Jump to content


Photo

Beginner's Rainbow Pump

It's a SNAP!
homemade writeup rainbow pumpaction

15 replies to this topic

#1 Aeromech

Aeromech

    Member

  • Moderators
  • 434 posts

Posted 21 July 2014 - 07:31 PM

*
POPULAR

Preface
SNAP and Rainbow style blasters are two of the most common blasters in the homemade realm. SNAPs can be built in the course of a few hours, but have been known to be tricky for beginners to get working reliably. Rainbows are reliable and streamlined, but require some parts to be purchased from outside retailers like McMaster-Carr. This writeup attempts to address some of the limitations of each blaster

Additionally, while maintaining this as an entry in the Noob's First Homemade Contest, I would like to open up the Rainbow style of blaster to those users that make SNAPs by reducing the amount of materials needed from supply companies.


Previously on 24
CaptainSlug creates an adhesive free blaster with the Plus-bow
Carbon's SNAP Blaster gains popularity for it's ease of assembly and readily available parts
Rork creates the Superlative Plunger Head
The Rainbow clan creates the Rainbow Catch, my personal favorite blaster style.
Langley builds a super sexy SNAP Rev 5 that makes me feel all giggly inside. Still, I want something with a little more ass than a SNAP...
Spiderbite makes raw materials accesible to the masses.


Build Goals
Decrease the amount of material needed to be purchased from McMaster-Carr, or comparable vendors
Decrease build time compared to a traditional Rainbow-pump
Allow for either traditional pull-back or Pump action operation
Eliminate the use of slots entirely
Eliminate the use of adhesives in the body
Reduce cost compared to a traditional Rainbow pump, and use materials familiar to SNAP builders


Tools
Saw
Screwdriver
Drill with bits
Course file
Rat Tail File
1-1/2" Hole Saw
Rubber Mallet
6-32 Tap
8-32 Tap
Tap Wrench
Masking Tape
Sharpie
Knife
Countersink
Pliers
Hot Glue Gun
Table Vice


Consumables
Plunger Head
1-1/4" steel fender washer
1-1/4" rubber/neoprene fender washer
1-1/2" rubber/neoprene fender washer
#8 finishing washer
8-32 x 1-1/2" pan head machine screw
Electrical Tape
Lithium grease or silicone grease

Plunger Rod
1/2" Nylon Rod from McMaster
8-32 x 2-1/2" machine screw
8-32 x 1-1/4" machine screw
1/4" nylon tubing
3/4" x 2-3/4" x 1/4" polycarbonate from McMaster
#8 washer

Body and Catch
1-1/4" PVC
1/2" to 1" PVC bushing
1/4" Polycarbonate from McMaster
1/4" OD compression spring
#6 x 3/4" machine screws
#6 x 1/2" pan head machine screws
[k26] Compression Spring from McMaster

Stock and Trigger
1" x 5" Pine Board
Cutting Board
8-32 x 1-1/2" machine screws
6-32 x 1-1/2" machine screw
#10 x 1" Wood Screws
#10 x 1/2" Wood Screws
3/4" PVC
Pool Noodle
Rubber Band
Elmer's Glue
Hot Glue

Forward Pump
2" Polyester Tube from McMaster
Cutting Board
6-32 x 1/2" machine screws
Skateboard Tape


Let's Begin. Descriptions will be underneath their respective photos. Put on your safety goggles now.

Plunger rod assembly

101_0882_zps5003da6f.jpg
We'll start with making the superlative plunger head. Align the materials as shown, with the rounded side of the finishing washer pushing against the rubber washers.

101_0884_zps7c83f4d0.jpg
Should look like this when it's all assembled on the screw.

101_0881_zps11baa778.jpg
Cut a 3" length of the nylon rod.

101_0885_zps8e7b6886.jpg
Drill and tap the center of the nylon rod, about 1-1/4" deep

101_0889_zpsc3219932.jpg
Screw the plunger head assembly onto the nylon rod. Tighten it down so the finishing washer squishes against the rubber washer, as shown. It will freak you out the first time but this is supposed to happen.

101_0890_zps1b451352.jpg
Drill and tap the other end of the nylon rod for 8-32 screws, about 1" deep. Make sure the hole is centered.

101_0892_zps5ed0d21a.jpg
Screw in the 8-32 x 2-1/2" screw until this amount is peeking out.

