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Comet/star pumps


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#1 bernie

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Posted 06 August 2003 - 11:22 PM

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.

#2 leniol

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Posted 07 August 2003 - 11:27 AM

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.

#3 adamw

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Posted 07 August 2003 - 05:47 PM

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.

#4 leniol

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Posted 08 August 2003 - 02:23 PM

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

#5 adamw

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Posted 08 August 2003 - 07:39 PM

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.

#6 leniol

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Posted 08 August 2003 - 09:42 PM

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

#7 bernie

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Posted 09 August 2003 - 12:37 AM

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.




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