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Gunpowder
by Tetranitrate on July 5, 2006

Table of Contents

License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Intro: Gunpowder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 1: Parts list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 2: Mixing the chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

step 3: Turn it on and wait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

step 4: Sift out the powder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

step 5: Store for future use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

http://www.instructables.com/id/Gunpowder/
License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa)

Intro: Gunpowder
..................................................................................................................................................................................

This is an instructable for how to make gunpowder from its basic chemcials. The cost is initially expensive for the scale and ballmill (a little over 100$) but once you have
those parts all you need is the chemcials which are relatively cheap.

step 1: Parts list


There are three basic chemicals in gunpowder Potassium Nitrate, Charcoal powder, and Sulfur powder. Gunpowder would be a lot simpler to make if you could just mix
the three chemicals together in the right ratio and have the final product, however chemistry dosent always work that way. If you look at a piece of charcoal under a
microscope you can see very tiny holes called pores. Even when the charcoal is ground up into a fine powder each particle of it still contains microscopic pores. To
properly make gunpowder the particles of charcoal must be ground together with the potassium nitrate and sulfur, the process of grinding them smashes the potassium
nitrate and sulfur into the pores of the charcoal creating a subastance that will readily burn when ignited.

Parts list:

1. Ball mill ( Can be bought at unitednuclear.com for 70$, if you buy it someplace else or decide to make it, make sure you also buy lead grinding media (ceramic media
can also be used) as it is the only metal that wont give off sparks when ground together)
2. Scale ( I prefer the electronic ones which can be bought on e-bay fairly cheap, less then 20$, make sure it has a capacity of at least 200 grams, otherwise you will be
making gunpowder in very small batches)
3. Potassium nitrate, Sulfur powder, and Charcoal powder(All obtainable on e-bay) When buying try to buy as close to 5x as much potassium nitrate as charcoal powder,
and 2/3 as much sulfur as charcoal ( I will explain the ratios later)
4. Wire spaghetti strainer
5. Old newspapers
6. Tupperware container
7. Calcuator ( To measure the amount of chemical to use)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Gunpowder/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Gunpowder/
step 2: Mixing the chemicals
As long as you always follow the 75:15:10 ratio of potassium nitrate:charcoal powder:sulfur powder you can make any amount of gunpowder necessary. First either
determine the necessary amount and mix the chemicals accordingly, or you can make a large batch and save it for future use (I do it this way). A decent sized batch
would be 300 grams potassium nitrate, 60 grams charcoal powder, and 40 grams sulfur powder.

Steps:

1. If you are using an electric scale, place a container (I use dixie plastic cups) on it to measure the chemicals into. Then press and hold the "tare" button and it will take
the added weight into account and set itself to zero (meaning the weight of the cup wont be taken into effect when you measure out the weight of the chemcials)
2. Measure the proper amount of each chemical, one chemical at a time, into the cups and then empty each cup into the ball mill.
3. When all 3 chemicals are in the ball mill grinding chamber seal it and turn it on.

step 3: Turn it on and wait


The title of this step says it all. Two hours is the standard amount of time to let it grind for, however you can leave it on for longer to get a slightly higher quality powder (I
suppose you can also grind it for a shorter amount of time with diminished results if you need it fast, examples of this would be if you were in some sort of gunpowder
making contest or if your hometown was invaded by aliens and you needed fast gunpowder)

step 4: Sift out the powder


After 2 hours you will turn off and remove the gunpowder from the ball mill, and store it in a container.

Steps:

1. Lay out a couple of sheets of old newspaper.


2. Hold the spaghetti strainer over the newspaper and pour the contents of the ball mill into it.
3. Gently shake the strainer until all the gunpowder has fallen through the holes to the newspaper and all the lead balls remain.
4. Put the lead balls back in the ball mill, close it up, and store it for another day.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Gunpowder/
step 5: Store for future use
Pour the gunpowder from the newspaper into a tupperware container. Seal the container tightly and store for future use. Make sure the container is airtight so the
gunpowder will not absorb moisture from the air.