101_0896_zpscf6e12a4.jpg
Cut off the head of the screw with your hacksaw. Slide a 3/4" length of the 1/4" nylon tubing over the screw.

101_0917_zps99367595.jpg
Use the knife to cut a bevel on the end of the nylon rod. Be patient, nylon is a pain to work with, but a sharp knife and caution will get it done.

101_0898_zps35577fdd.jpg
Cut another 10 inches of nylon rod and drill and tap BOTH ends for 8-32 screws, about 1-1/4" deep.

101_0922_zps81ad46ae.jpg
Put a VERY GENTLE bevel on the rear part of the nylon rod, and screw the two parts together as shown.

This type of plunger rod is known as an omnidirectional plunger rod.


Rainbow Catch
101_0899_zps69b0b709.jpg
Using the Hole saw, cut out 3 of these holes from the polycarbonate plate.

101_0900_zps6984050e.jpg
On all three disks, drill out the hole with a 1/2" drill bit.

101_0901_zps5cac993d.jpg
File out the inside of each disk slightly with the rat tail file.

101_0905_zps355a2758.jpg
On two of the disks, drill out two holes with a 7/64" drill bit, as shown. The left disk has a cross of holes drilled into the disk itself. Drill these out with a 7/64" drill bit. On all of these holes, tap with a 6-32 tap. Here are the templates hosted by Daniel Beaver if you need them. I don't use 'em anymore.

101_0904_zpsfd9fa672.jpg
Here is the middle part of the catch mechanism. To make this piece, saw off the two sides, and then file down one of the round edges. Then, tap and drill the thinner round side for a 6-32 screw.

101_0907_zpsab8eca90.jpg
Using a rat tail file, put a gentle bevel on the hole in the front outer catch plate, as shown. This is to allow the back part of the plunger rod to clear the catch easily.

NEED ONE MORE PHOTO OF THE COMPLETED CATCH


Preparing the Body Tube
101_0925_zps34649d58.jpg
Take the catch assembly with the drilled plate in the front, and mark off points on the PVC that meet up with the four drilled holes. Extend these lines straight a few inches.

101_0928_zps69c34131.jpg
Make a mark 2-3/4" from the rear of the tube, and wrap tape around the tube, with the ends of the tape aligning to create a straight line around the tube. Trace around the tape with a sharpie.

101_0931_zpsfd83fa4a.jpg
At the points of intersection, drill with a 7/64" drill bit, then countersink to allow the 6-32" x 1/2" pan headed screws to be inserted later.

101_0933_zpsffabea2b.jpg
Draw a line in between two of the lines previously drawn, and mark off points 1/2" apart. Drill out these points with a 1/8" drill bit. This is the bottom of the cylinder.

101_0940_zpsba8b6685.jpg
On the side opposite the holes that were just drilled, drill 1/2" holes to allow the wood screws to be inserted into the 1/8" holes from the top.

In front of the assembly holes and the catch, drill two 1/2" holes into the body tube. These are called speed holes, and allow air to enter the tube behind the plunger. This is so a vacuum does not form behind the plunger head.

101_0947_zps6bfde4fa.jpg
Insert the entire rainbow catch into the tube, with the heads of the screws facing the back, and the tapped side of the small plate facing the bottom of the body tube.

101_0944_zps16cdeca7.jpg
Line up the tapped holes in the polycarbonate plate with the holes drilled into the PVC tube. Insert the 6-32 x 1/2" pan headed screws into these holes to secure the catch.

101_0945_zpsc1ab1078.jpg
Drill a 9/64" hole 1/4" behind the screws that were just inserted, as shown. This hole is where the 6-32 x 3/4" screw will be inserted.

101_0946_zpscc83db9b.jpg
Sheath a small piece of the compression spring over the 6-32 x 3/4" screw, and screw this screw into the previously drilled hole until the screw catches the tapped out part of the center piece of the rainbow catch.


The Stock
101_0935_zpsa2ece9be.jpg
Cut a 15" section of the 1" x 5" pine board. These dimensions are accurate except for the 1.5" dimension, that should be more like 2".

101_0938_zps70b2678e.jpg
Cut out a 1/2" deep section about 2-1/2" long. This is where the body tube will meet the stock.

101_0936_zpsc9e07b76.jpg
Align the body tube with the back of the depression at the top of the stock. Mark the points where the holes on the bottom would meet the stock.

101_0937_zps86f58d9c.jpg
Mark a line down the center of the depression of the stock. Where the marked points meet this line, drill out these points with a 1/8" drill bit about 1" deep.

