7 replies to this topic

[xXhunter47Xx]

First off, I apologize if this is in the wrong section/completely wrong to post, but I just found a video describing how to make a check valve. This is not my work and again I apologize but I found it to be quite useful to the modding community.

Video here:

Read here for directions as per CoC.

2x 3/4" male PVC Slip adapter
3/4" PVC
3/4" acrylic ball
Rubber o-ring that fits inside the slip adapter
(I'd assume you can use different size pipes but the pressure ratings may not be the same with the varying size)


Push o-ring into slip adapter, where it rests on the ridge inside.
Then push marble into the o-ring, it should seat neatly on top of the o-ring, and should not go through. It should be just enough to give clearance for the PVC to slip into the adapter.
Because there is no way to retain the ball from falling out, we will make a ball stop similar to dart stops to stop vacuum loading, or in this case roll outs.

Make a mark 5/8" from the bottom (the end that goes into the adapter) and drill a hole, push a pin through. Standard stuff.

You'll need to test fit this, make sure the ball stop fits into the adapter. If it does not, modify it until it does.
when everything fits, PVC cement it together. Add second adapter on the open side, cement it.

You now have a homemade check valve for super cheap.

no pictures because I has problem with pictures currently.

[Asamere]

"I'll be the first to break the pressure."

All jokes aside, this check valve has held my interest. However I'm a bit unsure on how one would turn it into a nerf gun and maintain the airflow of this without it leaking air out a whole of some form for something to press into it.

The other question is what is the failure point of it? I mean I don't just see a potential mini explosion... I see a potentially dangerous projectile ball should someone decide to push this past the point of return.

Other than that, I see it becoming a decent air tank "thing". Perhaps I'm missing the best use of it's application, and being skeptical. However I'm very interested to see my fears laid to rest, as Air Blasters are perhaps my most favorite type of blaster.

[azrael]

What's the point of making a check valve? Nylon check valves are pretty cheap on McMaster, is there a reason why I shouldn't use one? srs question haha.

[xXhunter47Xx]

What's the point of making a check valve? Nylon check valves are pretty cheap on McMaster, is there a reason why I shouldn't use one? srs question haha.

Check valves are at least 3-5 bucks each, you can build a couple of them for the same price.
it's also for those who don't have check valves at their home improvement store and McMaster is not an option.

[azrael]

I also think of it cost versus time, though. I like to tell myself that my time is pretty valuable :0 haha.

[Draconis]

I also think of it cost versus time, though. I like to tell myself that my time is pretty valuable :0 haha.

Some of us do like to build, even though we could buy much more easily. I'm not getting paid for that time anyway, I might as well have fun while saving myself some money.

While the design concepts for these check valves and pumps are applicable to Nerf, the sizing is rather too large to be useful. We would need to reduce the sizes down to something like 1/8", 1/4" or MAYBE 3/8" pipe components. And the pump that guy showed would be great for moving water, but not so useful at compressing air. The diameter is too large.

[azrael]

Fair enough.

Venom's check valve is still pretty viable. Didn't Ryan also use one in his fairly recent extension spring/later blaster?

Edited by azrael, 31 August 2013 - 03:52 PM.

[DartSlinger]

Didn't Ryan also use one in his fairly recent extension spring/later blaster?

Yes, he did.