Thanks for the show of support Crow :-)
Well, I did find the ATF Orange Book, where it says one does not need a license to manufacture explosives for
personal use. However, "manufacturing explosives" really kinda goes beyond the scope of CAS City.
There are several pyrotechnic forums where they discuss this, amateur fireworks, and amateur rocketry...
and every month there is at least one post about "a terrible accident" or "a sad death".
I don't think we want that here.
I did make a last post with links to the Mad Monks Musings and to the thread on Castboolits.
Those interested can pursue the discussion over there!
hope this helps.
prof marvel