first sprinkler valve

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.
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Anatine Duo
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Wed Mar 13, 2019 9:25 pm

This makes me look like a pnoob but I actually learned a lot.

I find sprinkler valves in the ground and take them home. This is a 1" Hunter chamber sealing valve, piloted by a modified blowgun I had almost given up on. Unmodified it produced a bit of honking. I can't see how it would have worked with the solenoid... too little flow.

Right now it has a cardboard tube for a barrel and can launch a sock with authority. Also it will splat a sticky squishy ball into our very high (18") ceiling for old spiderweb removal. Best dusting ever!

Without the barrel it will launch a pair of briefs into the lower ceiling. My 5 year old thinks this is the best and manages to get it to about 25 psi. The future is underwear cannons!

sprinkler valve 1.JPG

Next step: a better barrel and/or converting to barrel-sealing operation. Current investment is zero dollars. There are several more valves to play with.
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jackssmirkingrevenge
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Thu Mar 14, 2019 10:39 am

Anatine Duo wrote:I find sprinkler valves in the ground and take them home.
You make it sound like you're digging up people's lawns!

...

Are... are you digging up people's lawns?

:D

Basic but fun so why not?
can launch a sock with authority
The highest measure of any pneumatic launcher, great job!
hectmarr wrote:You have to make many weapons, because this field is long and short life
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Moonbogg
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Fri Mar 15, 2019 12:43 am

That looks like some good old fashioned fun. Watch out though, the hobby might grab ahold of you and not let go. Current investment will no longer be "zero dollars" hehe.
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Anatine Duo
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Mon Mar 18, 2019 11:59 am

.93 cal by 26 inch screw in barrel, from a dumpster :)

All shots about 105 psi.
sv1 with barrel.jpg
Delivers a 5 gram cork at 560fps !
cork at 560fps.jpg
Heavy arrow plus cork driving wad (650 grains) at 197 fps
arrow penetration.JPG
There is residual pressure after the shot. Also I was going to compare velocity with the air supply detached but I need to either catch the ammo or make extra next session!

BTW sprinkler valves may be available from landscape companies during replacement. After digging up the control boxes with excavators it's not worth re-using a valve given the complexity of a large irrigation system. If you get to be friends with the digger or installer you might get a bucket of them for a couple coffees and donuts.
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jackssmirkingrevenge
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Tue Mar 19, 2019 5:04 am

Anatine Duo wrote:There is residual pressure after the shot.
Consider using a smaller sprinkler valve as a pilot ;)
hectmarr wrote:You have to make many weapons, because this field is long and short life
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Anatine Duo
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Sun Apr 14, 2019 3:34 pm

added some furniture
sv1 with stock.JPG
Fairly ergonomic if I raise my right elbow until my arm is horizontal.

Every time I hack one of these together with an assortment of adhesives and fillers instead of fittings and craftsmanship I tell myself it's the last time. It often leaks, and then it gets retired for parts or re-hacked.

It's still fun though!
hectmarr
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Sun Apr 14, 2019 10:39 pm

Good job, I like your weapon. It has a retro look, and shoots hard. Cute :)
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