Building the m-80

Exploding fireworks are known as "Salutes", which include anything from a Firecracker to Quarter Sticks. M-80's are Salutes that were originally used to simulate gunfire during military training. They were also sold in the U.S. until the Child Protection Act banned them in 1966. Originally, M-80s were approximately 1-1/2" x 9/16" (inside) diameter cardboard tubes filled with Flash Powder. Several slightly different variations existed by different names (such as the "Silver Salute", "Block Buster", and "Ash Can"), but in general, all the devices were functionally identical. A lot of times we get asked: "Which Salute was the strongest - a Cherry Bomb, an Ash Can or an M-80?" Since explosive power in these instances is essentially derived from the quantity of Flash Powder contained in the firework, the M-80 was the strongest of the bunch. At 1-1/2" long and 9/16" inside diameter, it held the greatest quantity of Flash Powder. Next was the familiar silver "Ash Can" at 1-1/2" long 1/2" inside diameter, and finally a Cherry Bomb who's Flash Powder chamber was about 3/4" in diameter. Firecrackers and Cherry Bombs are Salutes that require specialized assembly techniques or equipment, so we're not going to cover them in this section. The following is how M-80s, Quarter Sticks and similar Salutes were made.

Keep in mind that assembling and even possessing such a device is illegal and considered a very serious offense unless you are licensed to do so. Exploding fireworks have caused more injuries that any other type, mainly resulting from improper use. The explosive force generated can easily remove fingers from the hand or send flying particles into the eye causing permanent blindness. As tempting as it may be to do, never light one of these and throw it. There have been many recorded cases of defective fuse causing the firework to explode someone's hand. Exploding fireworks are not toys and should only be handled by adults licensed to do so.
Always set the firework on the ground (with no obstructions around), light fuse and get away.

Assembly Procedure

 The components needed for assembling an M-80: Visco Fuse (also called "Cannon Fuse", "Hobby Fuse or "Safety Fuse"), Elmer's White Glue, Paper End Plugs, a Cardboard Tube, and of course Flash Powder. With the exception of some old Chinese Crackers & Lady Fingers, Flash Powder is the only composition used in exploding fireworks... yes, even Firecrackers. You can see how Flash Powder is made by Clicking Here.
The M-80shown here is made from one of our "Beefy" M-80 cardboard tubes. It'sa bit larger and thicker than the older "Classic" M-80 tubes, but weprefer it because it produces a louder report and a deeper boom. This particulartube measures 1-3/4" long x 3/4" inside diameter, with a 1/8"wall thickness. Any size tube with matching endplugs can be use for makingSalutes. Simply put, the larger the tube you use, the more Flash Powder itwill hold, and the larger the report will be.
Just as a reference, our "Beefy" M-80 tubes hold about 8 grams of Flash Powder, the M-160 tubes hold about 13 grams, and the Quarter Sticks holdabout 19 grams.

 Using a 1/8" drill bit, a hole is drilled in the side of the casing. This is where the fuse will be installed. You can also make the Salute with the fuse coming out one end, like a stick of Dynamite. This is called "End Fusing", which we'll cover later on this page. Contrary to popular belief, there is no difference in the report if you put the fuse in the middle of the Salute or in the end. It will work the same either way.

 A bead of glue is spread just around the inside of one end of the M-80 tube. This will adhere the End Plug to the case

 The End Plugs used are just heavy weight paper pressed into a cup shape that fit snugly inside the tube. There are many other ways to plug the ends of the tube if commercial End Plugs are not available. Some old manufacturing techniques use plaster or similar thick pastes to secure the ends. These are dangerous and should not be used. When the M-80 explodes, these solid plugs become projectiles and can blind or penetrate the skin and must be avoided. It is a misconception that End Plugs must be thick for a loud report. Stick with thin, lightweight plugs that will fragment & not travel far when the firework explodes. Plugs made from pieces of tissue rolled into a ball, pressed into the end of the tube and thoroughly covered with white glue are acceptable.

 The End Plug is pressed into the tube until flush with the surface. Wipe off any extra glue that might seep out when the plug is inserted.

  A piece of Visco Fuse is cut, no shorter than 3", and inserted into the tube. Make sure that the fuse is unobstructed and extends all the way to the bottom of the tube.

 Lay a thin bead of White Glue around the fuse sealing it to the case.

  The tube is then filled 3/4 full with standard 70 / 30 Flash Powder. This is the only Flash Powder that should ever be used in exploding fireworks of this type. Do not fill the tube more than 3/4 full. The formula and mixing procedure for this Flash Powder can be found here.

  Just as was done before, run a bead of White Glue just around the inside of the tube and insert an End Plug flush with the case. Wipe off any excess that may squeeze out.

 Just for looks, the case can be painted red, signifying an explosive device. There are many different types of paper tubes available that already have a colored outer wrap.

 The completed M-80. Remember that these devices were banned for a reason. It is suggested that the construction of M-80's and similar devices be left to the licensed pyrotechnician. Never light any exploding fireworks in your hand, always follow the basic fireworks theme... lay on ground, light fuse and get away.