101_0939_zps371d052e.jpg
Here's the easy way to make the stock shape. Cut out a hole in the stock with your hole saw where the web of your hand will rest. In the photo, pencil lines are visible. Now instead of making complex cuts using a scroll saw, just cut two straight lines with your regular old hacksaw and save yourself 200 bucks. Then clean up around the handle with a file.

101_0942_zps0a873427.jpg
Screw the stock onto the body tube with the wood screws. Those holes on the top made in the previous step allow this to happen, as shown in the photo. Put the 1" long screws in the front 2 holes, and the 1/2" long screws in the rear hole.


Inserting the Bushing
101_0908_zpse752674e.jpg
Wrap the PVC bushing in 3 or 4 wraps of electrical tape. Make sure it is wrapped tightly.

101_0909_zpsb54e0a45.jpg
Use a rubber mallet to smash that shit into a 14-1/4" section of 1-1/4" PVC

101_0911_zps1d5d1a88.jpg
Measure 15/16" from the edge of the 1-1/4" PVC and mark this point.

101_0912_zpsc5020d2a.jpg
Wrap the masking tape around the PVC tube, ensuring the ends of the tape align. This means that a straight line is created around the PVC tube. Draw a line around the tube at the edge of the tape with the sharpie.

101_0914_zpsbf630380.jpg
When the tape is removed, a straight line is revealed. Next, we will mark where the screws will be inserted into points on this line. Mark a notch on this line where two opposite corners of the bushing exist, as shown. Then, mark a point at the center of the side of the bushing 90 degrees offset from the original mark, on each side. This will result in four marks each 90 degrees apart on the cylinder.

101_0916_zps949a9f90.jpg
Drill and countersink the hole with a 7/64" drill bit and a countersink.

Remove the bushing. We will be putting it right back in, but now everything is prepared.


Assembly
101_0930_zps4ecfff8d.jpg
Put all kinds of grease on that plunger head. I just used lithium grease because it's what I had available, but I usually use silicone grease. Also slip your [k26] spring over the plunger rod assembly. Insert the assembly from the front.

101_0949_zps755c51b7.jpg
Push the rod all the way down the tube. You will have to depress the catch to allow the plunger to go all the way back.

101_0948_zpsf1ee3fa3.jpg
Re-insert the bushing, and screw it in place with four 6-32 x 1/2" pan head machine screws.

101_0954_zpsd11b7374.jpg
cut out a piece of polycarbonate about 5/8" x 2-1/8" This is the only other point where polycarbonate is needed. Sand down the edges of the polycarbonate.

101_0956_zps0ee8e43f.jpg
Place the polycarbonate plate against the end of the plunger rod. Mark a dot on the polycarbonate where the drilled hole in the plunger rod lines up with the center of the plate.

101_0957_zpsbe578223.jpg
Drill and tap this marked point with a 1/8" drill bit and 8-32 tap.

101_0958_zps7ad35b7d.jpg
Screw the polycarbonate into the plunger rod with an 8-32 x 1-1/2" screw and a #8 washer. Prevent the rod by rotating by clamping the plunger rod with a set of pliers.


The Trigger
101_0960_zps53c81bbc.jpg
Take your cutting board and cut out two segments, 3/4" x 7".

101_0962_zps63314967.jpg
Bevel out one edge about 4" down.

101_0964_zpsc432a4da.jpg
Repeat on the other side so the 2 bevels are "facing" each other.

101_0965_zps26d5b34d.jpg
This is to allow the cutting board to hug the rounded edge of the body tube.

101_0966_zps752722a9.jpg
Secure the two cutting board plates against the body with some extremely erotic duct tape.

101_0967_zpsff0fb434.jpg
Drill and countersink two holes through the two plates and the wood with a 1/8" drill bit.

101_0973_zps2c72d53c.jpg
Drill through the front of the two plates. This will serve as the rotation point of the trigger. Countersink this hole too if you feel so inclined.

101_0969_zps1bfab1f1.jpg
The two plates secured. Now back out the screws a bit to free the plate on the opposite side. It will make installing the trigger easier.

101_0971_zpsa5e1d9e8.jpg
Cut out a square of cutting board about 2". Mark out approximately where the cuts will be made. We want a depression behind the point of rotation to allow the rainbow catch screw to protrude a bit, and a rounded back so nothing gets caught against the handle.

101_0974_zps3266071e.jpg
This is my final shape. I used a total of four #6 washers to center the trigger.

101_0975_zps29b6707f.jpg
Drill another 1/8" hole through the two plates and the wood. The cutting board is not very sturdy, so this extra screw prevents deflection of the cutting board. Just drill all the way through. Then screw everything together including the opposite side plate.

101_0976_zpseeca0820.jpg
Drill a 9/64" hole in the middle-rear of the trigger. Insert a rubber band through the hole.

101_0978_zpsb8e3d42e.jpg
Insert a 6-32 x 1/2" pan head screw on both sides of the plates right above the rubber band. and loop the rubber band around both of the screws. This will yield a semi-retained trigger.

101_0979_zps60e23cab.jpg
Shit's starting to look like an actual blaster.

Finishing Touches
101_0984_zps52cdd7fd.jpg
Take 2 pieces of 3/4" PVC one 4-1/2" and one 3". Pre-drill the wood and countersink the PVC. Then screw in the 1" wood screws to secure the PVC into the wood.

101_0987_zpsbe0b471e.jpg
This is where that pool noodle comes in. Cut out two 3" sections of pool noodle and cut out a small notch in each, as shown.

101_0988_zps11e0232b.jpg
Use hot glue to secure the pool noodle onto the PVC. It's supa comfy.

OK, so if you stop right here the blaster is fully functional as a traditional pull-back. The next section will turn this into a super effeminate pump action blaster.


Pump Action
101_0989_zps0f0facb7.jpg
Cut out a 17-1/2" piece of 2" Polyester tube.

101_0991_zpsca0f54e7.jpg
Slide the tube onto the blaster, and mark where the tube meets the cutting board plates on each side. This will reveal how wide the pump channel needs to be.

101_0993_zps274d7b46.jpg
Extend these marks down the length of the tube, about 11-1/2" deep. Mark these measurements off as shown The piece with the X's is the part to be removed.

101_0994_zpsbabca2a9.jpg
Drill 1/2" holes at the corners of the box created in the previous step. This is because a round edge has a far lower stress concentration than a sharp 90 degree corner, and will decrease the likelihood of failure in the event of an unexpected impact.

101_0995_zps8d0c0062.jpg
Cut down the channel with your hacksaw. Then cut across the top of the cut. Pry this strip of material out to make your pump channel.

101_0996_zpscf5e42cc.jpg
Bam.

101_0997_zps2a987108.jpg
Now repeat this procedure on the top side of the tube to allow for clearance for your hopper or barrel attachments later on. Only needs to be about three inches deep.

101_0998_zps8e9b45a5.jpg
To recap, the really long cut is made on the bottom rear, and this short cut is made on the top front of the tube.

101_1000_zpsc2d7c946.jpg
Give it a test fit. Now we just need to make a retention piece.

101_1001_zpsb6171383.jpg
Trace out the inside of the rear of the Polyester tube onto a piece of cutting board.

101_1002_zpsff76bb22.jpg
Cut and file out the cutting board piece until it fits snuggly in the Polyester tube.

101_1003_zpsd459c777.jpg
Mark out the approximate center of the "circle" and drill this point out with the 1/2" drill bit.

101_1004_zps026c9861.jpg
Cut the hole with a saw. Widen everything out with the rat tail file. This part will ride over the plunger rod, so it should be pretty loose.

101_1005_zps4be553a5.jpg
Slide the pump onto the blaster, and insert the retention piece over the plunger rod, flush with the end of the Polyester tube.

101_1006_zpsfcc26110.jpg
Drill through the polyester tube into the cutting board retention piece. Be careful not to drill into the plunger rod. Drill on both of the sides, and the top. Then countersink these holes. Screw in three 6-32 x 1/2" pan head screws to assemble the pump.

101_1008_zps255c0d99.jpg
Push the pump all the way forward. Note where the pump covers the speed holes in the body. Drill a hole in the pump over each of the speed holes to allow air to flow freely into the speed holes.

101_1009_zpsa4f81fa6.jpg
Wouldn't be an Aeromech build without skateboard tape.


