SpudFiles

I have been toying around with building an airsoft pistol that works like the commercial ones for a while. There is one problem. I cant figure out how the valve works? I think that it may work like a hammer valve, but i'm not sure. Another possibility for making my airsoft pistol would be to use coaxial piston cartrages. (i remember finding something similar on the forums). If anyone has some insight, it would be much appreciated.

Yeah, they use hammer valves

some advice on improvising ball valves with existing "hammers", or you can make your own hammer quite easily.

Also, "green gas" is propane

As to preloaded cartridges, I think you mean these - or you can go combustion if power and a self-cycling mechanism is not a priority.

thanks for all the help,

one more question, how exactly does a hammer valve work?

Think of a blowgun valve, it opens when you press it. A hammer valve works in exactly the same way but instead of pressing it with your finger, its struck by a spring loaded hammer, hence the name.

are these hammer valves sold in stores, or do they have to be built from scratch?

also do you happen to have a diagram of the internals of a hammer valve?

Here's a couple, on a modern Crosman design:



And an old Girandoni:





Over 200 years between them and still the same basic principle.

You're not going to find a hammer valve commercially (unless you buy spare parts for an existing airgun) but I've already suggeted ways you might improvise one from off the shelf parts:





I would also advise you to take a look at Antonio's designs like the P2 and P3, simple well made hammer valves that can be cooked up in any workshop.

If you still haven't got it at this stage I would suggest something simpler ;p

thanks for the great info and advice! it helped a lot!

Wow, this website is truly a fount of knowledge. Not to be hijacking or anything, but does anyone know how much more efficient a hammer valve is than a piston valve?

well it depends on what you need or want out of a gun

if you want power a piston valve is better. but if you need multi shots than a hammer valve is less expensive and smaller than a qev pop-off or qev 3 way valve

Thanks! hysten and I have been working together, as amateurs, only real success has been with the piston valve, but we are looking for new ideas, and to expand our knowledge.

saefroch wrote:Not to be hijacking or anything, but does anyone know how much more efficient a hammer valve is than a piston valve?

A well made piston valve is far more powerful, perhaps you can do what Brian did and use the hammer as a pilot for a QEV but for airsoft purposes, a good hammer valve is more than sufficient.