How To https://peertube.dngr.us/c/how_to/videos A working collection of things worth knowing how to do: builds, teardowns, experiments, and explainers. DIY rocketry and pyrotechnics, shop projects, materials science from the kitchen, hardware hacking, and how ordinary things get made. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:22:59 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://peertube.dngr.us How To https://peertube.dngr.us/lazy-static/avatars/3185da26-27ca-49e9-b1fe-7ca0c41a7550.png https://peertube.dngr.us/c/how_to/videos All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://peertube.dngr.us/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder. https://peertube.dngr.us/feeds/podcast/videos.xml?videoChannelId=635 <![CDATA[The Smith Chart Explained (RF Impedance Matching, Reactance & Antenna Tuning)]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/gY3bCosZZyLhT5yMUi4bPF https://peertube.dngr.us/w/gY3bCosZZyLhT5yMUi4bPF Tue, 14 Jul 2026 23:53:16 GMT A visual guide to the Smith Chart, the graphical tool RF and antenna engineers use to work with complex impedance: resistance, reactance, standing-wave ratio (SWR), and impedance matching for antennas and transmission lines. Explains why the chart is shaped the way it is and how to read impedance and admittance directly off it.

Mirrored from YouTube: https://youtu.be/GK2pZ_oVU1o
Original channel: Veritasium

]]> How To Science & Technology nonadult The Smith Chart Explained (RF Impedance Matching, Reactance & Antenna Tuning) A visual guide to the Smith Chart, the graphical tool RF and antenna engineers use to work with complex impedance: resistance, reactance, standing-wave ratio (SWR), and impedance matching for antennas and transmission lines. Explains why the chart... <![CDATA[How a Fountain is Made]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/dYudYZqsrHQEYyMsZAwVn1 https://peertube.dngr.us/w/dYudYZqsrHQEYyMsZAwVn1 Fri, 15 May 2026 20:55:12 GMT In this video you will see how a simple fountain firework is made. A very simple project with instant reward, no need to wait for anything to dry.

A little video put together while waiting for my BP to come out of the mill. Don't worry my senior subscribers, there are videos coming of fireworks with a lot more meat on them...

Don't forget to subscribe if you want to see more.

Some info for my regular viewers:
I am working out a sponsorship from www.pyrodirect.com. The sponsorship will be for materials in exchange for publicity. I would not agree to those terms if I did not believe that they did not have something of value to offer my viewers and friends. They carry a large amount of building supplies for shells and rockets, as well as some great novelty items for prices that are very inexpensive. No minimum order is also a big bonus for those of you that only want a roll of fuse or a box of hemis and don't want to have to fill a $30 order.

They also have a selection of HDPE mortars and racks all the way up to 12" for very reasonable prices.

Check them out. The prices really are great. I'll post videos of their products when I can.

Just an update of what's going on. It should mean quite a few more videos in the future.

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult How a Fountain is Made In this video you will see how a simple fountain firework is made. A very simple project with instant reward, no need to wait for anything to dry. A little video put together while waiting for my BP to come out of the mill. Don't worry my senio... <![CDATA[How Cored Rockets Are Made & DIY Tooling Designs]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/x5JfRCKEQtyuHjvepmeAvE https://peertube.dngr.us/w/x5JfRCKEQtyuHjvepmeAvE Fri, 15 May 2026 20:55:08 GMT Details regarding how to make the tooling shown in this video and the compositions used for cored rockets can be found here: http://www.grassrootsdiy.com/?page_id=68

This video shows how black powder rockets are rammed by hand using handmade tooling. Only non-sparking metals may be used for rocket tooling, such as the aluminum and brass I show here. Black powder is the only composition that may be rammed by hand. Fuels using other oxidizers must be pressed via hydraulic jack remotely, as ramming would be dangerous.

