6 replies to this topic

[bernie]

Has anyone had any luck using misc. materials to make pumps. I am not in need myself but thought that others might find it helpful. A visit to the hardware store yielded nothing with any potential. The piston is not that big of a deal. The cylinder presents a problem.

[leniol]

I've used home rolled 1/2 paper tube cut into 3/8" sections & 'pushed comp in using a wooden dowl. The tube was not glued so it unrolled easily (the end being secured with tape during use). I did have a problem with the comp sticking, though no doubt one could wax or grease the tube to resolve this.

[adamw]

The cylinder shouldnt be too hard to make. Gas / water fittings may work: a threaded length of pipe with a stop-end with a hole drilled.

[leniol]

How do they actually work? If you think they could be made at home I need some ideas...

[adamw]

You fill up the cylinder of the 'pump' with star comp, give it a few taps with a wooden mallet and pop the star out, and repeat.

A search on the net should get you some pictures.

[leniol]

It almost sounds too easy to be true... I shall do a search. Thanks

[bernie]

The concept is very simple. Jam some star comp into a cylinder and then use a solid piston to compact it to the desired density and length while it's still in the sleeve. The problem I always seemed to run across was that the internal dimensions of a pipe(or whatever)never seemed to mesh with the inside dimensions of the tube/mortor I wanted to fire it out of. I'm sure a good hard look should yield something.

When you run across something be sure to share it with other good folks on the forum.