603 replies to this topic

[utahnerf]

Bismuth shot is about the same size as bbs.

[Draconis]

What surprises me is that none of you jokers bother measuring the mass of the weights you use. The size (volume) of Bismuth shot a BBs (steel) may be the same... But due to the higher density of bismuth, that shot will have more mass. #6 and #8 steel washers may in fact have the same mass, because the # size is merely the screw size they are meant for. You guys need to put in a little more effort when referring to the parts you use.

[taerKitty]

1.10 g	 Marksman 1/4" steel hunting shot
0.82 g	 3/0 fishing sinkers
0.64 g	 McMaster #8 washer
0.6~ g	 1/4" length of McMaster .452" diameter hot glue stick
0.52 g	 McMaster #6 washer
0.43 g	 Heaviest Airsoft BB
0.32 g	 Copperhead 0.177 (4.5mm) copper coated steel BB
0.20 g	 Most Common Airsoft BB
0.12 g	 Lightest Airsoft BB
0.06 g	 McMaster felt disc

You mean like that?

[mysterio]

I don't own any good weighing tools, i.e. electronic, triple beam. I'll have to use the one at my school. Using math, its about 0.425919 g

[venom213]

My solution to the local parts dilemma: Use a hole punch to make craft foam dart heads. Craft foam can be bought in large packs for very cheap at Wal-Mart and is also available at most craft stores. First, a comparison.



The hole punch on the left is a more craft oriented punch. I haven't been able to find these at my local Joann Fabrics, I got it off eBay (which also kills the whole local thing, but your mileage may vary). The problem with it is that it's a squeeze for even the most thin craft foam to fit in the slot. Not to mention the circles it cuts are too big for tight barrels like CPVC. The hole punch on the right is one that I purchased from Ace Hardware. The Home Depot and other big stores probably have them too for cheaper. This one is 3/8" and makes perfect sized discs for #6 washers. A 7/16" punch would probably work too. I'm not sure about a 1/2" one. Again, it might make discs too large for tight barrels.

Edited by venom213, 04 March 2011 - 09:46 PM.

[Daniel Beaver]

An example of craft foam slugs made with the above-mentioned hole punch. Click for a larger picture. 1/2" hole punches are almost always too big, so step down a size when buying hole punches. These were made with a 7/16" hole punch.

[venom213]

Also, there was some debate over the cost effectiveness of foam tips opposed to felt tips. I'll let this picture speak for itself. This pack was about $5, purchased at a local Wal-Mart. The thickness of the sheets is about 2-3mm, which I think is thick enough.





EDIT: Adhesive backed craft foam is also an option. It is more expensive, though.



2nd edit: I went and picked up this pack at Joann Fabrics for $11. More expensive, but the adhesive backing makes things easier.

Edited by venom213, 05 March 2011 - 08:00 PM.

[Daniel Beaver]

The thickness of the sheets is about 2-3mm, which I think is thick enough.

Some people (Kane in particular) were expressing doubts as to whether that was thick enough to be safe. Blind tests are a good way of differentiating - have someone shoot you in the back with random darts, and you decide which ones hurt the most (without peeking at the darts!). I had this test performed on me a few months ago at one of the wars, and I could not differentiate between hits between felt-tipped darts and craft-foam tipped darts, so I think they are equivalent. Try it out, and judge for yourself.

Another thing: brass tubing does not work well as a punch, it is too soft. It will work for the first dozen heads, but beyond that it dulls and deforms.

Edited by Daniel Beaver, 05 March 2011 - 11:59 PM.

[utahnerf]

Nice heads. I imagine that the craft foam would be stronger than felt, and more waterproof. Does the hot glue melt the craft foam so that the heads bond well?

[taerKitty]

I've found good felt discs to be very long-wearing, but every so often someone gets a bum batch. I have some black ones that shred easily, and some white ones that seem to hold up fine. I'm not sure foam will hold up as well. What makes it desirable is that it is soft, but that also makes it more susceptible to damage.

[Nerfomania]

I have been using foam discs for the last 6+ months an not noticed any significant wear whatsoever.

[venom213]

A friend of mine and I made a batch of adhesive backed craft foam+#6 washer tips last night. We were able to make well over 200 tips from just one of the 6" by 9" sheets. Also, check out the colors!