For those of you beginning to get serious about building fireworks it will be of great benefit to acquire a user license from the ATF. Doing so will allow you to purchase and transport commercial fireworks, which is what handmade fireworks will classify as. There is an excellent set of dvd's available published by another pyrotechnic here on YouTube to walk you through the process. I can personally recommend them. More info about those dvd's can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGgZYdfFJ_0

The tubes I use for this rocket are from PyroDirect: http://www.pyrodirect.com/ecom-prodshow/092-0016.html #NightHawkInLight

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult How Cored Rockets Are Made & DIY Tooling Designs Details regarding how to make the tooling shown in this video and the compositions used for cored rockets can be found here: http://www.grassrootsdiy.com/?page_id=68 This video shows how black powder rockets are rammed by hand using handmade tool... <![CDATA[How to Make a Full Auto Airsoft Mini Gun [Halo Inspired Mobile Turret]]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/3PxMJSDK7BnWFgpDXxCirb https://peertube.dngr.us/w/3PxMJSDK7BnWFgpDXxCirb Fri, 15 May 2026 20:54:40 GMT This is a type of cloud airsoft gun - named so because of how the pellets are blown around the reservoir before being fired out the barrel. Since there is nothing mechanical to get in the way of the workings of this gun the rate of fire is extremely high, an estimated 50 rounds per second.

Warning: It is specifically against manufacturer recommendations to use PVC to contain pressurized air. This video is solely for education and entertainment purposes. Since the creation of this video I have ceased using PVC for air pressure use. This video remains for entertainment purposes only. For pressurized air containment, please only use cylinders and fittings made specifically for that purpose.

I have removed the parts list for this project as I now have an updated cloud airsoft design that utilizes safer and less expensive materials can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_8wRpgvhyg

Due to mass request I have restored the parts list below, however, if you build this project know that it is against my recommendation. I highly suggest my soda bottle BBMG instead.

4' of 2" pressure rated sch40 PVC
4' of 1.25" pressure rated sch40 PVC
2" end caps x2
2" 90 degree elbow
2" 90 degree street elbow
1.25" end caps x3
1.25" couplings x2
1.25"x0.5" threaded reducer
0.5" threaded plug
6mm ID x 3' aluminum tube
Rubber tire valve
Air compressor blower valve w/ threaded ends
Close brass pipe nipple - to fit blower valve
Hose fittings - to fit blower valve - x2
1' air compressor hose - matched to hose fittings
Hose straps - for compressor hose - x2
Large hose straps
1" foam pipe insulation - or a wood block fitted for chamber support #NightHawkInLight

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult How to Make a Full Auto Airsoft Mini Gun [Halo Inspired Mobile Turret] This is a type of cloud airsoft gun - named so because of how the pellets are blown around the reservoir before being fired out the barrel. Since there is nothing mechanical to get in the way of the workings of this gun the rate of fire is extreme... <![CDATA[A Super-Material That Can Be Made In The Kitchen (Starlite Part 1)]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/eypjLjHv1nGS15gpFe78ms https://peertube.dngr.us/w/eypjLjHv1nGS15gpFe78ms Fri, 15 May 2026 20:54:35 GMT In this video I attempt to recreate a lost supermaterial called Starlite. This material could supposedly resist temperatures up to 10,000 degrees Celsius, having undergone testing by NASA and the Atomic Weapons Establishment in the UK. I believe in this video I have come close in function to the original formula for Starlite, but there is still some work to be done. My result works very well, but for a few reasons I may talk about in a future video I do not believe Starlite used PVA glue as it's binder, and I also suspect a different CO2 producer was used instead of baking soda. More experiments are required.

Before he passed away in 2011 the creator of Starlite, Maurice Ward, created a YouTube channel where a few of the test videos were uploaded for anyone to see: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIXwe1It6Df9jBPD3xwnbmA

There is also an official website for Starlite which can be found here: http://starlitetechnologies.org/

If there is enough interest in this video I may put together a follow up where I demonstrate alternate compositions for how to make Starlite, and discuss my thoughts on why Starlite was never successfully commercialized.

A big thanks to my Patreon supporters who continue to support my videos through thick and thin! You all are awesome. A special thanks to my top Patrons: Syniurge, Matthew Leitzke, TheBackyardScientist, Enzo Breda Lee, John Johnson, & Thibaud Peverelli!

