Speaking of new gas sources.....

[tooslow]

The recent post about using helium as a gas source got me thinking about an idea/concept that I was fooling around with a few months ago. It is far from perfect or even being a workable idea yet. But I would like to hear what Tom and the rest of you think about the feasibility of this idea. So fasten your seat belts, you are about to board my train of thought:

OK. The concept of using compressed air to propel a projectile is not unique to paintball markers. In particular I am thinking of pneumatic tools. Now, unlike paintball markers, which use a relatively small, but very high pressure tank, pneumatic tools use a compressor to generate the compressed air they use. This gives them a source of compressed air that does not run out. But the 2 problems with this system are the hose and the compressor, both of which can be a real pain when trying to move around a jobsite.

What does this have to do with your paintball gun? Glad you asked. A couple of years ago, a company called Paslode (http://www.paslode.com/

[cphilip]

Most air tools work off of 90 psi (and those nailers as well). To try and create 425 psi plus, regularly and very very quickly, this way is next too impossible and do it afforadably.

[tooslow]

[Have Blue]

I think this is a very promising idea. However, I don't think that it will go anywhere. The minute that you start using combustion to propel a projectile, it becomes a firearm. And that's something that I just don't see the industry moving to, given the numerous anti-gun groups and the fact that our sport isn't seen as being politically correct in the first place. This is all quite unfortunate, as I think it would be a very nice propulsion method!

[cphilip]

Originally posted by tooslow
. But do you really need 400+ psi?

Well... you do for the Mag's chamber and I forget how many CC's of that 425 psi pressure you gotta obtain as well.

[tooslow]

Thanks, cphilip. I didn't know that. But, I cant help thinknig that with a bit of research, the controled explosion/combustion could meet this demand. But again, I'm no scientist.... Also, it's possible that this system is better suited to a marker like the eMatrix, which is designed to operate at much lower preasures.

Have Blue: I didn't think about the firearm angle. Another good point.

[Webmaster]

To work a mag you need 400psi - well 700 if you want to shoot 16bps with now shoot down...

on a cocker or something you can eek out 200 if set up right...

My idea is to make pnuematic wrenches like they use to change the tires in NASCAR - instead of using bulky lines, you have like a 45 cui tank on a "gun" and they could very quickly and and easily move around with it. Since it doesnt have a hose, thats just one more thing not to worry about. Its not a HUGE deal -but if it helps shave a second off the time of pitstops then teams will use it.

[tooslow]

Webmaster: Cool idea! it makes sense that you could regulate a 45/3000 or whatever down to the pressures needed for pnumatic tools. You should try rigging a tank w/reg up to a pneumatic wrench and try it out.

[Temo Vryce]

Ok what happens when you CO2 or HPA tank blows a rupture disk. A big bang a lot of vented air, nothing to really worry about right? Now what's going to happen if this fuel cell blows a safety valve? I honestly don't want to be the one finding out. It's a nice idea but I don't think the safety side of the marker is very good.

[tooslow]

Temo Vryce: This is a very valid concern. But, because you would only ever have a very small quantity of compressed gasses, the safety factor is high. The fuel is stored in its container until needed, just like a bic lighter, which has proven to be fairly safe over the years.

Remember, this system was invented to be used on construction jobsites. So the basic system itself is designed to take much more abuse than it would ever see in paintball.

Also, if there are any safety concerns, this is where a little research/engineering comes in. A few years ago people had the same concerns about a bunch of us "nuts" running around in the woods with high pressure air tanks...

[cphilip]

Originally posted by tooslow
Remember, this system was invented to be used on construction jobsites. So the basic system itself is designed to take much more abuse than it would ever see in paintball.

You obvously have never seen me take a fall with a Paintball Marker! Ask Miscue about that too.

[Vegeta]

My frined's father is a contractor.. I have seen crewmen drop nialers off 2 story buildings while laying shingles. Now im sure the makers of these butane powered nail guns took that into consideration. Im sure it could be made just as safe for paintball. And I dont know how big one of these contraptions would be.. but.. if you need more PSI.. just burn more of the fuel, store it in a tighter spot... and make the cell bigger. If it is as small or smaller than a 12gram.. i think we can afford to make it a bit bigger. I would like to see this system on a PT Enforce.. or whatever that new enforcer is called..

Now all we haev to do is downsize that huge hopper and somehow hold 200 balls in a small space.. u got real guns. almost. I know we dont want to connect ourselves with real arms more .. but I really hate hoppers.. bit.. they stick out... and make some guns top heavy...

[PigSweat]

I think Zvanaut is right about the smaller spot, more fuel. I think this idea has tremendous potential

Sorry, I ment Vegeta

[slayer]

great idea

I think the idea is superb. If you can drive a nail into wood then I would be willing to be you can drive a paintball at 250 fps or so. Just a guess, but probably a good one. Somone should do the force calculations. Yeah, some guns may have to be redesigned, and you may need more than one cartridge for rapid firing, but what an idea. Great thinking *thumbs up*

[Shark]

Webby - pit stop comment

I worked on a race team, not dealing with nascar, and we looked into this a few years ago. The problem is that Impact wrenches are gas hogs. It would take a very large tank to take off and put on 6 lug nuts on each wheel. The hose may be awkward, but it is still easier to handle than a large/heavy air tank. There is also a rule in Nascar that keeps this from happening.