Exerd Posted July 6, 2010 Posted July 6, 2010 I have been shooting a bit of 2 inch plastic cannister shells, and was wondering where to find 4 inch plastic can shells at. Anyone know? I have searched high and low, and the largest plastic shells I can seem to find are 3 inch. Thanks
TheSidewinder Posted July 6, 2010 Posted July 6, 2010 If you do manage to find 4" plastic cans, you may wish to be seated before looking at their price. Last time I saw them, I gagged. A much less expensive (and much more environmentally friendly) alternative are paper cans. Yes, you'll have to paste and spike them afterward, but that's half the fun.
Exerd Posted July 6, 2010 Author Posted July 6, 2010 If you do manage to find 4" plastic cans, you may wish to be seated before looking at their price. Last time I saw them, I gagged. A much less expensive (and much more environmentally friendly) alternative are paper cans. Yes, you'll have to paste and spike them afterward, but that's half the fun. Heh. Well, it's not fun for me anymore. I've run out of time for things I can have fun with! Between all of the hobbies I do, sitting in a hot garage making the containers after spending hours making the compositions, is the last thing I want to do! I don't care what they cost, I just want to dump and glue those things shut. Honestly...
TheSidewinder Posted July 6, 2010 Posted July 6, 2010 Largest I can find quickly are 3" plastic cans at Skylighter. And you don't want to know the price. (Ok, you asked.... $42.95 for 20 sets)
Mumbles Posted July 6, 2010 Posted July 6, 2010 You might want to give Dave here a call or e-mail to see if he can custom make them for you. As far as I know, there is no commercial source. http://www.pyrocasings.com/ Another place to try is Plasticos Gamon out of Spain. They stock them, part 1210, though they are made for 3/8" fuse. Some american suppliers sell 3/8" OD, 1/4" ID tubes that you could probably use to allow for the use of time fuse. http://www.gamon.es/ If you decide to go with the paper canisters, they're not as hard as they sound. It's a pre-rolled paper tube. You have to glue on end caps. Some people have gotten away with wrapping them with strapping tape, though they are still pasted. I know it sounds like more work, but it's really not too bad. Up to you though, the plastic is available if you want to pay the price.
Exerd Posted July 6, 2010 Author Posted July 6, 2010 (edited) Largest I can find quickly are 3" plastic cans at Skylighter. And you don't want to know the price. (Ok, you asked.... $42.95 for 20 sets) HAH! Skylighter = RIPOFF What a joke. Those are barely bigger than 2" cans. For twelve 2-inch cans with 1/4" fuse holes it's under 5 dollars. Skylighter is over 400% higher. http://pyrocreations.com/inc/sdetail/14122 I'll see if I can get him to start carrying 4 inch shells! You weren't kidding buddy! Thanks Mumbles I missed that while posting. OK, I'll try some of the paper and gluing. You convinced me quickly enough since I have no choice really! I have 4" PVC pipe, is that a good fit for a shell cannon? Anyways, where is the best place to get pre-cut 4" tubes, and ends to glue on? I use commercial 2FG powder, I don't know if the ends need to be stronger for the "punch" from that powder. Just making sure. Thanks Oh, one more edit. Since I shoot 2 inch cans with smooth tops, what would you guys think about double-stacking those 2 inchers? I could drill out each top with a 1" bit, and then glue together. That is the easy part, I just wonder what the tube pressure will be like trying to lift a 200g total weight 2 inch shell. I wonder if it would crack the plastic. Right now I am using 10g of 2FG powder to launch a 100g shell to maybe 150-200 feet. Edited July 6, 2010 by Exerd
Mumbles Posted July 6, 2010 Posted July 6, 2010 This place carries them. I swear I've seen a few others, let me look around for them tomorrow. http://www.pyro-pro.com You'll have to dial in the break. I've never tried them personally. They're common for flash bag shells, but I'd imagine you could make them work with whatever burst you decide on. I have a feeling that you might need to find a way to reinforce the ends a little bit more (maybe chipboard disks), if you want to use 2fg for burst. As far as the double break, I've heard of it done with plastic before, but really don't know how it was done. You can cushion the lift from the shell with news paper if needed.
Peret Posted July 6, 2010 Posted July 6, 2010 Pyro Direct has 4 inch HDPE mortars, ready plugged, for $7.50. Even if you estimate your time at minimum wage you couldn't cut and plug one for that price. Don't risk your health and safety with PVC. All my mortars are Pyro Direct HDPE, except for one fiberglass that's getting a bit frayed around the rim.
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