Finished Blaster
23d31aa6-4e8f-4be5-a2cb-64280303588a_zps
Final assembly is 31" without barrel assembly.

output_zpsoco04niy.jpg
Pump dat action

output_zps9tjwkcgw.jpg
Ready to launch


Results
-Blaster shoots about as hard as anything else I've made. Has yet to be war tested, though Apoc will change that.
-The only things needed from McMaster are the nylon rod, polycarbonate, [k26], and Polyester. SNAP builders may even have replacements for these that I am unaware of.
-Can be fired as a pull back or pump action.
-No slots were used.
-No adhesives used in the main blaster.
-Most parts come from Ace Hardware locally.


Discussion
This writeup uses an omnidirectional catch and plunger rod, though a unidirectional rod would actually work, as the top face of the stock acts as a stabilizing face against the pull back mar of the plunger rod.

This build is meant for two audiences. Primarily, for those new to building homemades that want something more than a SNAP. I consider myself pretty new to this area of the hobby, as six months ago I would have no idea how to build a homemade. The SNAP is riddled with durability problems, and the rainbow solves them, it's as simple as that.

The second audience would be current SNAP builders. Somehow, SNAP builders have gotten access to [k26] springs or equivalent, and the only thing holding them back following this build guide is a few square inches of polycarbonate and maybe the nylon rod, but I feel like SNAP builders have already found something equivalent. I would love to have SNAP builders chime in and tell me what they've been using for supplies and what they think about this design, as I am not a SNAP builder. Following this writeup, a SNAP builder could go to a war and arrange to buy a Rainbow catch and some nylon from a Rainbow builder. Or hell, Spiderbite has sweet deals on this stuff now, so there's really no reason not to Rainbow.

output_zps6syb4fjd.jpg
Size comparison with my Rainbow pump

Philosophy aside, this is a pretty cool blaster and I achieved all of my design goals with it. Shoots well, and feels pretty good too. And it's lighter than my Rainbow Pump. Also this could easily be built in the course of a day, maybe eight hours.

20140721_200041_zpsf49melcj.jpg
Here's your porn.

Fire away.


Edited by Aeromech, 23 November 2015 - 01:30 AM.

  • 1
Watch my shitty videos

This is so ghetto but so awesome.


#2 Aeromech

Aeromech

    Member

  • Moderators
  • 434 posts

Posted 21 July 2014 - 07:48 PM

Inquiries and Responses

Do you worry about face diddle from the plunger rod? Also, I think you could substitute cutting board from Ikea or Walmart for polycarbonate. For the plunger rod, MIG has a great design for a omnidirectional plunger rod using 1/2 pex and drywall anchors.


Posted Image

So long as you keep your face on the pool noodle you'll be fine. It's really comfy.

As for the cutting board rainbow catch, I want to try this out but I wanted a functional entry for the contest. I will certainly be experimenting with cutting board catches in the future, as it is much easier to work with than polycarbonate. MIG made his catch out of it and it seems to be holding up in his multiple orgasm.

As for the PEX tubing, this would require a different inner diameter of the catch mechanism as 1/2" PEX is not really 1/2" in diameter. I do have some PEX laying around and I would be remiss not to give it a shot in the future. I'd like to see how wood dowels hold up as well.


...aside from nylon rod, what do you think would work as the plunger rod?


Dunno. Still working that part out. My eventual goal is to get a model working that is completely independent of McMaster.


Any sort of long skinny thing would work. I've used CPVC successfully. Pex can work, but I've had slight problems with keeping the flexible stuff straight. Some people have used wood, but I haven't done anything with it before, I imagine it would crack.


1/2" CPVC is not really 1/2" in diameter, so I'm scratching that of the list for the time being. Also I find it to be rather brittle. I've seen CPVC stuff break first hand. I'd like to try a wooden dowel first, with the ends braced with metal, perhaps tapping into place a section of brass tube right behind the plunger head. The brass ring would absorb the "splitting force" from the plunger head rushing forward, as opposed to the wood itself.


The blaster that this is loosely based on uses CPVC for the plunger rod. The omnidirectional catch is formed from a gap in the CPVC that is bridged by an oak dowel rod. The oak is nested inside of an aluminum tube, that nests in the CPVC. This provides a little more surface area for the catch pin to rest against.


Thank you for the insight. I imagine this setup would also work with a rainbow catch. If my dowel design fails, I'll have to try this and ream out the catch mechanism to fit a larger diameter plunger rod. Not the end of the world, but it is one more step involving filing.


Good advice everybody. Like I mentioned, I am not a SNAP builder so every bit matters.

Edited by Aeromech, 22 July 2014 - 09:09 PM.

  • 0
Watch my shitty videos

This is so ghetto but so awesome.


