SpudFiles

This makes me look like a pnoob but I actually learned a lot.

I find sprinkler valves in the ground and take them home. This is a 1" Hunter chamber sealing valve, piloted by a modified blowgun I had almost given up on. Unmodified it produced a bit of honking. I can't see how it would have worked with the solenoid... too little flow.

Right now it has a cardboard tube for a barrel and can launch a sock with authority. Also it will splat a sticky squishy ball into our very high (18") ceiling for old spiderweb removal. Best dusting ever!

Without the barrel it will launch a pair of briefs into the lower ceiling. My 5 year old thinks this is the best and manages to get it to about 25 psi. The future is underwear cannons!


Next step: a better barrel and/or converting to barrel-sealing operation. Current investment is zero dollars. There are several more valves to play with.

Anatine Duo wrote:I find sprinkler valves in the ground and take them home.

You make it sound like you're digging up people's lawns!

...

Are... are you digging up people's lawns?



Basic but fun so why not?

can launch a sock with authority

The highest measure of any pneumatic launcher, great job!

That looks like some good old fashioned fun. Watch out though, the hobby might grab ahold of you and not let go. Current investment will no longer be "zero dollars" hehe.

.93 cal by 26 inch screw in barrel, from a dumpster

All shots about 105 psi.
Delivers a 5 gram cork at 560fps !
Heavy arrow plus cork driving wad (650 grains) at 197 fps
There is residual pressure after the shot. Also I was going to compare velocity with the air supply detached but I need to either catch the ammo or make extra next session!

BTW sprinkler valves may be available from landscape companies during replacement. After digging up the control boxes with excavators it's not worth re-using a valve given the complexity of a large irrigation system. If you get to be friends with the digger or installer you might get a bucket of them for a couple coffees and donuts.

Anatine Duo wrote:There is residual pressure after the shot.

Consider using a smaller sprinkler valve as a pilot

added some furniture
Fairly ergonomic if I raise my right elbow until my arm is horizontal.

Every time I hack one of these together with an assortment of adhesives and fillers instead of fittings and craftsmanship I tell myself it's the last time. It often leaks, and then it gets retired for parts or re-hacked.

It's still fun though!

Good job, I like your weapon. It has a retro look, and shoots hard. Cute