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Field CollectingMicro-blasting..say what?

19th Oct 2011 06:53 UTCAnonymous User

Was reading on another thread about something called micro-blasting. I guess I have been hiding under to many rocks and missed this somewhere along the way.

What is micro blasting?

Pros?

Cons?

Links to.."micro-blasting set-up" or other good pertinant info???

Rules for usage?

19th Oct 2011 14:26 UTCMichael J. Bainbridge Expert

Hi Jason

The micro blaster is exactly what it sounds like - a small blasting system. It uses 22 caliber charges filled with black powder set off by a firing pin released be compressed air. It requires a 3/8" hole drilled ~10" deep into the rock you want to blast (might be slightly off on the #s, but you get the idea). Aside from being very portable and largely unregulated, its advantage is the small, controlled blast. Rather than really shattering rock, it will more or less just split it. Obviously, this has great possibilities for mineral collecting. I don't have one myself, but several of my friends do, and I'm always happy when they bring it. The major complaint that I've heard from some (most I know swear by it, however) is a high rate of duds and misfires. As mentioned in previous posts, the other disadvantage is the "small, controlled blast". Of course, you're not going to do any large-scale mining with this thing, but that's kind of the point.

I don't know if this is the case everywhere, but my understanding is that you don't need any kind of permit or license to have or use one (yet). There may be some restrictions as to where it can be used for mineral collecting though. The language of our official mineral collecting policy here in Ontario, for example, would seem to prohibit its use for "hobby collecting" on public land. Then, of course, there are 'don't be stupid' factors that should also limit where it ought to be used - it's still blasting, after all, micro or not.

Company website:

http://www.micro-blaster.com/products.htm

Cheers,

Michael

19th Oct 2011 16:19 UTCAnonymous User

Excellent information, Michael! Thank you so much for taking the time to explain it.

Thanks!

What about this other stuff I remember hearing about.....it's some kind of material..gel ...maybe..that expands in a drilled hole and splits rock. Could be on par with wood and pouring water on it after it's driven in. Any idea what that is? Does it work well?

21st Oct 2011 16:13 UTCPatrick Staeheli

Hi Jason

In Europe we call it "expansive concrete". It has the obvious advantages that it splits the rocks without an explosion and thus is very helpful if you want to recover very delicate minerals or when the use of explosives is strictly forbidden. However, there are many cons: you need many drill holes (diameter around 1.5"-2.5" - depending on brand), a lot of material (becomes expensive), water to mix it, etc. One producer in the US is for example: dexpan http://www.dexpan.com/

So, in my opinion it is much better to split the rocks by using feather and wedge, if you are drilling the holes anyway - see:

manual rock splitting

Patrick

22nd Oct 2011 22:12 UTCDavid Zimmerman (2)

They also make a pin-and-feathers combo for air hammers using a 1.25" shank. Just drill your holes, pop your 45 pound hammer on there, and crack away! I REALLY want to try that set-up! There are also the Cobra/ Pionjar portable gas hammers and drills too, which combined with the listed tools above rounds out my knowledge base of ways to crack big rocks.

8th Mar 2012 14:28 UTCKen Kassel

Just a slight correction to the last reply. The unit does not use 22 cartrages. It uses a plastice 5/16" by Apx. 2 1/2" tub filled with smokless gun powder.The primer is a shot gun shell type used on a small shot gun shell. It is possible to produce your own cartrades saving on costs from the MFG. I wont go into detail on this subject.

I have used a 18" x 5/16" carbide rock drill to be able to load several cartrages. This system has its precausions due to fly rock. I use a haeavy carpit to reduce any fly rock and always must know what direction you place your shots so if it does cause a few rocks to fly you can predict which direction to satnd so as not to be in it,s path.

I have made a rock split that jumped three feet up which really got my attition in termsw of its power.

Although its considered by the un mandate that this product falls under small arm amunition so its not consider High explosives. Its more like a powder charged nail gun sold in this country.

I use it to extract Gem quility minerials with great sucess. But very safty consious of its potential to harm if not followed with aproperate proceedurs.

Good luck if you decide to by one...be carefull.

Ken

12th Mar 2012 23:48 UTCAllen Steinburg

I purchased a micro-blaster about a year ago and I am less than impressed with the results. Misfires and duds are a problem. At the cost of the cartridges, it can get expensive. After some frustration, I had the dealer come with me to the site so that he could give it a try. He had a few misfires, but still too many to be satisfactory. To sum it up from my opinion, I wouldn`t waste the money again.