Check out my Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/NightHawkProjects

Thanks for watching!

]]> How To Education nonadult A Super-Material That Can Be Made In The Kitchen (Starlite Part 1) In this video I attempt to recreate a lost supermaterial called Starlite. This material could supposedly resist temperatures up to 10,000 degrees Celsius, having undergone testing by NASA and the Atomic Weapons Establishment in the UK. I believe i... <![CDATA[How to Make a Bottle Flamethrower - NightHawkInLight]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/8UioQyrMWuUvvucjeMnW7i https://peertube.dngr.us/w/8UioQyrMWuUvvucjeMnW7i Fri, 15 May 2026 20:52:56 GMT This video demonstrates possibly the simplest flamethrower design ever. Check out my sponsor for a free audiobook at http://www.audible.com/nhil

I've used this same design to create BB machine guns in previous videos. Here is the most recent one: https://youtu.be/tRoQVyRGoFA

This is the first video that the design made an appearance: https://youtu.be/r_8wRpgvhyg #NightHawkInLight

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult How to Make a Bottle Flamethrower - NightHawkInLight This video demonstrates possibly the simplest flamethrower design ever. Check out my sponsor for a free audiobook at http://www.audible.com/nhil I've used this same design to create BB machine guns in previous videos. Here is the most recent one:... <![CDATA[How To Make A Desktop Nitrocellulose Cannon - NightHawkInLight]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/5fvEVT8bgQdd7iqym7LVLE https://peertube.dngr.us/w/5fvEVT8bgQdd7iqym7LVLE Fri, 15 May 2026 20:52:52 GMT In this video I build a mini cannon that launches nitrocellulose fireballs! Thanks to Audible for sponsoring this video! You can get a free audiobook by visiting the link: http://www.audible.com/NightHawk

A lot of you have asked about my soldering iron. It's just a simple butane fueled iron that can be had quite cheap. You can purchase similar ones here (this is an affiliate link): http://ebay.to/1MA7dMT

I want to thank my Patreon supporters for helping me make this video! I go through a lot of materials and project failures as I create designs worth making a video about. The extra contributions you have provided greatly help me to build things without worrying if I can afford the supplies. Your support will help grow my channel to bigger and better things! Here is my page if you would like to become a contributor: https://www.patreon.com/NightHawkProjects

#NightHawkInLight

]]> How To Education nonadult How To Make A Desktop Nitrocellulose Cannon - NightHawkInLight In this video I build a mini cannon that launches nitrocellulose fireballs! Thanks to Audible for sponsoring this video! You can get a free audiobook by visiting the link: http://www.audible.com/NightHawk A lot of you have asked about my solderin... <![CDATA[Bulk Producing Pine Charcoal]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/utKXsuVA8gY3UEtDoCABPx https://peertube.dngr.us/w/utKXsuVA8gY3UEtDoCABPx Fri, 15 May 2026 08:58:33 GMT The wood is burned towards the back of the barrel, once a fire is going good on top more is piled in. Because of how the wood is piled in the barrel, the wood burning on top cooks the wood in the bottom layers to charcoal. This is perfect for turning pine into BP charcoal because the high temperature cooking removes all the creosote. The charcoal is then washed to keep it from turning to ash, and removing any ash that may have fallen off the top logs. Drying time is about 5 days outdoors in my 60% humidity.

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult Bulk Producing Pine Charcoal The wood is burned towards the back of the barrel, once a fire is going good on top more is piled in. Because of how the wood is piled in the barrel, the wood burning on top cooks the wood in the bottom layers to charcoal. This is perfect for turn... <![CDATA[How I Cut Stars]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/aHGhmZ1riakaoVubX8TvQG https://peertube.dngr.us/w/aHGhmZ1riakaoVubX8TvQG Fri, 15 May 2026 08:58:24 GMT Re uploaded this video without audio.
The composition that is turned into stars is not black powder. It is a star composition called tigertail. Google it.

