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All About Guns What's your weapon of choice, and why? Discuss the beloved speargun here!

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Old 02-27-2008, 05:24 PM   #31
Prater
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Re: First Speargun Build

OK,

I am back from my trip and the weather is warm enough to pour the track.

I have my epoxy, microfibers, and graphite ready.



I then set my gun in a vice and made sure it was level. I also used some tin foil, cardboard, and tape to plug both ends of the track.



I then mixed the epoxy until it was close to cake batter and added the graphite until it was constant black color and then slowly poured it into the track.



I used a paper towel to remove some drips that I did not want to deal with later. I now need to give it 24 hours to cure...
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Old 02-27-2008, 05:30 PM   #32
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Re: First Speargun Build

This gun is going to be a beast.
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Old 02-27-2008, 05:45 PM   #33
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Re: First Speargun Build

A very thin coat of epoxy will bring back the luster of the graphite after you sand flush and cut the track - it will look sick!
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Old 02-27-2008, 07:54 PM   #34
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Re: First Speargun Build

I checked on the gun after a couple of hours and noticed a lot of air bubles on top of the epoxy as it started to off gas. I removed the waxy area and added more epoxy from my mix, it was still in a liquid state. I then removed the extra epoxy by running my mixing stick across the top of the gun. here are a couple of pics with most of the air bubbles removed.



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Old 02-27-2008, 07:59 PM   #35
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Re: First Speargun Build

You can try running a hair dryer on hot over the epoxy to get rid of the bubbles, or a propane blow torch from a reasonable distance. I believe I read you're supposed to over pour the track. The bubbles will be in the upper portion of the track that will be removed.
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Old 02-27-2008, 08:10 PM   #36
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Re: First Speargun Build

I tried the overpour method but it started runing over the sides of the gun. I just checked and most of the track is smooth as glass.
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Old 02-28-2008, 08:06 PM   #37
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Re: First Speargun Build

First off a few things I would do different. I used a 1/4 bit to make my slot for the fins. thats a bit too big, but 1/8 was too small and I dont have anything between. Also I mis-judged the cutter depth and went 1/16" too deep so I need to remove that from the top of my gun and also increase the depth on my mechanism pocket with the mortise machine.

I first took a file and knocked down all the epoxy that was over the top of the wood.



I then routed the 1/4" slot for the top of the track





Then I set the ball end cutter up to make the enclosed track



This is where I made my mistake. the cutter needs to be even with the top of the trigger



The resulting enclosed track



And then after an unsuccessful test fit of the trigger mech I cut out the pocket and droped the mechanism 1/16" and the fit is fine.

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Old 02-28-2008, 10:26 PM   #38
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Re: First Speargun Build

this is bad ass. youve got an awesome workshop there with some amazing tools. definately jealous of the workspace... and the soon to be gun.
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:05 PM   #39
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Re: First Speargun Build

Thanks for the compliments. I generally get a new tool from the parents every year for Christmas. I am finally getting to use them all.

I pulled out the Planer (2007 Christmas) and got it setup on my portable tool mate. I then had to make a bit of room for the speargun to travel through. I set the planer to remove 1/32 at a time until I removed 1/16 from the top of the gun



Perfect fit now



I then marked where the jig would be placed for the trigger mechanism, removed the trigger and then clamped the jig in place



I then ran a piece of scrap teak through the planer to even both sides. I always drill through wood with a backing block to keep the holes from splintering or tearing out



I carefully lined up the 3/16 bit with the jig. It took about thirty minutes to drill both holes. I made sure they were properly aligned. When I believed they were in the right spot I started the drill but only let it run in the jig. If it started scraping aluminum I shut off the drill and realigned until it was perfect.



Here is the trigger mechanism pinned into the gun



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Old 02-28-2008, 11:06 PM   #40
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Re: First Speargun Build

Great work! Couldn't help but notice the setup, nice router table, and that table saw is the real deal, I think that this is the beginning of a long affair. I just finished my first a week ago and already I'm getting anxious to dream up my next one Can't wait to see how you rig up that bad boy
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:09 PM   #41
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Re: First Speargun Build

Quote:
Originally Posted by Prater View Post
Thanks for the compliments. I generally get a new tool from the parents every year for Christmas. I am finally getting to use them all.

I pulled out the Planer (2007 Christmas) and got it setup on my portable tool mate. I then had to make a bit of room for the speargun to travel through. I set the planer to remove 1/32 at a time until I removed 1/16 from the top of the gun



Perfect fit now



I then marked where the jig would be placed for the trigger mechanism, removed the trigger and then clamped the jig in place



I then ran a piece of scrap teak through the planer to even both sides. I always drill through wood with a backing block to keep the holes from splintering or tearing out



I carefully lined up the 3/16 bit with the jig. It took about thirty minutes to drill both holes. I made sure they were properly aligned. When I believed they were in the right spot I started the drill but only let it run in the jig. If it started scraping aluminum I shut off the drill and realigned until it was perfect.



Here is the trigger mechanism pinned into the gun



did that jig come with the trigger mech? what a great idea
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Old 02-28-2008, 11:12 PM   #42
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Re: First Speargun Build

Gonzo,

I paid the extra $10 for the jig when I ordered the trigger.
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Old 03-02-2008, 12:48 PM   #43
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Re: First Speargun Build

thats comming along pretty smooth
what about the oversized trigger pins? i'm in the same situation
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Old 03-02-2008, 08:19 PM   #44
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Re: First Speargun Build

The gun looks good so far!
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Old 03-02-2008, 08:46 PM   #45
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Re: First Speargun Build

Quote:
Originally Posted by xrispearo View Post
thats comming along pretty smooth
what about the oversized trigger pins? i'm in the same situation
Dremel with heavy duty cutoff wheel. Have a cup of water handy and dunk often.
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