Clarence Hall has written:

'The selection of explosives used in engineering and mining operations' -- subject(s): Explosives, Tests

'Investigations of fuse and miners' squibs' -- subject(s): Explosives

'Investigation of detonators and electric detonators' -- subject(s): Accessible book, Detonators, Explosives

That depends on where you are and what kind of explosives you make. The ATF redefined the word 'explosives" last year to include several products that were not previously considered explosives. In many places you can make your own black powder, rocket propellants and fuse. Some more powerful "explosives" can be made in very small quantities for use in fireworks, but there are restrictions on the storage of explosives. For more detailed and up to date rules, go to atf.gov.

Conventional non-nuclear bombs contain chemical explosives, and a fuse/detonator mechanism. The fuse may be activated by the bomb hitting the target, or by altitude- reaching a pre-set height above the ground. The fuse sends an electrical current to the detonator, which contains a sensitive explosive. THAT explodes, causing the main charge of chemical explosives to explode.

Simply put an explosive will detonate because of a chemical reaction caused by the heating of a fuse or an electrical charge.

The inside of an artillery shell is filled with high explosives. At the tip of the shell there is a fuse. When the fuse hits a solid surface it ignites the main charge, causing the shell to explode.