Other varieties of triggers

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NeebsLucas11
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Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 3:37 pm

Other varieties of triggers

Post by NeebsLucas11 » Thu May 28, 2009 12:38 am

I know that the main way to make triggers is with a ball valve, which i'm planning on using for my gun i'm making.
just wondering though, what other options there are, and if anybody here prefers using something else for a trigger.
Any thoughts are good :)
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C-A_99
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Joined: Tue Aug 01, 2006 11:09 pm

Re: Other varieties of triggers

Post by C-A_99 » Thu May 28, 2009 2:36 am

For water guns, the ball valve is basically it. You can build pull valves similar to those used in Super Soakers, or you could use a garden hose nozzle, but the pull valves to build are difficult, and garden hose nozzles get horrible ranges. (which they are not designed for, obviously)

The pull valve takes a bit more experience to work with. If you can get seals to work well, you should be able to build a pull valve. Otherwise, I'd recommend sticking to the ball valve, which provides the best performance. (though its the most difficult to make an ergonomic trigger out of)

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Silence
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Re: Other varieties of triggers

Post by Silence » Thu May 28, 2009 4:15 am

Yep, C-A's right. Take a look at our overview of trigger valves and do a search for "pull valve" on the forums. There are at least a few good discussions in there.

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cantab
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Re: Other varieties of triggers

Post by cantab » Thu May 28, 2009 11:08 am

Another possibility is a piston valve. A spring loaded piston has a hole in it - when depressed, the hole lines up with the piping. Such a valve would combine the straight flow of the ball valve with faster opening, and self-closing like the pull valve.

Such valves are used in brass instruments, or you would have to make one from scratch.
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Drenchenator
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Re: Other varieties of triggers

Post by Drenchenator » Thu May 28, 2009 2:09 pm

I built something like what cantab described two years ago: the topic is here.

The design should work if the center piston is rubber and is well lubricated. My attempt to use a plastic-on-plastic seal leaked and spurted when the gun was fully charged; rubber should seal, eliminating this problem.
The Drenchenator, also known as Lt. Col. Drench.

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