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I was wondering if this would make a good piston

Materials:

2" diam (whatever size I need) round steel Bar stock cut to 1" to 2" length
Old mouse pad cut to proper diameter
Washer
Bolt
Nut
Nerf Ball

See picture on how it goes together.

I will also dril a 1/8" equalization hole in the piston.

The parent company that I work for has a machine shop with tons of scrap bar stock. I can easily cut to lenght any size round bar stock I need.

The nerf ball will be free floating behind the piston to cushion the steel piston from cracking the PVC when it slams back. Is this a bad Idea?

Steel is to heavy, 1/8th" eq. hole is to big.

I'll agree with jrrdw here.


And add my .02


Nylon is fairly common and much lighter than steel. I've used it with good results.

Skip the equalization hole all together. Put a floating o-ring on the piston instead.

Blind drill the bolt hole and tap it. No need for the nut.

Scrap the nerf ball and use a couple "washers" cut from the mouse pad for a bumper.

No need for an equalization hole if you have no o-rings on the piston.

I'd also put a larger washer on the sealing face otherwise it will get ripped off.

Omg thanks soooo soooo much i never really understood the whole concept of piston valves but now i do !!!!!!

he can machine out the back of it so i becomes a thin shell.

Steel is one of the worst piston materials due to the weight.
I'd recommend something like nylon, PVC, or if you really want to use metal: aluminum.

Use something foamy as bumper, but make sure it doesn't constrict pilot valve flow.
Dont make the piston too short, as it might jam sooner because of that.

Thanks for the feedback! I thought steel might be too heavy. I a few other ideas in mind.

Thanks agian!