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult How I Cut Stars Re uploaded this video without audio. The composition that is turned into stars is not black powder. It is a star composition called tigertail. Google it. -~--~-~~-~- Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers... <![CDATA[How I Spike a Shell]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/kpJiecWSuQXVnKFGsSW8kR https://peertube.dngr.us/w/kpJiecWSuQXVnKFGsSW8kR Fri, 15 May 2026 08:58:21 GMT Re uploaded this video without audio.

Subscribe to see the rest of the process and many other informational fireworks videos.

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult How I Spike a Shell Re uploaded this video without audio. Subscribe to see the rest of the process and many other informational fireworks videos. -~--~-~~-~- Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers" https://www.youtube.com/... <![CDATA[DIY Explosion FX (How I Make & Use a Creamora Fireball)]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/wygwdVMkcx5XSJJsHLaQkc https://peertube.dngr.us/w/wygwdVMkcx5XSJJsHLaQkc Fri, 15 May 2026 08:58:14 GMT How to make Black Powder: http://grassrootsdiy.com/black_powder.htm

This shows how to build a simple creamora(fireball) and safely use it. There are many filming techniques, you'll have to figure them out on your own.
Yes I know I have an awesome wagon. No it doesn't really have much of a purpose in this video. Just trying to make life a little less boring.

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult DIY Explosion FX (How I Make & Use a Creamora Fireball) How to make Black Powder: http://grassrootsdiy.com/black_powder.htm This shows how to build a simple creamora(fireball) and safely use it. There are many filming techniques, you'll have to figure them out on your own. Yes I know I have an awes... <![CDATA[How a Star Mine is Built]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/tCLtcup25kZcr5p96JQmnc https://peertube.dngr.us/w/tCLtcup25kZcr5p96JQmnc Fri, 15 May 2026 08:57:52 GMT This is how I build a 3" mine. Be sure to leave your comments and questions, and subscribe to see more.

My star composition is:
Ammonium perchlorate - 70
Charcoal - 15
Sulfur - 8
Copper(II) chloride - 7
Dextrin - +5

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult How a Star Mine is Built This is how I build a 3" mine. Be sure to leave your comments and questions, and subscribe to see more. My star composition is: Ammonium perchlorate - 70 Charcoal - 15 Sulfur - 8 Copper(II) chloride - 7 Dextrin - +5 -~--~-~~-~- Check ... <![CDATA[How I Make Quickmatch from PyroDirect]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/eGRcKzNeS61Xq9MtRn2S3A https://peertube.dngr.us/w/eGRcKzNeS61Xq9MtRn2S3A Fri, 15 May 2026 08:57:27 GMT Here is my first short and simple tutorial using products from www.PyroDirect.com

I had to do this one first because as I mention in the video, most everything else I do is going to involve this quickmatch.

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult How I Make Quickmatch from PyroDirect Here is my first short and simple tutorial using products from www.PyroDirect.com I had to do this one first because as I mention in the video, most everything else I do is going to involve this quickmatch. -~--~-~~-~- Check out my latest ... <![CDATA[Multi Break Shell Design - Advanced Fireworks Construction]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/s7CkKRdN3oTyineJANs4JZ https://peertube.dngr.us/w/s7CkKRdN3oTyineJANs4JZ Fri, 15 May 2026 08:57:24 GMT This video is going to take some serious thought to grasp for most of you. Take your time and go about it nice and easy. This could be a video that improves your concepts and designing abilities significantly if you take the time to think it through.

Leave me your feedback, I may do more videos similar to this in the future if you guys like them. Though maybe not so complex next time.

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult Multi Break Shell Design - Advanced Fireworks Construction This video is going to take some serious thought to grasp for most of you. Take your time and go about it nice and easy. This could be a video that improves your concepts and designing abilities significantly if you take the time to think it throu... <![CDATA[DIY Workshop - Make a Powerful Air Cannon for $50]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/d3UmM3c3km1WqAckgJ9Ext https://peertube.dngr.us/w/d3UmM3c3km1WqAckgJ9Ext Fri, 15 May 2026 08:57:04 GMT This video demonstrates the construction process and design of a coaxial piston cannon. 2" diameter chamber and 1" barrel, perfect for C-cell batteries.