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kentchemistry.com by kruser495 bee

http://www.instructables.com/id/Gunpowder/
Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 527 comments

jj.inc says: Jan 2, 2011. 10:15 PM REPLY


can i attach a 2' liter bottle to my bike (ill find a way) and fill it with led fishing weights.

spenfisher12 says: Dec 22, 2010. 4:04 PM REPLY


3 things 1 i have that same mill 60 bucks at www.cannonfuse.com 2 your tittle should say black powder and 3 you should send ppl to this wabsite for
compositions and in compatable chemicals link

milamber says: Dec 21, 2009. 8:12 PM REPLY


ok so kno3( potasium nitrate ) is a 5.1 oxidiser yes?>
chlorine is a 5.1 oxidizer so could you substitute kn03 for chlorine?

beehard44 says: Dec 11, 2010. 5:50 AM REPLY


chlorine is a gas

MajorBromley says: Sep 8, 2010. 5:20 AM REPLY


i dont think cloren can ige nit maby im wrong try it

Quantinuim says: Jun 9, 2010. 11:25 PM REPLY


Just woderin but coudnt u just crush the potassium nitrite powder and sulfer with a hamer???

MajorBromley says: Sep 8, 2010. 5:19 AM REPLY


itel make a spark and blow ur face off but sure

Quantinuim says: Jun 13, 2010. 10:39 PM REPLY


Bananas hav lots of potassium in them any idea how to make a banana bomb?

bombmaker2 says: Jun 13, 2010. 5:46 PM REPLY


You could but the quality would be absolutly terrible.

Quantinuim says: Jun 13, 2010. 10:42 PM REPLY


Howfine a powder does the Potassium nitrite have to be?

bombmaker2 says: Jun 14, 2010. 10:36 AM REPLY


To make a good gunpowder, the potasium nitrate would have to be a powder similar to sugar.

MajorBromley says: Sep 8, 2010. 5:16 AM REPLY


dos it still explode when lit in non closed contaner

buildingteen says: Oct 28, 2006. 12:56 AM REPLY


does it have to be weight or can you just mix 75 quarter teaspoons to 15 quarter teaspoons to 10 quarter teaspoons, and where can you get sulfur?

MajorBromley says: Sep 8, 2010. 5:15 AM REPLY


its not as acurat and u can get it from ebay

http://www.instructables.com/id/Gunpowder/
dutch712 says: Jul 2, 2010. 6:36 PM REPLY
garden store or nursery

liam552 says: Aug 21, 2008. 4:33 PM REPLY


the plant shop has sulfur for fertilizer.

Tetranitrate says: Oct 28, 2006. 1:23 PM REPLY


It has to be weight, its the only sure way of measuring the proper amounts.

JamesRPatrick says: Aug 23, 2008. 4:41 PM REPLY


Yeah, if you measure by volume, it'll probably screw you over. Particle size and thus space between particles varies from different suppliers.

JamesRPatrick says: Aug 23, 2008. 4:43 PM REPLY


In a different experiment, measuring by mass made a smoke bomb; measuring by volume made a rocket.

benthekahn says: Jul 29, 2008. 11:46 PM REPLY


Not to be technical, but its actually in mass.

fennecfanatic says: Apr 15, 2009. 7:00 PM REPLY


Pathological circumstances notwithstanding, units of weight and units of mass are generally interchangeable on Earth at reasonable altitudes.

Even more technically speaking, electric scales measure weight, not mass. Consider an object resting on a scale falling in an elevator. The mass
of the object does not change, but the readout on the scale would, due to the lower effective gravity.

The only accurate way to measure *mass* is to use a balance, since both ends of the scale would be affected equally by whatever gravity there
is, and so the reading would be the same.

Mmm... physics. =)

dutch712 says: Jul 2, 2010. 6:45 PM REPLY


if your mind wondering this much, don't play with this stuff, you could smart yourself right in to the burn unit of the nearest hospital. You have
had pain till you have had a powder burn, it fells like it goes inside the pores and burns it s way out.