#3 Thorn

Thorn

    Member

  • Members
  • 91 posts

Posted 21 July 2014 - 07:51 PM

Nice build! Do you worry about face diddle from the plunger rod? Also, I think you could substitute cutting board from Ikea or Walmart for polycarbonate. For the plunger rod, MIG has a great design for a omnidirectional plunger rod using 1/2 pex and drywall anchors. I'm sure you could adapt the design to use that.

Edited by Thorn, 21 July 2014 - 10:24 PM.

  • 0

#4 meteorhound1

meteorhound1

    Member

  • Members
  • 38 posts

Posted 21 July 2014 - 08:09 PM

I know you did mention that there may be some alternative to some materials but aside from nylon rod, what do you think would work as the plunger rod?

EDIT: That doesn't need to be bought from McMaster

Edited by meteorhound1, 21 July 2014 - 08:09 PM.

  • 0

#5 Naturalman7

Naturalman7

    Member

  • Contributors
  • 158 posts

Posted 21 July 2014 - 09:30 PM

Any sort of long skinny thing would work. I've used CPVC successfully. Pex can work, but I've had slight problems with keeping the flexible stuff straight. Some people have used wood, but I haven't done anything with it before, I imagine it would crack.

I haven't yet posted my Rainbow Pump-action Crossbow Write-up yet, but for it I used 1/2" OD 1" L Nylon spacers in the ends of the CPVC and used a 1/4 sized modified screw to bridge the gap.

Edit again: You mentioned not wanting to use a 5/8" plunger rod. CPVC is bigger than 1/2", but a 5/8" inner diameter catch system works.

Edited by Naturalman7, 25 July 2014 - 01:40 AM.

  • 0

#6 Langley

Langley

    LGLF - Since 2002

  • Administrators
  • 2,997 posts

Posted 22 July 2014 - 11:34 AM

The blaster that this is loosely based on uses CPVC for the plunger rod. The omnidirectional catch is formed from a gap in the CPVC that is bridged by an oak dowel rod. The oak is nested inside of an aluminum tube, that nests in the CPVC. This provides a little more surface area for the catch pin to rest against.
  • 0

You can poop in my toilet anytime champ.

2016 Nerf War Schedule
Bless you, my son. Now recite 3 New Members Guides and 5 Code of Conducts for your sins.


#7 Snoop Doggy doge

Snoop Doggy doge

    Fig you, Van

  • Members
  • 501 posts

Posted 07 August 2014 - 08:03 AM

Hello Aeromech!, ! am a noob and i am choosing to use your guide to make my first homemade! mostly because it looks very clean, and I saw it in action before. first, if you could post links to the McMaster-Carr links so we know exactly which material to use, and to follow there specification. Otherwise this looks very good and should be easy enough for me.
  • 0

#8 Naturalman7

Naturalman7

    Member

  • Contributors
  • 158 posts

Posted 07 August 2014 - 10:56 AM

*
POPULAR

Hello Aeromech!, ! am a noob and i am choosing to use your guide to make my first homemade! mostly because it looks very clean, and I saw it in action before. first, if you could post links to the McMaster-Carr links so we know exactly which material to use, and to follow there specification. Otherwise this looks very good and should be easy enough for me.


1/2" Nylon Rod 8541K18 Also comes in white which is a few cents cheaper
1/4" polycarbonate 8574K28 This is for a 12"x12" sheet, but a 6"x6" is half as much, but the larger the sheet, the cheaper per inch. 6"x6" is 8574K281 $5.06. There is also a tinted option that is slightly more expensive.
[k26] Compression Spring 9637K26
2" Polyester Tube 9245K51 (you can use thinwall 1.5" PVC if you can find it. It's much, much cheaper)


McMaster is very user friendly and it's easy to find things if you look.
  • 1

#9 Spiderbite

Spiderbite

    Member

  • Members
  • 178 posts

Posted 07 August 2014 - 06:08 PM

1/2" Nylon Rod 8541K18 Also comes in white which is a few cents cheaper
1/4" polycarbonate 8574K28 This is for a 12"x12" sheet, but a 6"x6" is half as much, but the larger the sheet, the cheaper per inch. 6"x6" is 8574K281 $5.06. There is also a tinted option that is slightly more expensive.
[k26] Compression Spring 9637K26
2" Polyester Tube 9245K51 (you can use thinwall 1.5" PVC if you can find it. It's much, much cheaper)


McMaster is very user friendly and it's easy to find things if you look.


