Will this copper cannon design work?

[iisthemuffin]

This is my first attempt at a copper cannon as well as a piston operated cannon. I was wondering if this would work? Well, i know it will work but is there anything that needs to be changed? Would a blowgun pilot the piston well enough? The Tees, 90 degree elbow, and chamber will all be one inch. The barrel will be a half inch. I do not have it pictured but there will of course be a 1 inch to half inch reducer from the Tee to barrel. Im not sure on how long to make the barrel or chamber so adive is welcome for those.

EDIT - Sorry about the size on the picture. Just click it to enlarge.

[starman]

You could always try a ball valve as well as a blowgun and compare the difference. I don't believe you would see much difference with this small piston.

Your next step up would be a blowgun triggered QEV.

[iisthemuffin]

I find ball valves to be clumsy and insufficient. The force required to turn one quick enough to fire the cannon well forces you to move the cannon accidently which puts your aim off. Id rather not have to deal with that. Will you please explain QEV for me. I know what it stands for but do not understand the function. Could you possible include a picture of one or a link to where i could see one?

So you believe that the blowgun would be enough to pilot such a small piston?

[TurboSuper]

A real quick forum search turned up this fairly recent topic: http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/qev-sea ... 14882.html

[iisthemuffin]

Ive read that before. I still do not quite understand it though.

[Gippeto]

It'll work just fine with a blow gun.

Mod the blow gun on basic principles though.

You don't need to use 1" stuff on this though, 3/4" will be entirely adequate.

The tee you have drawn on the fill/pilot end, is that supposed to be 1" too? You could take it down to 1/4" and reduce pilot volume significantly.

A picture says so much;

[iisthemuffin]

So if i were to take that back Tee down to 1/4 inch as you have shown in the picture it will reduce the amount of air piloted correct? Which will in turn improve the performance, correct again?

EDIT - Also i was thinking. I do have access to a torch and solder and such, but is it possible to purchase all of my fittings and tee threaded instead of slip? I find that this will be easier for me and also take me less time to construct.

[SpudFarm]

you got it!