GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: jvanschoonhoven on April 09, 2014, 09:31:00 PM
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Ok so ive been looking at the fx independence and was going to buy one this month so I could be self sufficient out in the field but the more I looked into it the more I thought about different options. The gun is a bit heavy cause it has the onboard pump and it is limited in the number of shots you get on one fill. Also its a bit pricy.
I am not too concerned with the price though but weight does concern me
I started to wonder what if I made a super light weight hand pump that would fit in my pack that I could use with all my airguns? Even if this pump cost $500 to $700 or more it would be worth it for me to be able to carry with me in the field.
So what im wondering is do any of you think their would be a market for a pump like this? What would you be willing to pay? How light and small would you want it? I would mostlikly be using ti and carbon fiber for several of the parts to bring the weight down.
There is definitely ways to save weight over current models but the more weight you cut off the more it will cost to build. Also if you make it much smaller then efficency suffers.
Before you all freak out and tell me how hard or impossible this will be to build you should know I have several years experience working at a machine shop as well as many years helping design products and working in R&D I have several different shops that I could have the parts made at as well.
Any thoughts or opinions are welcome even negative criticism as long as its constructive.
Thanks
JV
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I know it is definitely possible, and quite doable at a fairly low cost. This has been proven by those that have reduced head space in there Crosman 13xx and related guns to the point that they are able to build up to 3500PSI in the valve (some people have added a pressure gauge to there valve).
So yes I think that there would be a market for it if you can keep the price down. I would think a design based on the same principle of the MSP air guns would be perfect, yes it is a different pumping motion though it will do the job while keeping the price tag down.
I would recommend basing it on the Daisy 880/901/35 pump design with a longer piston stroke, and a corresponding longer pump arm. I say this as it is a well thought out pump design for extremely low head space, and could also be done with minimal wasted space behind the check seal (a kind of cup seal for this gun). And I believe that you could be able to produce pressures up to around 5000PSI so long as you watch the details of your implementation. I have been considering similar ideas for a Air Conserving MSP (like what the FX Independence is), as there is no reason for such a gun to be expensive, they can be made low cost.
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I agree with the type of pump you are suggesting I also have a few other designs that I want to test before I post anything about them.
I think leverage of the long pump arm on the fx is one of the reasons it works well.
Ill probably start on a prototype next month and test designs till I find what I like best then work on saving as much weight as I can.
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The HPA pumps on the market are not heavy at all.
You could easily carry them strapped to your backpack.
You could also fashion a sling to carry them.
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The HPA pumps on the market are not heavy at all.
You could easily carry them strapped to your backpack.
You could also fashion a sling to carry them.
I would like to know where you find the lite weight ones?
The lowest weight ones I have seen are 4 pounds by themselves, and every ounce counts when you are hiking. For it to be reasonable it would have to come in under 1 pound as you also have to carry the weight of the gun.
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I agree with the type of pump you are suggesting I also have a few other designs that I want to test before I post anything about them.
I think leverage of the long pump arm on the fx is one of the reasons it works well.
Ill probably start on a prototype next month and test designs till I find what I like best then work on saving as much weight as I can.
I look forward to seeing your results.
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The HPA pumps on the market are not heavy at all.
You could easily carry them strapped to your backpack.
You could also fashion a sling to carry them.
I would like to know where you find the lite weight ones?
The lowest weight ones I have seen are 4 pounds by themselves, and every ounce counts when you are hiking. For it to be reasonable it would have to come in under 1 pound as you also have to carry the weight of the gun.
Maybe if you can take a look the way the FX pump works on their rifle and use that design. I love my Hatsan ATS 44 insanely accurate with cheap pellets and for 95 bucks I just carry an extra cylinder small and light. That gives me at least 70 shots. Should be enough unless you are fighting off a Chinese human wave assault
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The HPA pumps on the market are not heavy at all.
You could easily carry them strapped to your backpack.
You could also fashion a sling to carry them.
I would like to know where you find the lite weight ones?
The lowest weight ones I have seen are 4 pounds by themselves, and every ounce counts when you are hiking. For it to be reasonable it would have to come in under 1 pound as you also have to carry the weight of the gun.
Maybe if you can take a look the way the FX pump works on their rifle and use that design. I love my Hatsan ATS 44 insanely accurate with cheap pellets and for 95 bucks I just carry an extra cylinder small and light. That gives me at least 70 shots
Interesting idea carry a cylinder for an extra 70 shots so you run out on the 3rd day of your hike.
And it costs a lot less to make an air conserving MSP out of a Crosman 13xx gun. That is the problem with the FX Independence, and FX Indy, they are Air Conserving MSP's and thus not worth the cost.
