Mk 2 Rotary Barrel Semi-Automatic Combustion

Boom! The classic potato gun harnesses the combustion of flammable vapor. Show us your combustion spud gun and discuss fuels, ratios, safety, ignition systems, tools, and more.
critical_al
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:03 pm

Hi,
It has been a while since I last posted on here but finally ready with our latest pyrotechnic creation. This model was designed following the Mk 1 prototype - "Grape-shot", which I was very pleased with, but it was single shot only and very small gauge, hence the ammo of choice.

This project grew from that, using the same styling ideas but to a rather larger scale! The assembled device, complete with carriage, is over 7' long, and weighs (I guess) around 50 Kg. Obviously this is not ideal for transport so it breaks down into several parts, largest of which is the barrel assembly. Its propane powered, with automatic gas metering using solenoid valves, and a 24V exhaust fan system, for rapid cycle times. Obviously it fires spuds, really quite a long way, and can be reloaded mid-cycle until you run out of spuds. Its semi-automatic in that you have to move a lever up, rotate the barrel,lever down and then press the firing button to cycle between shots.

Much as I would like to take credit for this, as with the last model posted on here this has been a collaborative effort, with all the actual construction work done by a very talented 'materials specialist', now retired, who has a bit more time on his hands - thanks Dad!

If you have any thoughts or comments about it we'd love to hear them, although after the time this took I suspect I may have to wait a while before beginning the mark 3....
Attachments
DSCF1576.JPG
DSCF1572.JPG
DSCF1151.JPG
DSCF1571.JPG
DSCF1574.JPG
Last edited by critical_al on Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Hubb
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:18 pm

I am honored to have even seen this masterpiece. Props to all of you who made this happen. Now for a video...
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hi
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:19 pm

Thats a very nice cannon(s). I could only dream of something like that. That is above and beyond what most people put into their cannons. Thats more of a work of art than a cannon. I'm truly envious of you.

welcome to spudfiles, you certainly earned it.
"physics, gravity, and law enforcement are the only things that prevent me from operating at my full potential" - not sure, but i like the quote

you know you are not an engineer if you have to remind yourself "left loosy righty tighty"
The Engineer
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:35 pm

HOLY CRAP that's awesome! Must have been expensive and taken forever to build, but it must be so worth it!

What about a Mark 3 now? lol
critical_al
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:53 pm

Not really all that expensive compared to some as all the brass is recycled, the main barrel is a naval shell case, all other brass tubes are also shell/cartridge cases, these were not much at all ( a few pounds each).

Solenoids would have been expensive new but were cannibalised from other stuff. Total cost about £70 maybe. But yes, a lot of time to build as nearly all of it is machined from scratch, including most of the pipe fittings.
Attachments
Main body and cocking handle
Main body and cocking handle
Broken down for transport
Broken down for transport
Barrel mounting point
Barrel mounting point
Underside of the main body
Underside of the main body
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Ragnarok
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:59 pm

I've already responded on UKSGC, but I'm bloody impressed.

Hmm, steampunk spudgunning.
Does that thing kinda look like a big cat to you?
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ALIHISGREAT
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:59 pm

WOW WOW WOW that is so shiney :D
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daberno123
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 5:09 pm

Whoah that's impressive! :shock:

Do you work at a machine shop or just have access to one?

I'm interested as to what sort of shells the cases were from and where you acquired them from. Care to enlighten us?
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POLAND_SPUD
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 5:16 pm

bling bling!!

some people here amaze me...
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unless we stop them now
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mister pointy
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 5:16 pm

Simply awesome. Not only is the gun impressive, but the attention to details really puts this gun at a higher level.

Great work.
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FishBoy
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 5:52 pm

omg, i just drooled all over my keyboard. amazing work, very shiny :D
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TwitchTheAussie
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 6:23 pm

Good work :thumbright:. Its a better version of Revolver X. Congrats to you and your Father :P
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spudgunning is like sex, once you've tasted, you can't wait til next time.
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CpTn_lAw
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Ragnarok
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 6:24 pm

FishBoy wrote:omg, i just drooled all over my keyboard.
Quick! Clean it out! :P

I've had my share of tipping things in to keyboards, and they'll work after most things - but if you really want to stop a keyboard, the combined wisdom of my family suggests either Bailey's Irish Cream, bile, slobber or a combination of coffee and Coca Cola. (Don't ask!)

The Bailey's is the most effective by a mile. :shock:
We're manufacturing an anti-keyboard cannon that fires Bailey's - it's designed to stop forum trolls in their tracks. :D
Does that thing kinda look like a big cat to you?
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spuzi14
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 7:06 pm

That's just.... :shock: :shock: :shock:

Very awesome, it breaks down and everything, I love it!
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iknowmy3tables
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Sun Aug 24, 2008 8:29 pm

Image
truly AWEsome
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