I plan on doing a fair amount of testing to compare darts with these tips to other kinds, stay tuned.

Edited by venom213, 06 March 2011 - 02:42 PM.

[Inferno Falcon]

So if you got 200+ from one sheet then you like 10,000 heads from that $5 pack of 50?

Sweet deal.

[HasreadCoC]

A friend of mine and I made a batch of adhesive backed craft foam+#6 washer tips last night. We were able to make well over 200 tips from just one of the 6" by 9" sheets. Also, check out the colors!

*snip*

I plan on doing a fair amount of testing to compare darts with these tips to other kinds, stay tuned.

If these are as good (and safe) as slugs, then I think you have found a wonderful replacement for felt heads which cost about $0.02 whereas these would cost $0.0005; one fortieth the cost per tip for padding. Now if only we could likewise replace the foam and washers and glue *wishful thinking*

[Draconis]

I still think they are a little thin, at least by the look. What thickness of foam are these? Say... 1/16"? I think that I would probably use at least 1/8", probably 3/16" if I could. Really good idea with the leather/gasket punch.

[Daniel Beaver]

I still think they are a little thin, at least by the look. What thickness of foam are these? Say... 1/16"? I think that I would probably use at least 1/8", probably 3/16" if I could. Really good idea with the leather/gasket punch.

Have someone shoot you with both.

[VelveetaAvenger]

Hey venom, is that punch sharp enough that you just push it down on the craft foam, or do you need to use a hammer/mallet?

[venom213]

Hey venom, is that punch sharp enough that you just push it down on the craft foam, or do you need to use a hammer/mallet?

It works fine just pushing and giving it a little twist.

[cheyner]

I still think they are a little thin, at least by the look. What thickness of foam are these? Say... 1/16"? I think that I would probably use at least 1/8", probably 3/16" if I could. Really good idea with the leather/gasket punch.

The great part about craft foam is that it is so cheap. It is still a much cheaper option if you double up 2 sheets if you dont think 1 is thick enough.
My local Dollarama has similar sized packs of craft foam for $2. They have self adhesive as well, but I am not sure of the size/cost.

I might actually try making some slugs now, seeing as I cannot find felt tips locally.

[Y-Brik]

I know my local Hobby Lobby sells craft foam in 2mm (standard) and 3mm(THICK) varieties (It's like a 12/18 sheet for $1) if you want more padding, though I feel the 2mm should suffice.
I love this idea, methinks we have a true evolution of the Slug (and homemade dart in general) here.

[taerKitty]

I've added a writeup on what I call 'Nuthead' darts, which are made completely from hot glue. They're cast from acorn nuts and use the rounded shape to be aerodynamic.

[Draconis]

I know my local Hobby Lobby sells craft foam in 2mm (standard) and 3mm(THICK) varieties (It's like a 12/18 sheet for $1) if you want more padding, though I feel the 2mm should suffice.
I love this idea, methinks we have a true evolution of the Slug (and homemade dart in general) here.

To be perfectly honest, I doubt 2mm, nor even 3mm is thick enough. Craft foam is still quite firm, and unlikely to provide nearly enough give in comparison to felt.

[taerKitty]

Felt is also pretty firm. Does anyone have any ideas on how to test the 'give' of foam? Durometer testing seems inapplicable here - it talks about deformation, and both felt and foam may be too soft to be on their scale.

[Ryan201821]

I know my local Hobby Lobby sells craft foam in 2mm (standard) and 3mm(THICK) varieties (It's like a 12/18 sheet for $1) if you want more padding, though I feel the 2mm should suffice.
I love this idea, methinks we have a true evolution of the Slug (and homemade dart in general) here.

To be perfectly honest, I doubt 2mm, nor even 3mm is thick enough. Craft foam is still quite firm, and unlikely to provide nearly enough give in comparison to felt.

I have to agree with Draconis here. Not to mention, felt pads aren't enough padding as it is.

I just ordered some 6mm craft foam I'm going to play around with. Will post with details.

[taerKitty]

I've made some darts with rubber weatherstripping as padding. It's very soft, and very durable, but, it's also very, very easy to punch it out so it's not straight. This will give roughly 200 heads (240 assuming no loss, which really doesn't happen) for $4.60. If we round to $5, that's $0.025 per head, for the padding alone.