ORIGINAL: cayugad
Knowing the formula for black powder and making it is two different things. I had a friend who made some many many foolish years ago. I even helped him a little. He thought he made it right. One spoon full would pop and the next would boom! No consistancy. Plus there is the danger of making it. Many homeowner insurance policys might not take a new hobby like that very well if you were to re-arrange the furniture big time. Lets just hope this is all a nasty rumor with no basis.
Point taken Cayugad ,
but the process can also be studied and brought down to where anybody can make useable gunpowder with good consistancy . With quality ingredients and a good manufacturing method a person could become skilled enough with practice and time . I remember reading somewhere that "DIY" gunpowder was often the only kind available to the mountain trappers of the 18th and 19th century . I agree that making it in the basement is probably a very bad idea .