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Pneumatic Golf Ball Cannon

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 4:12 pm
by SANGER
Hey guys, i'm only new to the site but i have been working on a cannon which i have recently completed. It is all metal construction with 2 air chambers, ball valve, pressure guage, air coupling all finished off with some camo paint which was done by my fiance. So far i have managed to fill it to 160 psi which it will hold all day long. Its range is approx 400m at the pressure. Anyway heres some pics.

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Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 4:19 pm
by Ragnarok
Very nice.

Just a shame about the use of a ball valve as the main valve - that's going to be costing you a huge amount of potential power. You might be able to recoup some of those losses though if you built a good spring powered opening mechanism to get the valve open faster and more consistently.

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 4:25 pm
by FishBoy
@ Rag- true dat

Anyway, nice build, it looks pretty clean, and I don't think it would be very difficult to set up a spring/pin system to open the ballvalve quickly.

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 4:27 pm
by daberno123
Lookin' good.

What's the wall thickness of your barrel? It looks pretty thick.

The welding looks clean and I can honestly say I have never seen a paint job like that on a cannon before. Good to see you are protecting it from that hose clamp.

Pity about the ball valve though, throw a piston valve on this it would be a beast. Its still a great first cannon, I look forward to seeing bigger and better things from you.

Welcome to Spudfiles!

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 4:32 pm
by ALIHISGREAT
hmmm looks like it could hold at least 200psi :wink: and i'm liking the camo chambers :P

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 4:53 pm
by jackssmirkingrevenge
Aussie pride eh :D agreed with the above that since you clearly put quite a bit of effort into it, sticking witha ball valve is a shame, you can get a lot more power out of that thing.

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 5:13 pm
by starman
Wow, really nice cannonage there!! Love the "all metal" construction, the special "T" you built in the rear and the singleton padded barrel/chamber hose clamp. First upgrade project is to replace that ball valve (as nice as it is), as others have mentioned. Overall though, very good work...especially so for a first post!

Give your fiance' our regards...she did a fine job on the camo paint.

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 6:24 pm
by SANGER
Thanks all for the feedback. Its safe to say i have used an inferior valve :oops: Can anyone post some details of what i should replace it with. Eg. pictures and specs.

I'm thirsty for more power :twisted:

Once again big thanks for those who posted.

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 7:07 pm
by daberno123
I'd have a look through this if it's power you're after.

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 10:16 pm
by Cosmic Muffin
nice to see that flag on the side :wink:
we rock ay.
aha
nice gun. the chambers give the gun a nice look.

Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 12:25 am
by Daltonultra
That is a great first cannon. Those welds are nicely done, and the paint is beautiful! Some real craftsmanship went into that.

I do see a problem with upgrading, though. It looks like you welded the top elbow on after attaching the ball valve to it...I don't think there is enough room to unscrew the valve without hitting the tanks.

Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 2:10 am
by Radiation
Love it!that paint job is spectacular! Nothing I can say that hasn't already been said honestly, beautiful work there. Get rid of the ball valve..... There I go saying what's already been said. :)

Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 6:27 am
by SANGER
I've had a bit of a think about the valve situation and i'm going to stick with the ball valve even though i am sacrafising power. It is my frst attempt and i have learnt alot and lastly it is bloody good fun.

Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 7:19 am
by jackssmirkingrevenge
I agree, as a first project you should leave it be. Food for thought for your next project though ;)

Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 11:22 am
by Radiation
Hey, that makes sense. As long as you are furiously working on your next project. :lol: