Clear Combustion [new pics]

[SkweezMyCheez]

So I haven't finished one of these in years but I finally decided to do so. I finished it just yesterday after well over a year and a half of "construction."

Here's some info and a parts list:

Chamber
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12" x 4" Clear sch40 PVC
4" Female Adapter
4" Female Coupling
4" x 3" Bushing
3" Cleanout Adapter

Barrels
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3' x 3"
3" Male Adapter


5' x 2.5"
3x2.5" Modified Bushing (No Lip for Breech Load)
3" Male Adapter


2" sch40
3"x2" Modified Bushing (No Lip for Breech Load)
3" Male Adapter

(The following three need to be completed, but will not be difficult)
1.5" sdr-21
1.5" sch40
1.25" sch40


LP Meter
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(2) 1/4" Close Nipple
(2) 1/2" x 1/4" Bushing
1/2" St Elbow
(2) 1/2" Ball Valve
1/2" x 6" sch80 clear PVC for the meter pipe
1/4" Tee
1/4" NPT 100psi Gauge
1/4" Male Hose Barb
1/4" Clear Braided Tubing
1/4" Male Q.D.

Ignition
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Stun gun

Alternate Pushbutton wired to custom Handle
(2) 2.5" x 5/16" NC Steel Bolts
(2) 3/8" Ring Terminals
(2) 5/16" Steel Washers
(2) 3/8" Neoprene O-Rings
(2) 5/16" Neoprene O-Rings
(2) 5/16" NC Steel Nuts

Features
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80mm Blue LED chamber fan
1/8" NPT Brass Plug w/2 holes to run wires
Toggle Switch Built into handle
LP/MAPP holder attached
***NO Hose Clamps***
Custom Handle







And finally some pictures:











Here we have a picture of the LP/MAPP meter, clear meter pipe, and chamber overall.












Notice the custom built handle



This Image really shows the blue light from the fan.



This thing is pretty heavy










Additional Views




A closeup of the electrodes. Notice the O-Rings that fully seal the chamber. Also, the bolts were ground to points.




Another view of the electrodes



Wouldn't YOU be smiling if you were holding it?





Please leave comments/suggestions.




Possible Future Upgrades
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Quick Connects for the Barrels
Shoulder Strap (Very likely considering how bulky and heavy it is)
Finish Extra Barrels (2"/1.5"/1.5" SDR-21/1.25")
Quick vent method (replace meter elbow with a tee and attach small ball valve)



(edit) I need to finish painting the other two barrels ill update the page when they are done. The one pictured is 3"





UPDATE
This is the 2.5" x 5' barrel for tennis balls. It is breech loaded. Red flames on a blue background.

[SpudUke5]

Very nice.

I plan to make one myself. Although i thought there was no resason for the clear fuel meter

And whats the CB ratio?

[SkweezMyCheez]

.7-.8:1

depends on the barrel but i generally kept it close to that area

i figured the clear meter would be a nice little touch.

also, could someone tell me how to add a preview picture?

[mega_swordman]

Very nice. It looks really clean. If you have the funds, it would probably be worth investing in a cam lock for the breach loader.

[DYI]

One of the cleanest bits of construction I've seen in a while on here. Love the 3" barrel, not many people use those. Old propane/MAPP cylinders make good projectiles for 3" bore. (recoil could be a bit heavy though)

[Hubb]

Very nice. I would like to see some pictures of the chamber during combustion, if it is possible.

I've always wanted to make a clear chambered combustion. I just never had access to clear PVC (other than online). I wonder if a 2L Coke bottle would suffice to make a clear chamber?

[SkweezMyCheez]

thanks. aesthetics were a prime focus of this project. I wanted a cannon that looked as good as it shot. I just need to work on the wire routing for my ignition. that electrical tape is horrendous

[Hubb]

thanks. aesthetics were a prime focus of this project. I wanted a cannon that looked as good as it shot...

I believe that I am not the only one to say you've succeeded.

[SkweezMyCheez]

i dont recommend the coke bottle. they are fun for a few shots, but get the PVC for a real cannon. i bought a 5ft stick. i still have 4 feet for another top secret super project. ill go get those shots of the combustion in action now. i forgot i have a function on the camera that will do that. also ill be taking vids when i go out and shoot it this week.

[flamerz14]

Kinda looks like the blue flame series..and whats with the TINY spark gap? you're using a stungun.

[SkweezMyCheez]

no reason for a big spark gap.

[Eddbot]

that looks like it was built professionally, how long did it take and how much did it cost?

[SkweezMyCheez]

Anyway I removed that disgusting blue electrical tape and shortened the wires.


Cost: wow this one will be tough to estimate but my best guess is about $200 not including some basic supplies like primer, glue, taps, sand paper, paint and protectors, and more.

I really am not sure though because it was such a long time. Also the clear piece came as part of a 5ft stick which was $90, but i only counted $18 of that for this gun. I am nearly finished with my 2.5" barrel paintjob and i think you guys will love it. Still have to make a 2" barrel, 1.5" barrel, 1.5" sdr-21 barrel, and 1.25" barrel, but those are all easy. Keep the posts coming and Ill bring in the update soon. I just wish the Spudtech forums were still around, I think those guys would have liked this one.

[mark.f]

Wow, good job. As far as I can estimate, you have been working on this project for approximately... a long time.

I remember your topic on the old SGTC forums about getting your 5' of clear 4" in from McMaster. It was around the same time as you finished those ball-valve guns, (my brain can be a human filing cabinet sometimes...). And, yes, back on the SGTC forums, you would have gotten more of a response. But, remember, "those guys" are spread out over here a little, so you're still getting the same general critique. I think it would have gone down on SGTC as another gun in the line of clear combustions, along with Sgort's, Mr. Plow's, SMOWK's, (I never could spell his name right anyway...), etc.

As for criticism, I only have one general remark on the electrical tape. I would say cut you some flextube from the automotive department in Wal-Mart or the Electrical department in Home Depot, to conceal the wiring. They also have flexible PVC tubing for electrical there as well. That, painted blue, would look a little better than the electrical tape.

Other than that, I have nothing other to say than good job! Now you just have to find something else to do with the other 4' of clear pipe...

EDIT: just saw that you removed the electrical tape. I guess my only advice would be the flextube then.

[SkweezMyCheez]

dont worry I know what I'm doing with the 4' of clear pipe, unless of course I end up selling it . I dont remember making any ball valve guns, but I did make a red one around that time I think. you may be thinking of that. I got the pipe from some other site. I cannot remember the name but it was very cheap. Im going to look into that tubing idea, though I'm not sure what I'm doing yet. As of right now it looks much better with the shortened wires. I am 90% finished with my 2.5" barrel. Just putting protective layers on it now. Thanks everyone, keep the posts coming.