ABS Pipe (Not sure if what i have is safe to use)

rust0r · Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:13 pm

Just wondering if some of ABS experienced people can tell me if this pipe is safe enough to use on a spud gun! (Chamber is 10" x 3" and Barrel is 36" x 1.5")

The marking is:

IPEX 1-1/2" /40mm Drain-WAY ABS-DEE-DWV TIG2 (SA) 181.1 -R- 060806/05:27/#6U (P.L)

its from canada, i understand that 181.1 conformed to schedule 40?

can someone confirm or deny this pipe as being safe for use on a basic gun, thanks!

Pete Zaria · Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:14 pm

Safe to use on a combustion, not safe for a pneumatic. Make sure to glue properly and tap all screws through two layers of pipe.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

rust0r · Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:21 pm

When i initially glued everything, i did make sure each pipe bottomed out, and attempted to twist however i didnt get very much of a twist as the glue was already solidifying, ive never worked with the ABS cement before to realize just how fast it dries, but its down in there as far as it will go and i did twist it as much as possible, but it never did like a 1/2 or 1/4 rotation or anything like that

Pete Zaria · Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:31 pm

As long as you used enough glue and got the pipe all the way into the fittings, I'm not worried about the glue job. When you put in the screws for the ignition (or tap the pipe for the propane meter, if you're going to use one), make sure to put the screws through where a fitting and the pipe overlap (thus two layers of ABS). Screws with washers and nuts are the best bet, don't use nails or etc...

Since I'm not positive about canadian pipe ratings, measure the wall thickness of the pipe (if possible) and post it. But I'm pretty sure it's fine... Fire it remotely the first few times to be safe

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

rust0r · Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:37 pm

thanks, i was planning on the screw route, and i definitely plan on doing it remotely somehow as well haha

the thickness of the chamber wall is 1/4 inch, maybe slightly thicker

edit: also the end cap, i noticed the PVC caps fit in there firmly without much force, when i went over to ABS the caps were VERY hard to turn, my end cap goes maybe 1 1/2 rotations in with hand, and i cant even get it fully closed with vice grips and someone helping me turn it, ive been trying to break it in and its worked somewhat, but i think its maxed out now, is this going to pose a problem if i just hand tighten it as much as i can when in use ?

thanks for all the help!

Pete Zaria · Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:49 pm

Sounds like that cap isn't made for that pipe. See if your hardware store has one that screws down all the way, but snug.

Alternatively, just use the PVC cap with several wraps of teflon on the threads. But finding the right cap would be the best.

What are you going to use for fuel? Please don't say hairspray

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

rust0r · Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:54 pm

Well i had a cap that went into the threaded end pipe just find, but my friend decided to join the threaded end pipe with another piece of ABS pipe that we DIDNT need, and we werent able to get them apart. So I had to go for the next closest fitting set, I may have to take the cannon to home depot and test fit some end caps, it also looks like I may have gotten some of ABS cement inside the threads when i glued them, I've taken several exacto-knives and files to the threads, so i dont think the glue is the problem, because its gone now.

What would you suggest as a fuel? this is my first cannon so any tips would be much appreciated!

Edit: in regards to the thickness of the chamber (1/4") does that sound right for combustion friendly material?

Pete Zaria · Tue Oct 10, 2006 12:09 am

Propane. Cheap and effective. Just buy a benzomatic propane torch ($12 with a head) and put the fuel in from the back.

If you want to move up a notch, you can build a propane meter that meters out the right amoutn of propane every time, to eliminate the guesswork. Building one is about $35. Let me know if you want a parts list.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

Check out my YouTube SpudGun Channel! · Tue Oct 10, 2006 12:15 am

propane and mapp gas costs me $70NZD($45US) a bottle(the ones you guys use)how much does it cost you guys?

Pete Zaria · Tue Oct 10, 2006 12:16 am

Propane canisters are $2.99 + tax ($0.26) for a total of $3.25 at the local Home Depot. I get roughly 150 shots off a canister.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

rust0r · Tue Oct 10, 2006 12:28 am

Just wondering why you frowned or laughed at hairspray ? I was just going to use that as it seems to be the standard for first time, simple guns

frankrede · Tue Oct 10, 2006 1:35 am

1/4" wall thickness?
Wow.Thats thick.
Use right guard as a good beginners fuel.
Makes you smell good too.

Check out my YouTube SpudGun Channel! · Tue Oct 10, 2006 1:35 am

Pete Zaria wrote:Propane canisters are $2.99 + tax ($0.26) for a total of $3.25 at the local Home Depot. I get roughly 150 shots off a canister.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

WHAT!!!holy crap thats cheap why is it so bloody expensive here?

FreakyShotGlass · Tue Oct 10, 2006 1:41 am

Over here in Aus Propane is only like $8 a cylinder, are you sure it's that much in NZ MrCrowley. At that price you should be able to buy a BBQ tank full of propane.

Check out my YouTube SpudGun Channel! · Tue Oct 10, 2006 2:51 am

yup at mitre10 the mapp gas and propane bottles like the ones used on that new hybrid (with the shock absorbers) $69.99