Those of you in the US in particular, please consider joining the Fireworks Alliance.

http://www.fireworksalliance.org/cgi-bin/viewpage.pl?p=about

It's free. They are the only ones now fighting the CPSC in their attempt to destroy the pyrotechnic chemical suppliers.
These are among the last people providing those with an interest in home science with chemicals. Please take a minute and look at the web site, perhaps even write a letter- The CPSC is trying to do something here even the BATFE does not want to do, and they are WAY out of bounds.

It's good to be able to work from OTC obtained at Home Depot and the hardware, drug and auto stores of course. But I for one would like to continue to be able to order a pound of this and a pound of that for testing new mixes. I have a BATFE license to manufacture explosives, but suppliers such as Service Chemical DO NOT sell you less than a drum, bag or pallet of anything.


Thanks.

Bert, I'm a member of TFA and get the online newsletter from Skylighter.
Yes, I can produce my chlorates, metal powders, nitrates, and perchlorates
but it's still nice to be able to order a pound or 2 of that special compound
for pyrotechnic mixes. I've ordered from Skylighter and even bought some
visco from another vendor. On occasion, my part-time job sends me out to
the Purcelville, Virginia area. When I have more time, and cash, I'll stop in
to pick up supplies.

As for BATFE type 20, I'll have wait for some time before I can get that.
This is mostly due to catching up on expenses from having just moved and
what I just had to fork out for another disk drive(FTP).

The problem I have with the CPSC is the same as othe Federal agencies.
Congress enabled these bastards to effectively write whatever regulation or
law they want. The last time I checked the Constitution, only Congress had
the authority to create laws and they shouldn't shirk their responsibility by
allowing unelected bureaucrats determine what applies to the rest of us.
Part of the problem with most politicians is that they're sycophants of the
nanny-state(AOL should be so proud !). Not surprisingly, they're the ones
generally in favor of gun control. I've often wondered if the practices of the
CPSC and others could withstand a U.S. Supreme Court challenge.

It's a type 50, license to manufacture display fireworks. We should get a type 20 license to manufacture high explosives this fall, when we get a type 2 magazine in place (buying a nice gravel pit, we hope). Regardless of what some pyro suppliers claim, ATFE does not require a type 20 to manufacture flash (according to our inspectors).

Taking this to court is going to require a LOT of money. They're the government- We get to pay both halves of the legal bill! Regardless, it must be done. I don't want to see the craft choked to death by goddamned uppity pinheaded bureaucrats.

Here's an interview with a "hobbyist" pyro on NPR. Better done than most mainstream media stories- He prominently mentions the fact he won't be putting on his town's 4th of July show if the CPSC has its way.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5531025