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You are right. The Benji pump is right at 10 pounds.
A pump that generates 3000psi is going to have some weight in order to provide that amount of pressure I guess.
I wish you good luck.
I suggest you forget abaout the PCP rifle and go with a springer.
A gas ram in case you have to have it cocked and ready.
IMHO
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RETATCDUDE,
the designs of the current pumps do not consider weight at all. My 4 stage fx pump could save tons of weight just with a different base and handle. Thats not even considering the rest of the pump. The problem is the ligher you make it the more expensive it will be. When I was in competition riding bikes professionally and regularly attending the World Championships I would grind drill file or mill any part that was not structural. I saved several pounds without losing any strength. The companies that made the parts could not make them how I modified them without it costing a fortune.
So my goal is to keep the cost as low as possible while focusing on light weight and durability.
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I think there would definatly be a market for it,
I say go ahead and see what you can come up with, it's good to think outside the box and something special could happen
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Maybe go the opposite way: get a lightweight PCP and then the extra weight of a pump doesn't matter as much.
Mike at Flying Dragon is still selling his PCP/pump combo for $250, I believe: http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/XS60C_PCP.html (http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/XS60C_PCP.html)
I don't know how heavy the pump is, but since the gun is only a 1500 psi platform, maybe it's not too overbuilt for your needs? You could ask over on the Flying Dragon subforum we have here.
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RETATCDUDE,
the designs of the current pumps do not consider weight at all. My 4 stage fx pump could save tons of weight just with a different base and handle. Thats not even considering the rest of the pump. The problem is the ligher you make it the more expensive it will be. When I was in competition riding bikes professionally and regularly attending the World Championships I would grind drill file or mill any part that was not structural. I saved several pounds without losing any strength. The companies that made the parts could not make them how I modified them without it costing a fortune.
So my goal is to keep the cost as low as possible while focusing on light weight and durability.
OK
Good luck
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Just rolling with your idea a little. If you want to go way outside the box, think of a collapsible camping cup. You know the kind with the progressively smaller sections. An effective high pressure pump works on forcing a large volume of air into a very small space, think of how much air you could compress on one stroke, and it would store flat. Maybe way off but sounds workable.
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Maybe go the opposite way: get a lightweight PCP and then the extra weight of a pump doesn't matter as much.
Now that is an odd statement. Any PCP that I would consider would have to way less than 5 pounds to begin with. So how do you take 8 pounds off of a 5 pound gun and still have a gun? Since you are talking about compensating for the weight of the pump.
Mike at Flying Dragon is still selling his PCP/pump combo for $250, I believe: http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/XS60C_PCP.html (http://flyingdragonairrifles.org/XS60C_PCP.html)
I don't know how heavy the pump is, but since the gun is only a 1500 psi platform, maybe it's not too overbuilt for your needs? You could ask over on the Flying Dragon subforum we have here.
And where is the Flying Dragon subforum?
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Well I am making some progress and partnered up with two of my friends one who works at a big company doing cad drawings and Engineering The other does R&D and already has some factories that can produce some of the ti parts.
I am very excited about this project and will keep you all up to date. TI will also help with the over heating issues most pumps have.
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I think you guys are right that the cost will be what holds this back from being a big selling item however im not worried about selling tons of them. I will of course try and keep the price down as much as possible. One question is do you guys think a guage is needed? I think Most people spending 300 or more on a pump will probably have a pcp with a guage one it. What do you guys think?
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I think you guys are right that the cost will be what holds this back from being a big selling item however im not worried about selling tons of them. I will of course try and keep the price down as much as possible. One question is do you guys think a guage is needed? I think Most people spending 300 or more on a pump will probably have a pcp with a guage one it. What do you guys think?
Well a guage only adds about $5 to the over all cost. And considering $4.00 per hour for labor + $12 for materials, and 20 hours of active R+D, another 0.5 hours per unit to manufacture and the cost of R+D being divided between the first 40 units, that gives a total cost of production of $5 + $2 + $2 + $12 =$21 plus a 20% mark up brings us to $22.20 per unit sold for the first 40 units.
This is why I can not understand the outrageous prices on the pumps. I know that many of them have Air Dryers and such, though come on people, we can remember to bleed our tank every 4 fills correct?
I know how much it would take to produce, and it is reasonable. Especially if you go with the design style that was discussed near the beginning of this thread. The 20% mark up is for maintaining tools, and growing production.
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Removing the guage was for saving weight not cost.
I would have a spot for one with a plug in case you really want one but to me it makes sense to only carry one when trying to save weight.
