Jolly Jack Blackwater

Agreed, Jacks the best, I'm wanting a "Long John Silver" model myself, but might I recomend these folks on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/REVOLUTIONARY-WAR-COLO...1QQcmdZViewItem Three Horse Hill do really nice work, all by hand and the prices are very reasonable. It should be noted for the purists out there that most of these hats are late 18th century, Rev war patterns but I think they are very nice and are a great choice for the budget minded.

Remarkable effort! I really like the coat's color, visual texture and "hang", if you will. You are really raising the bar for the rest of us rookies Please keep up the awesome work and continue to share the progress. Thanks! JJB

Aye, Blackie me boyo, mighty fine work. Ye have mail!

Good time had by all! Some amy argue but I be bettin the Jinx saved the day. The smell of tar, canvas and powder. Thanks to all who helped me have a wonderful morn. http://img155.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p...rates020tf3.jpg http://img115.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p...rates030cu5.jpg

I have not, indeed. Partly due to embarassment, mostly due to the insulting tone of many of the responses. I will say that I was also shocked at the videos shared here. I was saddened and frustrated by the feeling that I was being lumped together with these chumps. I genuinely understand everyones concerns and agree with most comments regarding safety as well as the need for caution when posting information on the web, even anecdotally. Frankly, I failed to make my method for smoke generation clear. That is my fault. I am very aware of the inherant dangers of BP but I can understand how the frivolous nature of my og post would alarm many of you. For the record, I am not a darwin award candidate. I understand the cause and effect, not to mention potential consequenses of my actions. I stopped posting because I did not care for the way the comments were written, not due to the advice contained therein. Thank you for your concern and guidance. At this point, however I feel it's just hoisting a windless sail.

[QUO think perhaps what the new mate is actually discribing is more a theatrical flash pot and yes black powder or goex in and uncontained vessel will give a flash and smoke with out the boom ....in essence it isn't really a cannon of any sorts just a visual and not audible gag like what would be done on stage since you can't have the concussion within the confines of a proscenium stage i have also in the past used a variation of his devise the sound effects person uses recorded cannon fire but the flash pot gives the visual TE] EXACTLY! :) That is the point I was trying to put across, Thanks, Gunner.

I bow to your experience and know-how. I am sure you, as well as many others here have much more practical experience with genuine cannon. My plastic sillyness as you dubbed it, is just that, a silly halloween prop built to look good in dim light and help set the mood for the much larger 18' ship mock up. it was never intended as a functional cannon other than the smoke effect. I do understand that those of you who are familiar with ballistic materials feel you have a responsibility to discourage haphazard and careless use of any dangerous or potentially explosive items. Right enough. I am simply surprised by the flippant tone and snide comments by some here. I too have some considerable expeience with weapons but in my case it was Glocks, AR-15's 12 ga, baton, taser, OC, etc. but no cannon. I just wanted to share a cosmetic mock cannon that I thought looked pretty good considering the materials involved, with like minded folk. I think that I mis judged the level of commitment to accurate history members here have.

Okay, laugh at my expense all you care to. I say again that there is NO explosive charge just a VERY small smoke effect. Modern BP is very slow burning as as such needs confinement and resistance to create pressure as it ignites. The expanding gasses being restricted by the container, whether it be a thick paper tube or metal pipe, it is the buildup of pressure withinn the device that creates and multiplies the explosive force. A very small amount of BP, such as 1/2 teaspoon, loosely contained, in this case by loosely folded alum foil and a single peice of duct tape has only a theatrical smoke effect and no explosive pressure. I must admit that I am surprised by the insulting tone of your posts and saddened that you would assume that I am a total idiot. I just wanted to share what I thought was a fun and funky little "piratical" project and I will be sure not to make the same mistake again. This has not been an enjoyable experience. I thought this was a forum to share interests, information and experiences, but to do it in a fun, respectful way. I'm sorry you think I'm stupid enough to blow off my own hand or arm, but I am glad you were able to derive some entertainment out of it.

You do not know what your talking about. It's also pretty poor form to insult a new member of this board. You are welcome to your opinions but please base them on some experience and education.

I understand what you are saying, however I know what I'm doing and the charges are very, very, very small. There is literally no compression or explosive force, simply a small flash and a directed billow of smoke. I have carefully tested all the abs cannons I've built and they are safe enough to hold in ones hands as it fires.

Here be me latest cannon, small, aye, but she'll bring down a fourth rater in a pinch. Whiped together from ABS and styrofoam, a spot of paint and her we are. I've 3 more larger versions without the carriage for the ship, all firable with a small BP charge for flash and smoke. I've tested them and made me neighbors right p****d. Feel free to let me know if you have any ideas or comments. http://img485.imageshack.us/my.php?image=c...annon001py2.jpg

I think it safe to say that pipe smoking was the predominate form of tobacco use, however is there any evidence of cigar use during this period? When did the Caribbean become the cigar and tobacco center it is today? (aside from the 59 Cuban revolution and it's resulting exodus of the major grower families.)

I went with a co. called "3horsehill" in WA state. I purchased a really nice fancy-fied tricorn complete with black ribbon and feathers, all for under 50$. I hope the quality lives up to the pics. You can find them on eBay as well.