SpudFiles

Hey I have a question about vortexes:

K, you guys know how cloud chamber is basically air pushing the ammunition through the chamber and out the barrell right?

What is a vortex? Like what advantages does it have?

*Please dont send me to the Spud wiki as ive checked there before i really dont understand what they are saying.

There is a block inside a vortex that has either a circle or like a quarter of a circle going through the block. Usually air comes from the bottom of the circle and then leaves through the barrel which is on the top of the circle but is horizontal. The bbs get sucked through the barrel the same way as a cloud only the block helps the bbs find the barrel I guess. Vortex's are more powerful and have a higher/more consistent feed rate.

The air coming in the bottom pushes the ammo up and around the vortex hole and out the barrel. It gives a greater ROF and power, and much more consistent firing. People say they're more complicated, but it's really simple.

Thanks alot guys.
Becuase before in my previous topic on my new air gun design, people were saying how my plans are only good if i use a vortex instead of a cloud mechanism as im making a portable BBMG with an air reservoir

Thanks guys.

Since this is entitled vortex questions, id like to add another question without having to start a new topic. (sry if im hijacking ur topic, aces). I have noticed that inline vortexes dont seem to have shrouds around their vortex holes. wouldn't an inline vortex overflow and jam up without shrouds just like a non-inline one?

I don't use shrouds because they jam the block, I guess I've influenced others.

I thought the purpose of the shroud was to limit bb inflow and prevent the entire vortex hole fom filling with bbs, as that would jam up the works. I would think a piston loading plunger thingey would saturate and fill the vortex chamber if you ever stopped firing.

That's "supposed" to happen, but the only time I've ever had a block jam was with the shrouds on, and only once. I took the shrouds off after that and it works perfectly now.

I think it also depends on the size of the vortex hole, I noticed that smaller holes tended to jam less than larger holes did without a shroud. With the smaller vortex holes you can get by without the shroud, but holes over 7/8" seem to jam without one. The width of the block may also affect jamming?

The biggest vortex hole I've used is 1," and that works fine. I have made blocks with widths of 1" - 1/4," and those worked also, though wider blocks feed slower.

do you think it would be possible to build an inline vortex out of wood.

It's been done, but most wood will wear out way before acrylic or PVC will.

about how fast will it wear out

Would a 3/4" hole on a STANDARD vortex work? (Not an inline...)

If your going to make it out of wood look for the hardest you can find.I built mine out of Ipay(or Ironwood) this stuff is as tough as acrilyc.I've only just built the block a day ago but it works fine. After how long it took to drill,I have a feeling the plastic BB's won't give it much trouble
Noname,I wanted a slower ROF so I used a 1 1/8" hole in a half block, think it will be slower that a 3/4" hole?I'm new to the BBMG performance capabilities.