Search found 192 matches

by ralphd
Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:14 am
Forum: Pneumatic Cannons
Topic: Who first modified the sprinkler valve?
Replies: 8
Views: 2181

Who first modified the sprinkler valve?

Does anybody know who came up with the idea to modify a sprinkler valve for a launcher? It is incredible! What a difference in performance over a ball valve for just an extra few bucks. I just got off my ass this past weekend and modified one of the one inch valves I picked up from Ebay and had a bl...
by ralphd
Thu Aug 20, 2009 6:26 am
Forum: Pneumatic Cannons
Topic: What a Monster!!
Replies: 9
Views: 2728

I never seen that launcher but that valve is simular to mine. As a matter of fact that launcher design is simular to my piston and what I had in mind for this valve. I would make it for tennis balls though. I'll have to decide which to do next; another pneumatic or combustion.
by ralphd
Wed Aug 19, 2009 5:14 pm
Forum: Pneumatic Cannons
Topic: What a Monster!!
Replies: 9
Views: 2728

What a Monster!!

I just got the 2 inch sprinkler valve from Ebay and it is huge. I was going to use it as a pilot valve for my next launcher; a diaphragm but I changed my mind. I thought of using it as a main valve but it looks like it would be a slow opener. Does anyone know how to determine the opening time?
by ralphd
Wed Aug 19, 2009 5:07 pm
Forum: Pneumatic Cannons
Topic: Sprinkler Valve leaking
Replies: 5
Views: 1856

There is a product called Leak Lock which works wonders. I use it on air conditioning systems. It's blue and available in a tube or jar at any fine hardware store near you.
by ralphd
Sat Aug 15, 2009 8:09 pm
Forum: Off-Topic Hobbies
Topic: Model Rocketry
Replies: 8
Views: 2383

I was a rocketeer when I was younger. There was only a few of us. We started with rockets from a company called Century then Estes. After a while we were not permitted to launch them due to the housing density. We were told to have our parents involved and to take it to the country but there were to...
by ralphd
Fri Aug 14, 2009 4:13 pm
Forum: Pneumatic Cannons
Topic: how do air-line filters work??
Replies: 20
Views: 6790

I never used a refrigeration compressor to pump air so I don't know what will happen. When air is compressed water vapor will be present and that is not good for berings. It may be better to just collect it this way to separate it from the air and then blow it off and just top off the oil occasional...
by ralphd
Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:22 pm
Forum: Pneumatic Cannons
Topic: how do air-line filters work??
Replies: 20
Views: 6790

As long as the other end of the ballvalve is hooked to the crank that will work.....just don't forget to open the ball valve once in a while.
by ralphd
Fri Aug 14, 2009 9:41 am
Forum: Pneumatic Cannons
Topic: how do air-line filters work??
Replies: 20
Views: 6790

If you what you an oil separator that can handle high pressure then you want one designed for air conditioning. It is a cylinder that the discharge line from the compressor is connected to(usually from the top) then exits(usually the top as well) on its way to the condenser coil. In the cylinder the...
by ralphd
Wed Aug 12, 2009 6:08 pm
Forum: General How-To & Discussion
Topic: I hate Ebay
Replies: 12
Views: 3994

I hate the fact that I get caught up in the bidding and then something in my head tells me to get it NOW! I really didn't need a two incher but now I got one. I know it's overkill for a pilot so I'm going to use it as a main valve.
by ralphd
Wed Aug 12, 2009 6:11 am
Forum: General How-To & Discussion
Topic: I hate Ebay
Replies: 12
Views: 3994

I hate Ebay

I was bidding on a two inch sprinkler valve when my max bid was over by $1.50. I increased a little during the last few seconds but someone had set a higher max bid. This is when I got competitive and used the "One Click Bid" feature and won. Unfortunately I was over my comfortable max by $3. Total ...
by ralphd
Wed Aug 12, 2009 5:56 am
Forum: Combustion Cannons
Topic: Does it count as a firearm?
Replies: 40
Views: 8929

I was told that if you are in an area which is safe to fire a gun it is ok to fire a spudgun. To be on the safe side don't shoot it at night or early in the morning, don't fire it many times in a row, don't use it with alcohol and don't start targeting the neighbor's cat.
by ralphd
Sat Aug 08, 2009 8:42 am
Forum: Pneumatic Cannons
Topic: need some help with Coaxial vent with sprinkler valve
Replies: 2
Views: 1091

I believe there should be an arrow that would indicate the direction of water flow. In you case air. It should point away from the launcher.
by ralphd
Fri Aug 07, 2009 3:52 pm
Forum: Pneumatic Cannons
Topic: large valve housing
Replies: 26
Views: 4974

If it's shock you are worried about then try a better bumper for the piston. I was about to build a 4 inch until I received the "T". It's huge.
by ralphd
Tue Aug 04, 2009 4:56 pm
Forum: General How-To & Discussion
Topic: Oxy/acetylene vortex cannon.
Replies: 5
Views: 3124

I emailed the show to see if there were any plans or calculations available for someone to study. I have yet to receive anything from them and I don't think I ever will. Judging from the two liter prototype they first built it seems to be a combustion chamber launcher with a cone for a barrel. I did...
by ralphd
Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:12 pm
Forum: Pneumatic Cannons
Topic: piston wont close
Replies: 3
Views: 1341

Could the piston be getting pinched on the bumper end? I recently changed my pilot valve to a bigger diameter and noticed that I had to bump the launcher's barrel on the ground to "unstick" the piston. When I took it apart to give it a look see I noticed pieces of bumper and a small piece of my pist...