13th Mar 2012 09:17 UTCBart Cannon

Ken is correct. The cartridge is filled with aluminized or "smokeless" powder. I don't know the name of the primer type, but I have experienced a number of failed blast attempts with my Micro-Blaster. The system is very fussy, but when things are working it is a miracle method. I think most problems are related to improper insertion of the trigger column and tapered wear on the housing of the firing pin.

Not much for mining, though. I mostly use it to trim boulders into smaller and smaller boulders in the field down to where I get one arm rocks.

I have employed "duds" as extra charges. Don't forget to bring the magnetic wand to remove a dud in the hole.

In pre 9/11 times I had real blasting licenses in Washington State and California. The cost and compliance for such is now prohibitive. If anyone thinks the Micro Blaster cartridges are expensive they should enquire about the alternatives. Inspected magazines, and the explosives must be delivered to the site by the explosives dealer. And you need to buy a case of caps and a case of powder. You are looking at $1,000 per day if you don't have a magazine.

The Micro Blaster is the only practical solution these days, even with the duds.

But be aware, here in Washington State the regualors are planning to take them to the next regulatory level.

There are other systems out there. I think one is called the Boulder Blaster. It uses a charge the size of a shotgun shell.

The expansive mortars for cracking rock are also very fussy. Some need a thermometer for a proper crack. I have used a product called Bri-Star with some success, but it is an overnight experience with variable results.

I'm spoiled. I expect to drill a 1.25" x 2 to 6 foot deep hole, load the powder and cap, stem it and touch it off with a 9 volt battery, and enjoy 100% success every time.

Glad I'm not hoping to earn my living in the crystal mining biz these days.

Bart

20th Feb 2018 06:13 UTCDana Allen

Michael J. Bainbridge Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Hi Jason

>

> The micro blaster is exactly what it sounds like -

> a small blasting system. It uses 22 caliber

> charges filled with black powder set off by a

> firing pin released be compressed air. It requires

> a 3/8" hole drilled ~10" deep into the rock you

> want to blast (might be slightly off on the #s,

> but you get the idea).

>

> Cheers,

> Michael

Hi Michael, I have used both the Micro Blaster and the SierraBlaster over the last 5 years. Most of your facts are correct such as compressed gas and firing pin. A few facts are off some, the MicroBlaster uses 5/16" drills not 3/8" and 5/16" is hard to find in long sizes and tend to overheat. The SierraBlaster ( www.SierraBlaster.com ) uses 3/8" or 10mm drills which drill faster and last longer. The SierraBlaster is newer and came out after your comment. The link above has video on front page. Someone I know who has hardrock gold mine did a great video on using it underground https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfeCzvl8AuE even though he has a blasting license he found it quite useful for some hardrock blasting situations.

The MB uses a 209 shotgun primer, not a 22 cartridge. The SierraBlaster uses an inert electrical igniter which works with AC or DC. No ATF license is needed. They are more powerful in rock, but without containment very tame, there is a video out there of one being fired on a gloved hand. They can be shipped you your home UPS. The SB is also waterproof, MB not. There are lots of videos out there of both being used.

20th Feb 2018 06:24 UTCDana Allen

Hi Bart, Agree a blasting license, record keeping, magazine regs are huge expense. This video shows someone using the SierraBlaster in a fairly large gold mine. He is a friend and has a blasting license but still found it useful. No way you are going to tunnel 20 feet a day, but without a license/regs makes a big difference as you say. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfeCzvl8AuE Dave did a great job in the video.

20th Feb 2018 06:39 UTCWayne Corwin

Dana

Thanks for the good compairson info.

Keep On Rockin'

Wayne

19th Mar 2018 15:02 UTCcascaillou

had listed various methods here (with videos):

https://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,5,321175,348084

20th Feb 2019 19:35 UTCRaymond Hietapakka

I've used Bristar, an expanding cement. It's not cheap, and you may have to wait 12 hours for it to actually work. In the meantime, it's not recommended that you hang around. 1/2 the time, it doesn't do the trick. Micro-Blasters work really great for enlarging your access into vugs. Forget about moving a lot of rock with them. I remember when explosives were cheap. 50 fuses w/caps, $125...25 kg. box of stick, $140...25 kg. bag ANFO, $20...150m. spool of b-line, $100...$250/month for two storage magazines...1997.

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