15 replies to this topic

[thesaz123]

Hi! I figured that since there isn't really a nitefinder rifle writeup on most NIC websites, i thought i'd contribute a bit. This is pretty much ACNERFSHOP's youtube writeup, but with some slight changes. So here it goes!

Materials needed:

Nitefinder (duh)
1x 3/8 inch wooden dowel rod
3x ace 49 springs
2x 1in #6 bolts
2x 1/2 inch #6 sheet metal screws
1x 1/2 inch pvc coupler
1/2 PVC
1in ID PETG tubing, or something else tubeish with the same ID
Electrical tape
Goop


Tools:
Hacksaw
PVC cutter
Drill with a 7/64 and a 1/8 in drill bits
Dremel with drum sanding bit


ONWARDS!
So you have a stock nitefinder


Get it out of the package!

Open it up and separate the pieces according to this 1337 dizzyduck whiteboard diagram


Mark your plunger rod like this, and cut it.




Next, gather your dowel rod, pvc coupler, and 1/2 inch pvc

Cut 1&1/2 inches of the 1/2 inch pvc, and solvent weld it into your coupler.


Next, cut your 3/8in dowel rod to 12&1/2 inches. After you cut it to that length, measure 3&3/4 inches into the rod, and cut the notch like so.

Drill a 7/64in hole in the top and bottom of the dowel rod. Try to center it as good as possible.


Then drill a 1/8in hole through the hole already in the plunger head and through the pullback piece from the plunger rod like so:


Attach the pullback piece to the end of the rod farthest from the catch notch, then slide on your catch, springs, then finally screw on your plunger head using the 1in #6 bolts like so:


Next, it's time to prepare your plunger tube!
Cut it to 12&1/4inches, and de-bur any ends you cut.


Next, take the pvc coupler with the stub of pvc you solvent welded in, and wrap etape around the stub until it fits snugly in the plunger tube. Slather it with goop, and press it into the plunger tube. Drill two starter holes for your sheet metal screws on opposite sides of the plunger tube, and drill them in like so. This will keep the coupler from coming out and act as a dart stop.


Now, we'll need to prepare the shell for it's new larger OD plunger tube. First, cut off the front part of the shell that holds the stock barrel's tip. Then use a grinding bit on your dremel to enlarge the hole at the front of the gun like so:


Now, insert your plunger rod (with head, springs and catch attached) into the plunger tube. And place it in your blaster like so:

Make sure you lube your plunger head! I use this


Now, i can't find a better way to secure the plunger tube, so fill the area under the tac rail/over the plunger tube with hotglue.

Now close it up, put all the screws back in. Notice that the topmost right screw port was destroyed when enlarging the front hole, so drill out the port so you can insert a zip tie to hold it shut.


Now you have an awesome nitefinder that is primary worthy! A nearly perfect seal too! This puppy has a ton of draw length (i didn't measure)


The ace 49's get full compression too!


Well that's it! Questions, comments, flames?

Edited by thesaz123, 11 January 2012 - 06:04 PM.

[td667]

Very nice, clean writeup. Great job man!

[RedFear]

A nice modification. what are the ranges approximately?
by the way, is there any other material you're recommend for the pullrod? wood looks a bit fragile.

[andtheherois]

A nice modification. what are the ranges approximately?
by the way, is there any other material you're recommend for the pullrod? wood looks a bit fragile.

Looks good, though I would recommend at least getting 3/8 PVC square rod. Full [k26] for bonus points too.

[Ozymandias]

It's been done.

The ones done by KBarker, Norther_of_Heaven, Jerm (NerfOrNothing), Ryan208201, Lucian, Banshee, and LordOfFish come to mind.

Do not use wood, it will crack. Use 3/8 rod from McMaster instead.

Instead of fish tank PETG, you can use thinwall PVC. It's not clear, but it'll get the job done.

Still, good writeup.

[Bchamp22795]

A nice modification. what are the ranges approximately?
by the way, is there any other material you're recommend for the pullrod? wood looks a bit fragile.

Wood Sucks. All other good materials are easiest to get off Mcmaster. I suggest the following listed from best to worst.

6/6 Nylon 8732K13
Delrin Acetal Resin 8663K15
PVC Bar 8660K31

In my experience, the square hole at the rear of the shell needs to be sanded a tad bit larger for the Delrin. I have not used Nylon because it is more expensive (and because I prefer the black plunger rod) but I know that it is more durable from looking at charts and statistics...but not by super a lot. Although Nylon is more durable, delrin definitely gets the job done. I have had PVC break on me several times because of pulling the PR slightly upward when priming...DON'T DO THAT! Pull straight back.