LukeQuietus says: Jul 11, 2010. 8:16 AM REPLY


A few quick things. 1. Using the plastic and electric scale is fine for measuring the ingredients separately. It's when they're together I'd be careful. But plastic
isn't too dangerous. In china in fireworks factories they have a metal cylinder everyone has to touch before handling anything to take the possible static
charge from your hands. 2. I'd work outside. Seeing as Potassium Nitrate will give it's own source of oxygen a fire inside with this around would be
impossible to put out. 3. Use stones in the grinding mill to avoid sparks and possible charges. Obvious really. Also I'd make sure the inside of the Ball Mill
has no metal just in case. 4. Mix the three in the grinding mill with some boilng water. This will help the binding process. Afterwards use rubbing alchohol
which has been chilled in a freezer for 24 hours to remove the water and then sieve, CAREFULLY. Remember that's a metal sieve there. Perhaps a coffee
filter would be better... 5. Use extension cords for the Ball Mill. This will mean you can stand behind a wall to turn it on and off so if it does blow up you're
nowhere near it.

chemguy says: Aug 26, 2010. 5:22 AM REPLY


Actually, gunpowder type mixtures are quite safe near static. And if you ball mill, with lead media, you're going to be fine. It's when you get to FLASH
POWDER that you want to be careful with static and friction.

Mr.Mayhem says: Jul 22, 2007. 3:25 PM REPLY


and where do you get led balls from to put in the ball mill

TjT says: Apr 19, 2009. 6:56 PM REPLY


You could use large fishing weights...

dutch712 says: Jul 2, 2010. 6:34 PM REPLY


DO Not use any ferrous metal balls or container in milling you stuff, I use pvc pipe and end caps, then made plaster of Paris to make cask of jack ball
or golf balls then poured lead into them or you could buy some musket ball from a a shooting supply or from a sporting goods store. Just nothing that
will cause a spark.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Gunpowder/
archmonde11 says: Apr 16, 2009. 11:02 PM REPLY
I think we can replace the lead ball by other metal ball bearing. Do not use ceramic, glass and wood

gigilihooie says: Jul 31, 2007. 4:00 AM REPLY


oh hey u could get the lead balls from a hunting store or a fishing store (fishing weights)

fennecfanatic says: Apr 15, 2009. 7:09 PM REPLY


That's a great suggestion. I might be able to get all my shopping done in town, heh.

superMacaroni says: Jun 17, 2010. 11:02 PM REPLY


I'd use bananas, garlic and charcoal pencils if I were you.

Quantinuim says: Jun 17, 2010. 11:48 PM REPLY


HAHAHAHAHAHA seriosly mayb bananas coud b d next nukler bom

superMacaroni says: Jun 18, 2010. 1:11 AM REPLY


You should try making one. I use my blender for food. Anyway, I'm broke.

Quantinuim says: Jun 21, 2010. 10:12 PM REPLY


dats a good idea usin a blendr 2 mix ingrdiants wil try

92033 says: May 13, 2010. 6:26 AM REPLY


In case 'anyone' is 'seriously interested' in this topic...see if you can find a copy of the book: "PYROTECHNICS"...published in the 1940's (doubt if
you will find one).

It has 'every formula' and information to make every known type of gun powders, fireworks, (crackers, salutes, aireals, etc)...primarily for
manufacturing fireworks.

artb60 says: Apr 5, 2010. 7:32 PM REPLY


Hummph.........The meaning of life is what ever I decide that it is.
So, play nice, or I might change my mind....

Light_Lab says: Feb 25, 2010. 4:54 PM REPLY


For 13 years I researched and worked making black powder (as used in period muzzle loading rifles and shot guns). I have to say that conventional black
powder is not as dangerous an explosive as many others are. Nevertheless as presented, this instructable is quite dangerous.
Black powder will not explode unless initiated in a confined space. For example in a sealed ball mill with lead balls that would contribute
dangerous shrapnel!
There is at least one very important part in the process that is omitted here that makes this instructable dangerous and ensures that the product produced is
less than optimum = gray (per the photos) not black. I consider that it would be irresponsible to disclose the missing steps, particularly in this time of
terrorists etc.
Overall, considering the the officiousness of the authorities cracking down on people with explosives and the considerable dangers involved, any activity
with any explosive without proper training and permits, should be avoided.
(I hate to be a party pooper - I like a good bang too. But I could not live with myself if one of our good Instructable fans blew themselves up, or even got
arrested for terrorism, because I kept my mouth closed. )

