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video How to Make a Fire Wire [Easy Fireworks]
This is an old trick done with fine steel wool to make a huge spiraling shower of sparks. Rapid oxidation of iron contained in the fine strands of steel is an exothermic reaction hot enough to melt the iron (which is a large percentage of steel) and give the spectacular visual effect. This process results in black iron oxide (Fe3O4) and red iron oxide (Fe2O3), which is more commonly known as rust. The carbon content found in steel adds to the brilliance of the sparks. The method I find works best for constructing these fire wires is detailed in the video.
Tools & Materials
000 or 0000 grade steel wool works best. Any courser and it will not burn properly. If it is fluffed up before igniting it will not burn as long, but it will throw off much thicker sparks. The first two shots in the video show fire wires with steel wool that has been fluffed up in this way.
Because these use no self contained oxidizing agents like most fireworks, these are probably legal in most areas - But this does not mean it is smart to use them anywhere. They throw off many hot sparks and should therefore not be used in dry environments. Glasses of some kind are also necessary to avoid any sparks getting in the eyes. A wide brimmed hat or a hood is not a bad idea either to avoid getting spots burned in your hair.
Tools & Materials
- Steel Wool
- 3' Copper Wire
- Lighter or 9 Volt Battery for Ignition
- Wire Strippers (Optional)
000 or 0000 grade steel wool works best. Any courser and it will not burn properly. If it is fluffed up before igniting it will not burn as long, but it will throw off much thicker sparks. The first two shots in the video show fire wires with steel wool that has been fluffed up in this way.
Because these use no self contained oxidizing agents like most fireworks, these are probably legal in most areas - But this does not mean it is smart to use them anywhere. They throw off many hot sparks and should therefore not be used in dry environments. Glasses of some kind are also necessary to avoid any sparks getting in the eyes. A wide brimmed hat or a hood is not a bad idea either to avoid getting spots burned in your hair.
ps. youtube brought me here
It has trouble if you're editing longer HD movies with 50+ clips, but I've found it to work fine if you just edit the videos in segments then splice each one together after rendering. It doesn't double render sections that are already in the right format so you don't lose any quality by doing so.
Sunshiine
We're currently running a Chemical Reactions Challenge and a Fire Challenge which this would be eligible in (both end tonight at 11:59pm), as well as the Mad Scientist Contest!
I just realized, of course, that even though this project is seriously amazing, it is not qualified to win a weekly challenge, as we specifically outline that videos will not be accepted. Because I feel like this is my fault for not bringing this to your attention sooner, I will make an exception and extend the challenge by one day if you are interested in making a step-by-step or photo entry. I am not guaranteeing that this project will be a winner, but I feel badly that I did not catch this sooner.
Seriously tho, it does look awesome!!
Cheers,
Pete