Powerfull marble cannon!

Show us your pneumatic spud gun! Discuss pneumatic (compressed gas) powered potato guns and related accessories. Valve types, actuation, pipe, materials, fittings, compressors, safety, gas choices, and more.
spudgun
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Sun Nov 02, 2008 1:31 am

This is my first cannon. Originally I had a bigger barrel on it to shoot spuds but I wasn't getting much distance so I put a smaller marble cannon on and it works a treat. I haven't modded my sprinkler valve I have kept the solenoid on it. Its activated by 2x 9 volt batters going through a safely switch then a momentary trigger switch. The air is pumped into the chamber through my air compressor fitting and is able to be isolated by the shut off ball valve. It gets up to about 100-110 psi and shoots a marble through just about anything haha.

Let me know what you think of it and give me some suggestions on how it could be improved.

Thanks :)
Attachments
02112008080.JPG
Bord at 65psi
Bord at 65psi
02112008077.JPG
02112008076.JPG
02112008075.JPG
Air compressor fitting and ball valve shut-off valve
Air compressor fitting and ball valve shut-off valve
Safety switch, trigger and pressure gauge
Safety switch, trigger and pressure gauge
Battery and sprinkler valve
Battery and sprinkler valve
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starman
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Sun Nov 02, 2008 1:59 am

The tape really detracts from this gun....kind of overwhelming really.
spudgun
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Sun Nov 02, 2008 2:03 am

Yes I know but all the fittings are all different colors so I wanted to make the gun all the one color but it didn't turn out the way I wanted to. And now I cant be bothered taking it off.
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starman
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Sun Nov 02, 2008 2:10 am

spudgun wrote:Yes I know but all the fittings are all different colors so I wanted to make the gun all the one color
They make spray paint for just this very application.
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john bunsenburner
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Sun Nov 02, 2008 5:10 am

Besides the fact the the gun is some what "ugly" it seems good. the only thing is its kinda low pressure...how about trying out like 200++ psi
spudgun
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Sun Nov 02, 2008 5:13 am

My compressor cuts out at about 110. Is there anything I can do to make it go higher or is it just the compressor?
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Hubb
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Sun Nov 02, 2008 5:48 am

john bunsenburner wrote:Besides the fact the the gun is some what "ugly" it seems good. the only thing is its kinda low pressure...how about trying out like 200++ psi
Because the valve probably wouldn't handle that kind of pressure.


spudgun wrote:My compressor cuts out at about 110. Is there anything I can do to make it go higher or is it just the compressor?
Once you fill it with the compressor, you can pump it up even more with a shock pump. You could buy one of those, or you can search the forums on the many how-tos on them. Just make sure not to exceed the limits of the pipe / valve.
zach12
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Sun Nov 02, 2008 8:20 am

my next project is to make a stirrup pump. i wonder if i can get it higher than 150 psi. my compresssure cuts off at 80psi
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psycix
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Sun Nov 02, 2008 11:29 am

Have you considered modding the valve so it works pneumatically?
Besides dropping the need for electrical circuits, it increases the power of the gun by alot.
No need to increase pressures yet, and you will still achieve better performance!
Till the day I'm dieing, I'll keep them spuddies flying, 'cause I can!

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spudgun
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Sun Nov 02, 2008 3:45 pm

How does modding the valve make it more powerful. This kind is hard to mod.
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SpudFarm
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Sun Nov 02, 2008 4:18 pm

spudgun wrote:How does modding the valve make it more powerful. This kind is hard to mod.
faster opening times
"Made in France"
- A spud gun insurance.
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psycix
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Mon Nov 03, 2008 5:26 pm

Electric solenoid valve -> very small pilot hole -> slow pilot volume venting -> slow opening times -> poor performance

Modded valve -> big pilot valve -> fast pilot volume venting -> fast opening times -> good performance
Till the day I'm dieing, I'll keep them spuddies flying, 'cause I can!

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jackssmirkingrevenge
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Tue Nov 04, 2008 12:23 am

Black tape is ok :D

As above though, take the time and effort to mod the valve, you'll be impressed with the difference ;)
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