jupeter5 says: Dec 29, 2009. 5:56 PM REPLY


If im correct, modern anmunition uses pirodex as an alternitive to black powder

alexhammy94 says: Dec 28, 2009. 9:05 PM REPLY


what in the size of the powder when finshed? (coarseat-Fg.FFg.FFFg,FFFFG-fine)

t3hr4v3n says: Jul 20, 2006. 9:29 PM REPLY


To save money on a ball grinder: Got to toys'r'us or somewhere similar and find a rock polishing kit (they usually run around $20 or so and they usually have
a little cheapo ball-mill in 'em (minus the lead balls, which can usually be found at a fishing, hobby, or hardware store). viola! cheapo ball mill! though you'd
probably have to make slightly smaller batches.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Gunpowder/
olegarza says: Nov 19, 2009. 8:43 PM REPLY
very good i was thinking of that too!!

H.e. man says: Jan 23, 2008. 6:08 PM REPLY


will there be static in the mill because its intended for rocks that wont be affected by static.

zofo300 says: Oct 23, 2006. 3:41 PM REPLY


THATS A BLOODY GREAT IDEA but i cant find my old rock-tumbler either way man its good

thedavid says: Jun 25, 2007. 1:24 PM REPLY


First let me state that I am a firearms safety instructor. Second, BLACK GUNPOWDER is a Class C EXPLOSIVE. Thirdly, contrary to Tetranitrate, black
powder can innite with a static spark, or friction, or heat, or if a bee farts on it. Anyone who "plays" with bangy stuff will get burned sooner or later. Either
Tetranitrate is a concealed but remiss "powder monkey," or just DAMN LUCKY. Don't try this unless you are seeking the answer to the ultimate question.

Chr1spy says: Oct 25, 2009. 9:31 PM REPLY


it is not that sensitive

dla888 says: Sep 24, 2009. 5:00 PM REPLY


I'm not denying that you are wrong thedavid, yes gunpowder is dangerous, but when handled properly the risk is almost none. You can also buy much
higher power gunpowder at a sporting goods store compared to the labor intensive process of making this stuff. Now with flash powder, even handling
that properly there is a much higher risk of losing limbs and other vital body parts. In very small batches it is somewhat safe, but I would still reccomend a
face shield for handling it. (ewhilhem has a face shield instructable if I'm not mistaken)

BOXHARD says: Feb 9, 2008. 11:53 PM REPLY


Hey man, first off, where does being a "fire arms instructor" make you an authority on black powder or explosives in general? Is black powder what's
even in modern munitions?... no Common black powder, and this is not even true back powder, well it is, but it's primitive, is very stable. You make it
sound like it will go off if you look at it wrong. The only time you could get into trouble storing back powder is if there are any metals in contact with it.
Potassium Nitrate is an oxidizer and could theoretically produce enough heat by an oxidation reaction to ignite the compound.... but I've never actually
heard of any documented cases of this. Oh and you are right in saying its a Class C Explosive... it means that it is for sale to the general public, and that
no permits or licenses or required to play with it. Go out and buy some... or make some... you'll have fun doing it... and smokeless powder for your knight
muzzle loader doesn't count... it's nitrocellulose... and that's even MORE stable than black powder...

killa696 says: Feb 6, 2008. 10:57 PM REPLY


Simple smoke bomb: two parts P.Nitrate one part icing sugar, half a part charchoal, mix and put in newspaper and light, fizzing noise, then smoke
everywhere! XD

austin says: Jun 4, 2008. 8:41 PM REPLY


you don't even need charcoal for this you just melt the potassium nitrate( stump remover) and sugar together.

The Fallen says: Feb 2, 2008. 11:12 PM REPLY


well, i'm probably long overdue to see that answer anyways.

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http://www.instructables.com/id/Gunpowder/

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