SpudFiles

I think I've found a great, accessible material for golf ball barrels! I took a ball to the hardware store to try to fit it in some pipe, and came across 1.5" IMC (Intermediate Metal Conduit). It's basically the perfect barrel; its only flaw is having a seam running down it, which really shouldn't be much of a problem. The length of pipe I found cost me $25, which isn't bad for a 10 foot barrel, and comes threaded, 1.5" NPT. Golf balls are also a super tight fit, so tight that they can't roll down the length unaided. It's very easy to push a golf ball down the barrel with a ramrod, but the barrel won't require a detent, which is good news for the lazy ones such as myself.
I found my pipe at Ace Hardware, which is pretty widespread around the US as far as I know. The internet also says that Home Depot carries 1.5" IMC, so it really shouldn't be too hard to find.

Mobile Chernobyl suggested Sch 10 aluminum pipe and stainless 1.5" pipe for golf ball barrels so I am including those here as well for anyone searching for good, high pressure capable golf ball barrels.

I haven't seen IMC in any of the places I usually shop, but will look for it. It would screw right on to my 1-1/2" EMT barreled hybrid as a replacement for the EMT. It would be heavier, but since that cannon is already almost 20 pounds even with a not too long barrel, I guess the weight battle is already lost on that one

It sounds as if you like the fit, but running a hone through it might yield a "drop in" fit if that is desired. I have found that a brake cylinder hone works fine for about that size and can be found cheap ($6 from Harbor Freight).

Alternately, I found that with EMT, ramming a pipe or dowel with a big wad of steel wool on the end through it several times, smooths it out a lot. I expect it would be the same for IMC.

noname wrote:I think I've found a great, accessible material for golf ball barrels! .......

Nice find! I love being able to source "off the shelf" stuff intended for "real world use" for our hobby whenever possible - it's usually always cheaper.

I love being able to source "off the shelf" stuff intended for "real world use" for our hobby whenever possible

Likewise!

I was gonna ask what your barrel was! Good to know.