sources for valves

iknowmy3tables · Fri Jan 22, 2016 3:44 pm

Hello spudfiles it's been a long time, I've become a working adult and I've been spending a lot of money and time on real guns, I haven't built a pneumatic gun in over 4 years. I think it's dammed time I build the semi-auto I always wanted starting with small scale. A lot of online are stores are different now and with all the changes I'd like to know some good sources for powerful QEV valves. Last time I remember McMasters only trusted source any ebay or amazon listing you guys trust?

Also share any great online deals for valves,

matti · Sun Jan 24, 2016 3:47 am

Hello nice to hear your still here and interested about new builds. Maybe someone can help you with the online stores, I remember that some users here have bought QEVs from ebay. I'm from Finland so I have little different places to buy.

Zeus · Sun Jan 24, 2016 5:40 pm

Any Ebay QEV is quite acceptable, I've had some trouble with the round type myself, splitting. The black square ones, I've had them up to 900 PSI several hundred times with no issues, just remember you need BSP fittings for them, and the 1/2" types have a 3/8" output, 3/4" have a 1/2" output. I advise removing the piston seat (gold part which unscrews) and boring it out for higher flow.

iknowmy3tables · Sun Jan 24, 2016 8:24 pm

thanks that's what I'm concerned about I recall that some of the QEVs are crappy for air guns. so are you saying the wide bolted together ones are generally good?

Zeus · Sun Jan 24, 2016 10:35 pm

Can't speak for them, the black and gold units have served me well, but the flow is lacking

iknowmy3tables · Mon Jan 25, 2016 12:38 am

okay show me a picture of one to avoid if you can find it

matti · Tue Jan 26, 2016 2:21 am

You could search ebay for QEVs from well known manufacturers like Festo, SMC, Norgren, Parker and many others.

iknowmy3tables · Sun Jan 31, 2016 9:09 pm

This isn't QEV related but I just learned something about a valve I bought for my project, I bought this 3 way control valve http://www.ebay.com/itm/262236263192 when it arrived it didn't come with instructions and I was disappointed to find that it was set up as a "Normally closed" valve, however simply by removing the end covers and the piston an flipping it around it becomes a "Normally open" valve which is more useful for building semi auto pneumatic guns. So far it seems like a good deal for $15. I'm working on a nerf gun so given the power and flow requirements I don't think I'll need a qev.