APH Concept

[SEAL]

This is what I'm going to build in the near future.

Here ya go:


Yes! I got my image to appear in my post.

I know, my paint skills leave something to be desired... Maybe I'll get my brother to do it next time. But you get the general idea. (This is NOT to scale, by the way.)

I'm probably going to make quite a few changes by the time it's built. It's pretty much based of Ben's original APH. I decided to add an onboard reservoir, which will probably be a gallon water jug or something of the like. I'm not sure if gallon water jugs have threaded openings though. If not I could always use a 2L, I'm going to make a hole in the top of the bottle/jug, and use a cork with a hole though it as a cap. If I'm using bottles, I could go Bottle Shot/Blitz style, and have extra tanks.

It will be going into production as soon as I get the parts. I think I'm gonna go to Lowes on Monday, I'll get the parts then.

[zeda.beta]

You need to move the check valve closer to the pump, instead of the reservoir, so that you don't waste energy filling the pc.

[SEAL]

Yup, I can do that.

Version 1.2: Coming soon! (I'll try to make the pic smaller next time.)

[Fredcompany]

And use a metal ball valve - they are smoother and open much more easily
I'm sure you know this, and I'm just pointing out the obvious, but the pipe behind the trigger will make water come out of the pump unless you block up the pipe

Here's a diagram of the pressures involved (not sure of exact figures):

This is presuming the white handle in the middle of the gun just slides over the other PVC.
I just realised I forgot the trigger.

[SEAL]

Most people use regular plastic PVC valves though. Unless of course it will be too hard to pull the trigger with plastic.
The problem with this is cost. I believe metal valves are more money then plastic ones. Hopefully they're not too much more.

EDIT: Yes I knew that, I have it all figured out.
EDIT #2: Wow, that is a good picture. It's a lot better then mine. What program did you use?
So yes, that's basically how it's going to look. (With a trigger of course.) Now apparently, if I were to add a metal ball valve, I would have to get these special attachments that convert copper to plastic, which would cost even more. So I'm not sure. Would a plastic valve make it too hard to pull the trigger?
And yes, the white handle in the middle of the blaster will slide over the PVC.

[zeda.beta]

No, I've used plastic valves in other projects, but you will want to get lubricant for it. That way it will be much, much easier to use.

[Fredcompany]

I used powerpoint.

The thing about the metal ball valve was that I had been reading older posts and it was recommended in one of them - it obviously wasn't the most recent advice.

[SEAL]

Okay, I shall probably use a plastic valve then. Hey, it's cheaper.

I will be getting the parts tomorrow. Unless there's a change of plans.

[Fredcompany]

I hope it all goes well for you

[SEAL]

Okay! I got the parts! Construction will start tomorrow, and many pictures will be posted.

[Silence]

You need to move the check valve closer to the pump, instead of the reservoir, so that you don't waste energy filling the pc.

That only matters if you're pumping air. Water is incompressible.

You may want to add a long lever to the plastic ball valve's handle - the lever is the reason that brass ball valves are easier to turn when unmodified.

Anyway, good luck with the build.

[SEAL]

Alright guys, I got all the parts out yesterday, and I even assembled the front part that attaches to the ball valve.
Here are some pictures:

Here are almost all the parts. Not shown in this pic, are the long sections of 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch pipe. (Some of the parts shown here are spares.)


This is the front assembly. This was taken before I glued it.


I'm going to use a bike pump for the pump. I have one that I think I can use.
Today I will try to assemble the rest. I hope to have it almost complete by tonight. Unfortunately, I appear to be missing a part or two, so it may not get done on schedule.
I also found out something, I laid all the parts out, and it looks like this is going to be a pretty big gun. I brought some extra parts to make it so I could unscrew the check valves, in case I wanted to make another more improved blaster, I wouldn't have to buy more check valves. The problem is, all these extra parts have added on to it's length. I have been trying to figure out little ways to shrink it a little bit.

@Silence: So I don't have to move the check valves? Cause that would definitely save some space.

[cantab]

An unmodified bike pump won't be suitable for your design.

[Fredcompany]

Bike pumps let air in through the handle end of the pump. You really don't want this in a water gun.

[SEAL]

Here are some new pictures:

Here is the pump and some of the parts laid out. I'm not sure if I should use it though. Do all bike pumps let air in? Cause if I can't use this, then I'll have to buy some different parts.


This is what my blaster looks like at the moment. It had just been glued when this pic was taken.


I'll work on it some more tonight...