Clear PVC question

risto · Tue Feb 27, 2007 9:51 pm

I'm about to start construction on my new cannon and it features a clear chamber.

I need to know:

Should I drill into clear PVC?

I got into an argument with a friend of mine over it. I think its just like regular Sch. 40 PVC and it can take a few screws in it no problem, the only draw back is being able to see the screws.

My friend seems to think this will hurt the structural integrity of the chamber and could result in shrapnel.

any suggestions before i drill into this pipe?

nicholai · Tue Feb 27, 2007 9:57 pm

well, Clear pvc has a lower pressure rating (lower tensile strength I think) and is not UV stabilized typically. It has been done before many times and is accepted to be "safe" if you follow the correct steps according to drilling and tapping.

To be on the safe side simply put screws, 12v leads for fans and propane attachments through the DOUBLE LAYER of pvc where fittings are solvent welded together. This allows for more surface for threads to grab (especially tapered pipe threads NPT)

Check out my YouTube SpudGun Channel! · Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:01 pm

It will hurt the integrity, but the question is how much?

As clear PVC is significantly weaker then normal PVC im not so sure.
how big of a hole and how many are you looking at?

spudthug · Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:02 pm

clear pvc *should* be fine but i wouldnt drill into it sometimes it tends to crack..kinda like plexy glass...it has alot different things in it than white or blkack pvc to make it clear. it probly has a rating of like sch 30 and i am not sure about all of this but i dont know the i.d. or o.d. of your tube...all i no is that my 2" clear tube cracked when i drilled into it for my marble gun

risto · Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:06 pm

there would only be 2 holes drilled, but they'd be for a grip. Think that would put too much stress on it?

nicholai · Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:13 pm

wtf how u gonna get ignition into it? cleanout cap lol?

risto · Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:23 pm

my ignition wires were going to go thru where the female end cap fitting is

TwitchTheAussie · Wed Feb 28, 2007 12:19 am

I'd say choos the parts you want to see then sleeve it in some other sch- 40. If you could get more clear stuff the better.

Insomniac · Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:39 am

Don't drill holes for a handle!! You can use zip ties, hose clamps, basically anything external. Only drill holes when it is absolutly nessicary (fuel meter, ignition, fan wires etc)

boilingleadbath · Wed Feb 28, 2007 3:45 pm

How about epoxying some metal mounting points on?

risto · Wed Feb 28, 2007 5:23 pm

damnit, think i should just say to hell with the clear chamber? I need the handle there, and i need the wires for ignition, should i just go old school?

LGM · Wed Feb 28, 2007 5:30 pm

Mount the ignition in the endcap, have a small pipe (.5") lead into the chamber from there holding the wires and have the gap at the end of the pipe. Hose clamp the handle on.

risto · Wed Feb 28, 2007 5:36 pm

i was thinking i could run the ignition wires thru the female part of the end cap and maybe have the handle on with hose clamps, but i dont know if the hose clamps will stay where they need to be.

LGM · Wed Feb 28, 2007 5:47 pm

They will stay if they are tight enough.

risto · Wed Feb 28, 2007 5:50 pm

hmm

i guess that could work...it could be an easier way to attach my lp holder too.