I am taking an installation art class and I am "deconstructing" an
installation done by artist Roman Signer. The piece is called "Cabin". Here
is a link- http://ead.nb.admin.ch/web/biennale/bi99/e/e_kabine.htm

He used blasting caps wired together to explode 3 cans of black paint. This
is where I'm stumped.

I'm trying to find out what power these caps would be (to minimize injury)
and what something like that would cost. I found an application on the ATF
site that someone would need to apply for to be able to handle items like
this, but have no idea what something like this would cost, where it could
be purchased, etc.

Thanks!

Mark (you can email me at zmanphotog(at)cox.net)

Mark, It's going to be both cost and time prohibitive for you to get
the license. You'll have to study and pass the test, pay fees, and
have the appropriate facilities to store the caps, etc.

Your best bet is to find someone locally who has the license and
willingness to recreate whatever it is you're attempting.

You probably wont get much response here, as this discussion forum is
about pyrotechnics, and not high explosives (as blasting caps are
considered).

I found an application on the ATF's web site on what a
person would need to apply for to handle this type of explosive, so
that is a start.

Mark Z <zmanpho... at (no spam) cox.net> fired this volley innews:C6CBCBF3.203B%zmanphotog at (no spam) cox.net:

 I found an application on the ATF's web site on what a
person would need to apply for to handle this type of explosive, so
that is a start.  

Contrary to a prior response, the ATF license or permit does not involve
any testing or show of competency.  State laws vary.

For instance, in Florida, one must have a state blaster's license (which
involves a fairly detailed written test) AND operate under a "master"
blaster until one has served a certain apprenticeship period.  Of course,
to purchase any explosives one must also have a BATFE license or permit.

LLoyd

On Sep 8, 7:02 am, "Lloyd E. Sponenburgh"
lloydspinsidemindspring.com> wrote:
Mark Z <zmanpho... at (no spam) cox.net> fired this volley
innews:C6CBCBF3.203B%zmanphotog at (no spam) cox.net:

 I found an application on the ATF's web site on what a
person would need to apply for to handle this type of explosive, so
that is a start.  

Contrary to a prior response, the ATF license or permit does not involve
any testing or show of competency.  State laws vary.

For instance, in Florida, one must have a state blaster's license (which
involves a fairly detailed written test) AND operate under a "master"
blaster until one has served a certain apprenticeship period.  Of course,
to purchase any explosives one must also have a BATFE license or permit.

LLoyd

Anyone else think that "blasting caps" are a bit of overkill for this
application?

Seems to me you could do this with ordinary stage pyro materials, if
not squibs than confetti mortar or very small flash or BP charges.
Although the link doesn't show the artist's view of the setup, I'm
assuming no one in his right mind would have put lids on the paint
cans, and that rather they are just inclined cans with open tops,
filled with paint and a small charge at the bottom of the can.

Real caps would be way too much explosive just to throw some paint on
him!

Comments?

Regards,

Bob