Homemade throwball launcher-on the CHEAP

[bonner1040]

I love all these rigs! Very cool!

 

[Hoowasat]

Anyone tried launching their GoPro using a throwbag launcher?

Model rocketeers were doing something similar with still-cameras decades ago. Of course, their parachutes helped make for softer landings.
http://www.estesrockets.com/

 

[Kris Anderson]

I was thinking of getting a big shot. This thread has inspired me to go back to my days of childhood delinguincy and re purpose the fruit bazooka. We used to shoot oranges, they would be a snug fit sealing any gaps. The small ones we would eat. I had 2 explode on me , both times the fill chamber would blow out from the back screw on cap. No injury's except ringing ears. We used to fill them with butane though and ignite with a BBQ lighter no idea what pressures we were getting but those oranges would fly...
Has anyone tried a co2 paintball tank?

 

[JeffGu]

I used CO2 cartridges on my APTA a few times. Neither cartridge size was all that useful for me, so I bought the pump that TreeStuff sells, and that thing is nice. Only takes a few quick pumps to get the pressure where I want it. I couldn't see spending a dollar per shot just to avoid a few pump strokes.

 

[NE Tree]

I thought about disassembling an old paintball gun and using the trigger and tank assembly but never actually got around to it

 

[JeffGu]

...it blew up on first use.

Really? I mean, it's just a pretty cheap bicycle pump, really... and with the pressure it makes on each stroke, I figure the seals will blow right out, sooner or later. I don't need more than 80 PSI to maybe 110 PSI most of the time, otherwise it shoots clear over the whole tree and into the next county.

I'll have to watch mine. Were you going for 200 PSI right off, or did it crap out at low PSI? I assume it blew the seals out of it?

 

[Kris Anderson]

I thought about disassembling an old paintball gun and using the trigger and tank assembly but never actually got around to it

The idea crossed my mind too since I have an old paintball gun laying around.

 

[JeffGu]

I even thought about modifying an old Civil War cannon to launch throwlines... or maybe the rope itself... but I came to my senses. I think I'd cut a dashing figure dressed as General Grant, firing the old cannon at a tree, but I'm afraid a 12-pound cannon ball with bright yellow throwline attached (in spite of looking awesome) might actually start a war if it comes crashing through someone's roof.

Now, a bazooka...