Re: MtMan-List: Black Powder

["Glenn Darilek" <llsi@texas.net>]

>RR1LA@aol.com wrote:
>
> JD, iirc (if i recall correctly) powder was not originally packaged by
> fineness grades, but did change as it was carried around and ground itself
> down.


I am sure this statement was not made to imply that one could grind their
powder down to make it finer.  So I write for extra caution so noone might
get the wrong idea and possibly get hurt.

>From my tour of the original duPont Brandywine River black powder works in
Delaware, I learned that grinding powder, even in a wet state can be
hazardous to your life.  Indeed, many lethal explosions happened during this
process.  In fact, they designed the grinders in the anticipation of
occassional detonations.  The grinders were put into buildings with only
three walls, and a roof that was designed to blow off.  The open side was
towards the river, where there was nothing to blow up.  They had many
grinders that were separated by the requisite distance so if one blew up,
the others would not go.

The grinders were large stone wheels that rolled in a circle in a crucible.
The wheels were powered by the water.

I also wrote down the formula and steps for making gunpowder by the original
recipe, but I wisely decided not to venture into such a hazardous
occupation.

In the interest of safety,

Iron Burner