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ASCO Nerf Launcher
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:23 pm
by dewey-1
Here is a rendering of my version of a Nerf Pocket Vortex Launcher.
An old version of Autocad was used for both drawing and rendering.
It uses:
(a) 1-1/2" Asco valve
(paid about $15 for these valves a year ago)
(b) 5 pound modified fire extinguisher that is approximately 185 cubic inches for the chamber.
Typical operating pressure is 40 to 125 psi.
(c) Modified tire inflator for triggering.
The 1/8" M-F-F tee has epoxy blocking the air flow on the F side directly connected to nozzle of inflator. The piloting air is routed through the tee down the hose to the handle. The exhaust of inflator is the angled port where typically a gauge is installed.
(d) 2" by 30" Breech loading barrel.
Some of you may recognize the components in the rendering.
I converted them to Sketchup files. You can compare the difference by this link:
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/ ... revstart=0
Actual construction yet to complete is the breech loading barrel.
I may bypass that step and add that later.
JSR will remember a 2D drawing I did over a year ago.
This first rendering was done with TurboCad
Autocad was used for rendering the remaining images.
Comments and constructive criticism welcome.
edited to add clarification.
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:46 pm
by Lentamentalisk
why not turn the chamber around, so that you can cut down the length of the entire cannon by a foot or two? Also, a 1 1/2" valve is total overkill if you aren't trying to get close to the speed of sound. Honestly, I would suggest you save your self $100 or so, and just go for a 3/4" McMaster QEV, but if you have the money, go for it.
I don't really get how your trigger system is supposed to work. It looks like you have the blowgun outlet hooked up to the inlet, which won't do anything what so ever. Correct me if I am wrong.
Other than that, it looks great!
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:47 pm
by psycix
That looks promising!
Great renders too. What program did you use?
What pressure will this thing run at?
Only thing I could complain about is the hose of the blowgun but thats inevitable unless you pilot it with a QEV or something like that.
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:58 pm
by ALIHISGREAT
Its a cool design that would work... so now build it!

Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 4:23 pm
by psycix
why not turn the chamber around, so that you can cut down the length of the entire cannon by a foot or two?
Because the chamber now also functions as shoulder stock.
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 5:42 pm
by starman
Beautiful rendering! and good looking design as well.
I'm with Lentamentalisk in that for a nerfy, the 1.5" valve is way overkill. However, if you have ideas of making this a brute golf ball gun, I say keep the 1.5" valve... 8) The big valve does give it a tough look.
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 5:48 pm
by LCTChamp
Looks like it will work well as mentioned above. I can't wait to see it built and in action. Where can you get a 1.5" QEV?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:40 pm
by Fnord
When I made my asco golfball gun, I turned the valve 90* from your setup and put an elbow on the barrel. That way there's no valve in your way when aiming, and you can put the trigger on the bottom.
I didn't know you could make stuff like that with sketchup.
*goes to download*
Download Google SketchUp 7
It's free and downloads in minutes(!!!11!1!)
*3 hrs 51 minutes remaining*
screw you google.
I'll stick with <1 meg anim8or.
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:45 pm
by psycix
That is not sketchup.
He converted the model to sketchup, but what you see is definitely not sketchup.
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:45 pm
by PinHead
By the looks of it, is this going to be used for scenario paintball? If that's the case, do you have plans to add a CO2 setup at some point?
I agree that the chamber makes a nice shoulder stock, but for portability, I would suggest perhaps taking down the barrel a little bit. Most of the nerf cannons I have seen don't go over 21 inches of barrel length, and their accuracy and efficiency is just fine.
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:57 pm
by Fnord
That is not sketchup.
He converted the model to sketchup, but what you see is definitely not sketchup.
I see. Missed it the first time.
But still, IS sketchup capable of stuff like that without hours of vertex editing?
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 8:16 pm
by Carlman
Looks sweet mate! just make sure you have a nice golfball barrel handy

Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 8:52 am
by dewey-1
Thanks for the comments and concerns.
Please read the original posting because I added some comments to it to clarify any misunderstandings.
Well as far as valve cost and "overkill" for such an application it was easy to decide when you can buy such a valve for about $15 (USD).
Bought two of them last year on e-bay.
An old version of Autocad was used to create and render the last 3 images. I have been using Autocad for almost 20 years so I am fairly proficient in using it. I still have not tried any complex drawings using sketchup.
I am only using it (sketchup) as a method for others to use my drawings for their personal use without the high price of CAD software.
I tried the free Alibre Express but it has to many limitations on how many components you can create.
It could easily be adapted to a paintball scenario type launcher but I have no need to do that.
To darn old for that stuff. I am probably one of the oldest, age-wise, on the forum.
The first image was done using a trial version of Turbocad.
I will try to post some preliminary build pictures later on today.
Well here are the real time photos:

Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 5:07 am
by biged
Great work. I also made an breech loading ASCO launcher with a golf ball, nerf, and tennis ball barrel out of steel. Tennis ball barrel in picture.
///ed///
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 9:51 am
by dewey-1
biged:
Thanks, Great work on yours as well.
I have have been a fan of your creations for some time.
In particular, all your military themed ones.
How many of those ASCO valve do you have?
Looks like a few of them that I could tell from some of your pictures.
I have a method to prevent the paint from scratching on the barrel
due to the breech sliding. PM me and I can explain.
If others would like to post their ASCO Launcher on this posting, please do so.