SpudFiles

Title says it all, i want to build one for my next cannon, but not sure where to start. thanks

umm i will assume you didnt search this at all. but there are multiple threads on this forum about pistons and to answer your question no you dont.

no you dont need a lathe. the only tools you really need are a file or a rotary tool and a hack saw. ive built 4 piston valves and one diaphragm valve with out a lathe.

all you need is to know how to cast an epoxy piston or mold one out of hot glue sticks.

molding a piston is easy, you just take the same diameter pipe as the valve and melt some hot glue sticks into it or pour some epoxy in it. be sure to lube it up with some oil or pam so you can accually get it out. put some aluminum foil on one end that way it doesnt get stuck to the floor/bench you area working on.

good luck.

Hey,

I build 2 piston valves so far without even having to make pistons. I found a series of PVC plumbing parts, where some end caps fit almost directly into the tee´s. They are excellent pistons... (see my avatar / search for Schweizer-Valve)

I went to where I got my parts, and told them I needed exact measurements before I could buy. So they let me measure everything on their shelves ... then, I figured how it could be done.

I still needed to cut grooves for o-rings. I used a Dremel mill table for that. It cost me about 55 Swiss francs, and you can probably get it cheaper. You will need the Dremel machine separately, if you don´t have one already.

Regards
Soren

Where did you buy the mill table?

At "Jumbo", but hmmm that only exists in this country.

- Anywhere with a large assortment of Dremels and Dremel tools?

Regards
Soren