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult DIY Workshop - Make a Powerful Air Cannon for $50 This video demonstrates the construction process and design of a coaxial piston cannon. 2" diameter chamber and 1" barrel, perfect for C-cell batteries. -~--~-~~-~- Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers" ... <![CDATA[Removing Snowblower Jam with Potassium Nitrate]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/6LsyyamY72AaSmAfi3kfAx https://peertube.dngr.us/w/6LsyyamY72AaSmAfi3kfAx Fri, 15 May 2026 08:57:00 GMT A fitting video for the weather outside.

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult Removing Snowblower Jam with Potassium Nitrate A fitting video for the weather outside. -~--~--~- Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA -~--~--~- <![CDATA[How to Build a Tree Spring Noose Trap]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/7zz3jFniGvgkHQ3jH9phGe https://peertube.dngr.us/w/7zz3jFniGvgkHQ3jH9phGe Fri, 15 May 2026 08:56:39 GMT SUBSCRIBE 😉

This video shows how to build a trap using only what is found in the forest and a bit of string. Perhaps in a later video I will show how to make string/rope out of forest materials.

For now, enjoy. More videos are coming.

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult How to Build a Tree Spring Noose Trap SUBSCRIBE 😉 This video shows how to build a trap using only what is found in the forest and a bit of string. Perhaps in a later video I will show how to make string/rope out of forest materials. For now, enjoy. More videos are coming. -~-~... <![CDATA[Building a Concept Spring Airsoft Grenade]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/tEFeccbUsSbrc88YwtfM5Q https://peertube.dngr.us/w/tEFeccbUsSbrc88YwtfM5Q Fri, 15 May 2026 08:56:16 GMT Designed in an afternoon, built, filmed and edited the next day. As a result of the rushed process, there are a few things still needing to be worked out. Range of the grenade is an issue, but that could be remedied easily with stronger springs. I may give it a shot if there is enough interest shown by you viewers.

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult Building a Concept Spring Airsoft Grenade Designed in an afternoon, built, filmed and edited the next day. As a result of the rushed process, there are a few things still needing to be worked out. Range of the grenade is an issue, but that could be remedied easily with stronger springs. I... <![CDATA[How to Build a Trip Wire Snare]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/rCtMyYQXzp3eQ24G7PTdqH https://peertube.dngr.us/w/rCtMyYQXzp3eQ24G7PTdqH Fri, 15 May 2026 08:56:14 GMT Hey all!

A similar concept as the tree spring noose trap in my previous video, but a new trigger. This trap can also be rigged with a net instead a noose. There is an excellent modification to this trap to snare rabbits.

Remember, NEVER USE A TRAP ON A PERSON! They could be severely injured or killed.

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult How to Build a Trip Wire Snare Hey all! A similar concept as the tree spring noose trap in my previous video, but a new trigger. This trap can also be rigged with a net instead a noose. There is an excellent modification to this trap to snare rabbits. Remember, NEVER USE ... <![CDATA[Making Sodium Metal]]> https://peertube.dngr.us/w/3LnWqbmmF7dWTeVUXauA5P https://peertube.dngr.us/w/3LnWqbmmF7dWTeVUXauA5P Fri, 15 May 2026 08:56:12 GMT Watch this video to see my improved process for making sodium: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seSg_GWj1b0

Subscribe to keep up on my latest fireworks and experiments!

This is one way sodium metal can be synthesized using NaOH and Mg. Mg, being a more reactive chemical than sodium at high temperature with oxygen, breaks down the NaOH, leaving ingots of elemental sodium within the ash.

2Mg + 2NaOH = 2MgO + 2Na + H2

Thanks to NurdRage for the equation.
http://www.youtube.com/NurdRage

-~--~--~-
Check out my latest video: "How To View Invisible Air Currents With Lasers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K94Cc21KEIA
-~--~--~-

]]> How To Education nonadult Making Sodium Metal Watch this video to see my improved process for making sodium: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seSg_GWj1b0 Subscribe to keep up on my latest fireworks and experiments! This is one way sodium metal can be synthesized using NaOH and Mg. Mg, being a...