sagaria has a video out showing how to use the product.
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January 12, 2009
The Whistle Rocket Kit has been discontinued. We have replaced it with a new extreme tool for making rockets fly better, faster and higher.
November 15, 2008
We have some tools left over from a custom order, which we are offering on a first-ask, first-get basis:
- Five 5⁄8" star pumps, for sale at $35 each + $6.75 shipping (US).
- (Sold Out)
Two ¼" star plates. These have nituff bases and stainless steel pins, and make 49 stars. Price $220 plus $10 S+H (USA).
Or call us at 608-297-9402. Once these items are sold, they will not be offered again.
October 20, 2008
The bad news is, we've had to raise our FedEx shipping charges because it costs too much to have them pick up parcels out here in the woods of Wisconsin. The good news is, we've lowered our rates for shipping by USPS Priority Mail.
We use flat rate boxes whenever possible, so your shipping charges will seldom run over $10. For non-US customers, the flat rate is about $10-40 for packages under 20 lbs (9 kg). These charges are based on current US Post Office rates for Priority Mail Domestic and International shipping.
September 2008
(Sold Out) We currently have two surplus boxes of 2½" chipboard discs. These discs are .08" thick. They are plain with no holes. Each box has 1000 discs and is for sale at $25.00 each. This is 2½¢ a disc.
June 2008
Those customers who don't have a PayPal account can now order products with their credit card.
May 2008
Need some large Chip Board Discs, but not 100 of them? You can now buy discs in any amount (if wider than 2 inches). Simply specify the number in the shopping cart.
April 2008
Our Chip Board Discs now have four new hole sizes:
3⁄16"
15⁄64"
19⁄32" for Precocious Pyrotechnics' spoulette tubes
11⁄16" for New England 4 oz. paper tubes