For anyone building this, you should check out my raw materials thread. I can get you all of those items for much less, except for Polyester Tube, (I have 1 1/2 Thin-wall though. PM me if you're interested. I'll offer $30 shipped for a 3 foot length of black 1/2" Nylon Rod, a 12x12" sheet of 1/4" Polycarb, a [k26], and a 17 1/2" length of 1.5" thinwall PVC. Do a little math, and that beats McMaster's Price by around $4, and you would be paying $12 at least IN ADDITION through shipping alone with McMaster. (this estimate is not including the 1.5 Thinwall PVC. I recommend not using Polyester because it is crazy expensive like Naturalman said, and it is completely unnecessary when not using making a clear blaster.)

Apologies to Aeromech for using his thread to promote my wares.

Edited by Spiderbite, 08 August 2014 - 08:51 AM.

  • 0

Or hell, Spiderbite has sweet deals on this stuff now, so there's really no reason not to Rainbow.

[k26] springs!

#10 Aeromech

Aeromech

    Member

  • Moderators
  • 434 posts

Posted 07 August 2014 - 09:18 PM

McMaster is very user friendly and it's easy to find things if you look.


Thank you for answering that. The plunger head on this ended up breaking during APOC so I will definitely be revising this design.

Apologies to Aeromech for using his thread to promote my wares.


I'm going to be buying from you in a few days anyway so I don't mind at all. I'm told thinwall PVC is excellent for pumps. But I have NEVER seen it in any hardware store so typically I assume it doesn't exist for the sake of having a universally accepted writeup.

Edited by Aeromech, 07 August 2014 - 09:20 PM.

  • 0
Watch my shitty videos

This is so ghetto but so awesome.


#11 Nerf Gra

Nerf Gra

    Member

  • Members
  • 145 posts

Posted 07 August 2014 - 10:00 PM

The Lowes that I have been too usually have thinwall
  • 0
QUOTE(VelveetaAvenger @ Dec 6 2010, 12:14 AM) View Post

Maybe there's no Mcmaster, but you could make the first coconut airtank.


#12 Snoop Doggy doge

Snoop Doggy doge

    Fig you, Van

  • Members
  • 501 posts

Posted 07 August 2014 - 10:26 PM

Thank you for answering that. The plunger head on this ended up breaking during APOC so I will definitely be revising this design.



I'm going to be buying from you in a few days anyway so I don't mind at all. I'm told thinwall PVC is excellent for pumps. But I have NEVER seen it in any hardware store so typically I assume it doesn't exist for the sake of having a universally accepted writeup.


On revising the plunger head, what type of changes do you plan? i didn't start building yet but got a lot of materials, so that kinda sucks but i won't start building until you revise, what particularly failed, also thank you spiderbite and naturalman7
  • 0

#13 Spiderbite

Spiderbite

    Member

  • Members
  • 178 posts

Posted 08 August 2014 - 09:15 AM

I'm told thinwall PVC is excellent for pumps. But I have NEVER seen it in any hardware store so typically I assume it doesn't exist for the sake of having a universally accepted writeup.


I get mine from here, for 90 cents a foot. Of course, mine is local so I don't have to pay shipping for a giant PVC pipe.
  • 0

Or hell, Spiderbite has sweet deals on this stuff now, so there's really no reason not to Rainbow.

[k26] springs!

#14 Guest_Diagon16_*

Guest_Diagon16_*
  • Guests

Posted 22 January 2015 - 06:03 AM

i like the build but im also with the idea of changing the cutting board material with polycarbonate i think it would be way more solid.
  • 0

#15 laser

laser

    Member

  • Members
  • 38 posts

Posted 05 January 2016 - 05:57 PM

I'm going to make this (or a aussie variant of it) for my first homemade thanks for the write up for beginners aeromech 


  • 0

#16 xXD3V1LXx

xXD3V1LXx

    Member

  • Members
  • 258 posts

Posted 25 April 2016 - 11:07 PM

If you cut the pump down a small bit so the pump isn't ahead of the front bushing you can actually use bungies or hobby king silicon tubing like Remzak uses. I might do this to my snap of turning it to a half assed rainbow pump does work.
  • 0
A quote from Ice Nine
"Use the golden rule: Don't be a dick."

NERF On
-Devil



Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: homemade, writeup, rainbow, pumpaction

1 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users