Assuming 0.5 Cal. Hardened lead media were being used, at what
diameter would the media be or unusable,
or what adustment parameters would be needed to compensate for size
decreases?

Firebrand <vo... at (no spam) esuhsd.org> fired this volley in news:e84e17ce-7378-
4ac0-baea-783ac9be3... at (no spam) r24g2000prf.googlegroups.com:

Assuming 0.5 Cal. Hardened lead media were being used, at what
diameter would the media be or unusable,
or what adustment parameters would be needed to compensate for size
decreases?

For pyrotechnic chemicals, lead or hardened lead is good down to about
3/8".  Below that size, it's just not heavy enough to do any real
crushing.

Ceramic limit is about 1/2", but you have to mill longer with it.  
Stainless steel 1/2" media is dandy.

LLoyd

I assume SS is harder than hardened Pb but isn't there a concern about
sparking?
It might be worthwhile to spend a little more on SS of it justifies a
longer media lifespan

Firebrand <vo... at (no spam) esuhsd.org> fired this volley in news:307e8d87-8b02-4181-
a758-482804624... at (no spam) s21g2000prm.googlegroups.com:

I assume SS is harder than hardened Pb but isn't there a concern about
sparking?
It might be worthwhile to spend a little more on SS of it justifies a
longer media lifespan

The 300-series stainless steels are listed as non-sparking.  However, I
would never mill an explosive with a ferrous medium OR with ceramics.

Stainless is ideal for milling individual constituents.

LLoyd

On Sep 18, 5:59 am, "Lloyd E. Sponenburgh"

lloydspinsidemindspring.com> wrote:
Firebrand <vo... at (no spam) esuhsd.org> fired this volley in news:307e8d87-8b02-4181-
a758-482804624... at (no spam) s21g2000prm.googlegroups.com:

I assume SS is harder than hardened Pb but isn't there a concern about
sparking?
It might be worthwhile to spend a little more on SS of it justifies a
longer media lifespan

The 300-series stainless steels are listed as non-sparking.  However, I
would never mill an explosive with a ferrous medium OR with ceramics.

Stainless is ideal for milling individual constituents.

LLoyd

This is a interesting selection of 300 SS spheres. Which would be an
overall ideal pick for pyrotechnic component milling? (I assume we are
talking 1/2 ")http://steelmedia.com/stainless-steel-balls.htm

Considering the present unavailability of the beloved Harbor Freight 3
lb rock tumbler, is anyone familiar with this product as an
alternative?

     http://www.unitednuclear.com/mills.htm

      The HF mill was known to have a fairly limited life span. Would
increased robustness of the above alternative justify the increased
cost? Could this be the answer to those who have a Sponenburg Mill on
their to-do list but want to get something up and running? It can also
be purchased with grinding media.