T-shirt Launcher

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Nichols

The one we built was in the neighborhood of $5000 just for parts. But we started from scratch. The custom sheet metal chassis, paint job, and specialty designed adapter block to go from the solenoid to the barrel was donated, everything else we bought.

We are using twin scuba tanks. The pneumatic system was designed by a colleague who is a PE in piping design. We have several safety rated devices (Burst discs) in the lines so that we don't over pressurize the system.

Well we can't afford 5k that's for sure. We also don't need or want anything fancy looking we just want to shoot one shirt decently safely and move around

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

Ok so what do you recommend in particular.

I've heard copper pipe is ok but what about conduit. That stuff is still decently cheap.

Also how thick and how much do we need.

Lastly what do you reccomend as a valve is a sprinkler valve ok.

Copper pipe is good.
Conduit may or may not be good. If it is plastic (especially PVC), do not use it. If it's metal conduit, that should work.

Copper 1/16" wall is enough for the ~60PSI shock that the barrel should see max.

The biggest thing with the valve is safety and leakage. Make sure the valve is GAS rated for the max pressure it will see. The gas rating is important because most other valves will leak as well as possibly burst.

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

Well we can't afford 5k that's for sure. We also don't need or want anything fancy looking we just want to shoot one shirt decently safely and move around

The most important thing here is safety. Remember that this will be in the public eye. Any failure, especially one that results in unexpected release of pressurized air, is very bad.

If you cannot afford to ensure it is completely safe at all times then don't build it. That being said, with some leftover KOP/FirstChoice parts you should be able to build a decent safe single shooter for a few hundred dollars.