Hope I was helpful.

[TheSilentRebel]

Why are your plunger rod and tube so long when your springs only provide, as far as I can see, about 9 inches of plunger travel? It would reduce dead space and range if you cut your plunger tube to the length that the springs push the plunger head to.

Edited by TheSilentRebel, 11 January 2012 - 07:17 PM.

[thesaz123]

@all teh wood haters, i'm low on funds, and this was a contract to a kid who won't be using it at wars really. Wood has worked fine for me so far. If it happens to crack, i can always make a new one and reinforce it with epoxy putty or some kind of metal.

@thesilentrebel, i used the dimensions that acnerfshop gave. They used a [k26] in their's, which is 11 inches, and i believe that 3 ace 49's is longer than a [k26].

@redfear, i'll post some ranges tomorrow, it's too dark out right now

This was supposed to be a cheaper mod than acnerfshop's, with more accessible parts. I dont go to wars that often, but if i happen to use one of these at one and the plunger rod breaks, it's not a big deal for me to have to replace the dowel rod.

Edited by thesaz123, 11 January 2012 - 07:29 PM.

[ChaosPropel]

@thesilentrebel, i used the dimensions that acnerfshop gave. They used a [k26] in their's, which is 11 inches, and i believe that 3 ace 49's is longer than a [k26].

You no own a ruler?
An Ace49 is about 3" long. 3 x 3" is 9". A [k26] is 11" long. 9" is not equal to 11".

[TheSilentRebel]

@all teh wood haters, i'm low on funds, and this was a contract to a kid who won't be using it at wars really. Wood has worked fine for me so far. If it happens to crack, i can always make a new one and reinforce it with epoxy putty or some kind of metal.

@thesilentrebel, i used the dimensions that acnerfshop gave. They used a [k26] in their's, which is 11 inches, and i believe that 3 ace 49's is longer than a [k26].

A 5 pack of [k26]'s, a foot of Delrin rod and shipping would run you about $18 from mcmaster. 3 Ace 49 springs and dowel rod run you about $8 so technically, the Mcmaster option is cheaper with a single [k26] being $2 and Delrin rod being $2 a foot.

[The lord of fish]

So.... its this but with less penis?

My catch wore down pretty quickly since its wood, I'd recommend PVC or Nylon, which are both readily available via McMaster, and are more suitable for this type of application.

[TxNerfer]

Full compression is bad for your springs. Might want to move your catch up a little bit. Also, if you want to save on shipping for Mcmaster while ordering nylon or pvc rod, which are both sold in 6' sections, you can request that they cut up the rod for shipping in the "special instructions" section. Saved my ass shipping multiple times.

[thesaz123]

Full compression is bad for your springs. Might want to move your catch up a little bit. Also, if you want to save on shipping for Mcmaster while ordering nylon or pvc rod, which are both sold in 6' sections, you can request that they cut up the rod for shipping in the "special instructions" section. Saved my ass shipping multiple times.

How is full compression bad for your springs? And thanks for the McMaster tip!

[BOSS9]

How is full compression bad for your springs?

At least with mcmaster springs, the [k26] being the most frequently documented, they weaken over time if you fully compress them. I have a 7" draw snap with a spring that, after almost a year of use, is noticeably weaker than a fresh out of the pack [k26]. It shouldn't impact ranges as much as other things, but if it matters to you you'll have to swap the spring every few months.

[The lord of fish]

At least with mcmaster springs, the [k26] being the most frequently documented, they weaken over time if you fully compress them. I have a 7" draw snap with a spring that, after almost a year of use, is noticeably weaker than a fresh out of the pack [k26]. It shouldn't impact ranges as much as other things, but if it matters to you you'll have to swap the spring every few months.

Unless, you are keeping your springs compressed for extended periods of times, or go to wars like everyday, the spring shouldn't get worn down that quickly. The spring is the last thing for him to worry about, considering its the most solid thing in his build. Whats more likely to happen is that either the catch wears down, or the lube softens the wood leading to a broken plunger rod.

[BOSS9]

Unless, you are keeping your springs compressed for extended periods of times, or go to wars like everyday, the spring shouldn't get worn down that quickly. The spring is the last thing for him to worry about, considering its the most solid thing in his build. Whats more likely to happen is that either the catch wears down, or the lube softens the wood leading to a broken plunger rod.

I was talking more generally, his catch should wear down quite quickly. That snap gets a lot of use.

Edited by BOSS9, 22 January 2012 - 10:08 PM.