8 replies to this topic

[Lumajan]

Hey, so this is something i'm working on. Does anybody have any suggestions on how to replicate the spring (without using a spring, as they are not readily available). I could convert the whole thing to gravity feed, but that isn't quite so ergonomic.

[TheNerfZilla]

Try using springs from the nerf reactor, an old ball blaster. It is still a spring, but it should be easy to find. Bobololo has a good video here:

https://m.youtube.co...G&v=C9mjPJspH0o

It's not exactly what you were looking for, but I hope it helps.

Edited by TheNerfZilla, 16 July 2015 - 10:16 AM.

[The Punisher]

Bungee cords? Elastic?

[Aeromech]

If I recall correctly, you can make your own springs by winding music wire. I've never done this myself, but I believe the old FAR did it this way for their magazine.

Edited by Aeromech, 16 July 2015 - 03:34 PM.

[shmmee]

The bbq skewer cylinder your using looks a little sketchy. Go to your hardware store light bulb aisle. They sell 3' and 6' clear petg fluorescent light bulb storage tubes for a few bucks. They're the perfect fit for vortex discs. I use one to simply store mine in, you could easily make a large magazine out of one as well.

[Lumajan]

Yes, because we're all in America with your quite fortunate access to tools and materials (even if it is all in imperial).

I have looked at elastic, briefly, but I think it needs more work on the riser-part that pushes discs up. Inside the magazine well it's quite tight, so putting rubber-bands up there is probably not doable very easily. Possibly a rubber band over the back of the entire gun, with a 5cm riser or so?

[Draconis]

Yes, because we're all in America with your quite fortunate access to tools and materials (even if it is all in imperial).

No reason to get snippy about it. You have not bothered to fill out your location information on your profile, so how are we supposed to know? Any fluorescent light supplier is likely to have those protective covers. They are a very commonly used item in industrial applications. Just put in a little effort. If you would like some help locating other materials, give us more information to work with.

[Lumajan]

Thanks Mr. Not-Mod.

Anyway, I think a combination spring-elastic system is probably the easiest system. The spring is used to push up the last little bit of distance, while the elastic does the majority of the work. I'm pretty happy with the design of the lower part; the depth of the spring ridge is enough, and the outer bits grab onto the skewers nicely. The next version will have little flares on the end, to hold a rubber band on. The upper bit i'm not quite so happy with. I think it too should grab onto the skewers, and possibly be a little bit larger even, as to not be able to exit through the top. The top is a difficult part to design and print. The stock magazine is quite thin-walled, which makes it difficult to use the skewers. I may have to extend the print further down, so that there is a thicker bit for where the skewers attach. Which would probably increase the print cost to ~$2 for this part, but more importantly, it would take much longer. I am also considering putting the front locating nub onto the upper. There isn't really much need for it, but it sorta maybe might help.

Pictures.

[Draconis]

Thanks Mr. Not-Mod.

Are only moderators allowed to offer assistance? That's a new one. I was trying to help.