T.B. Launcher

[motorfixer1]

I recently completed a long time project of mine and thought I would post for all to see. It is a T.B. launcher I made for my Dad because I use his garage space regularly and he seems interested in the things that I build. I was thinking of painting it and giving it to him soon. I knew when I started this thing that he would want a launcher with everything self contained that would be easy to operate so this is what I came up with.
She really throws balls and is also a great noise maker as well!

BARREL: 2.5" sch 40 pvc 24" long
CHAMBER: 3" sch 40 pvc 12" long
IGNITION: Shureshot AR-15 grip and 30kv igniter mounted inside stock with 2-gap spark strip inside chamber
MIXING/VENT: 60cm cpu fan mounted in threaded adapter with 1" ball valve between chamber and atmosphere
FUEL SOURCE: Minature Bernzomatic Propoylene cylnder
FUEL PRESSURE REGULATION: Premiere ind. series 2100 regulator
FUEL METERING: One-touch on board meter w/ 1/2X6" pipe for fuel measuring
ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCE: 8AA batts mounted inside end of butt stock
STOCK: 3" sch 40 pvc cut up to attach to chamber elbow and house/protect all the operating components
The overall length is 45" and it weighs 15lbs.
This was a lot of fun to build and is even more fun to shoot!

[mark.f]

Good job! It's neat, there aren't primer stains everywhere, and it shoots one of my all time favorite projectiles.

Only one thing I can see is the chamber could be mounted slightly closer to the barrel, but that's minor. Good job again!

[wyz2285]

Very cool love it.
But I only will build my if I got large size metal , don´t like pvc

[motorfixer1]

Good job! It's neat, there aren't primer stains everywhere, and it shoots one of my all time favorite projectiles.

Only one thing I can see is the chamber could be mounted slightly closer to the barrel, but that's minor. Good job again!

Thanks for noticing the lack of primer stains, I actually found clear primer at Menards. As far as the chamber being closer to the barrel, you are absoultley right and I wish I had done that.

Very cool love it.
But I only will build my if I got large size metal , don´t like pvc

I have a all metal over-under cannon but the occasional use of this one will be fine for pvc.

[frigaardj]

Nice job, I like the idea of a tennis ball launcher and it is a very clean build.
How does your 'one-touch' meter work?

[evanmcorleytv]

Nice job, I like the idea of a tennis ball launcher and it is a very clean build.
How does your 'one-touch' meter work?

The fuel is injected into the meter, and pressurized. Then a trigger valve is used to propel the fuel into the chamber.

[motorfixer1]

The one-touch meter is a three-way valve and six inch pipe nipple. In the normal position the pipe nipple is pressurized with fuel and isolated from the chamber. When the lever is depressed the fuel source is isolated from the chamber and meter pipe, only the fuel stored in the pipe is discharged into the chamber. When the lever is released the pipe is automatically refilled and is ready to measure another shot of fuel. Got this idea from Sgort and his Blue Flame launcher on LaunchPotatoes.com.

[evanmcorleytv]

The one-touch meter is a three-way valve and six inch pipe nipple. In the normal position the pipe nipple is pressurized with fuel and isolated from the chamber. When the lever is depressed the fuel source is isolated from the chamber and meter pipe, only the fuel stored in the pipe is discharged into the chamber. When the lever is released the pipe is automatically refilled and is ready to measure another shot of fuel. Got this idea from Sgort and his Blue Flame launcher on LaunchPotatoes.com.

I love that launcher.. haha

[motorfixer1]

I love that launcher.. haha

Ya that is about one of the most well made launchers you can buy, well could buy as he is not taking orders currently. The one touch fuel meter is my favorite part and I have used it with great success on two launchers now. Thanks Sgort!