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The HPA pumps on the market are not heavy at all.
You could easily carry them strapped to your backpack.
You could also fashion a sling to carry them.
I would like to know where you find the lite weight ones?
The lowest weight ones I have seen are 4 pounds by themselves, and every ounce counts when you are hiking. For it to be reasonable it would have to come in under 1 pound as you also have to carry the weight of the gun.
Maybe if you can take a look the way the FX pump works on their rifle and use that design. I love my Hatsan ATS 44 insanely accurate with cheap pellets and for 95 bucks I just carry an extra cylinder small and light. That gives me at least 70 shots
Interesting idea carry a cylinder for an extra 70 shots so you run out on the 3rd day of your hike.
And it costs a lot less to make an air conserving MSP out of a Crosman 13xx gun. That is the problem with the FX Independence, and FX Indy, they are Air Conserving MSP's and thus not worth the cost.
Seems like you do not want no help at all really just want to criticize those that make suggestions. Are you planning to fend off human wave assaults where you need hundreds of shots? I notice you are old timer so how far and long could you hike?
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Umm... Don't know about him but I'm 56 years young and can do nearly 20 miles a day with 60 pounds on my back on flat land.
Figure that as an average of 3 MPH walking speed for a non-loaded person.
I highly doubt anyone walks much past the SUV parked in the far part of a WalMart now days.
So what is your point?
That he rejects suggestions? Seems that's a common thing with inventors.
"dang" them!
;D
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Seems like you do not want no help at all really just want to criticize those that make suggestions. Are you planning to fend off human wave assaults where you need hundreds of shots? I notice you are old timer so how far and long could you hike?
I am listening to what people say. I just personaly do not see the use of carrying a tank on your hunting hikes when it will be extra dead weight in three days time.
And I am young (only 35) :) . I can hike about 10 miles per day, so long as my wheelchair does not fight me to much. So a good hunting hike (only about once or twice a year) will take about two weeks.
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Hard core hikers NEVER carry what is useless weight!
Those that don't understand?
It's like I tell people about my love of motorcycles.
If I have to explain? You'll never understand.
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Very interesting the different takes on things.
I think the idea of taking a spair air tank is good however it has its limitations as well. There is no one solution. Some people use springers cause they are self sufficient however a quick fallow up shot is not possible some use pcp for quick fallowup shot and impressive power but are relient on an outside power source weather it be hand pump or scuba tank.
I personally have a spring gun, pump and a pcp
I enjoy the pcp a lot more the. The others. But feel limited by it so am seeking a way to charge it without all the weight and bulk of a traditional hand pump.
I like things that are self sufficient I spent $79 for a backpacking wood stove that weighs under 5oz so if I run out of propane ill still have a very effective way of cooking. Again everyone is different and has their own way of doing things. I guess for me I consider the lighter things are the more things I can take with me on my extended hikes. This summer im going on several week long packs and next summer will go for a whole month. I would like to take my pcp with me for fun and still be able to shoot it without the huge extra weight and figured others might be interested in this as well. If not thats fine with me and ill make what I need for myself and call it a day. Im very open to suggestions on design and function of the pump but please dont tell me to give up on the project. I mean whats it hurt if its a complete failure? Only person out anything is me. I have a lot of respect for some of the forum members here and seek their advice on this project.
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There was a few loonies that talked about 'Horseless Carriages' awhile back.
Then the nut bags that talked about 'Iron Horses'.
Not to mention the real out there ones and a 'Flying Machine'?
;D
I'd think they didn't listen to distracters to well but would bet every distracter here has used at lest one of those inventions!
;)
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One thing I thought of; you'd have to be careful using a handpump out in the field with all the dust and dirt, wouldn't you?
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One thing I thought of; you'd have to be careful using a handpump out in the field with all the dust and dirt, wouldn't you?
That is a good point. though we use are MSP's out in the field so is it really that huge of a concern?
Remember that we are just using a built in pump to charge a very small air tank for each shot with our MSP's.
Definitely something to consider though.
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Umm... Don't know about him but I'm 56 years young and can do nearly 20 miles a day with 60 pounds on my back on flat land.
Figure that as an average of 3 MPH walking speed for a non-loaded person.
I highly doubt anyone walks much past the SUV parked in the far part of a WalMart now days.
So what is your point?
That he rejects suggestions? Seems that's a common thing with inventors.
"dang" them!
;D
I was not talking to you. First you can walk 20 miles with 60 lbs then you say you have to count every extra ounce when hiking?? You can say nearly anything on a website no way to prove it anyway and I do not believe people who like to brag what they can do. I am not talking about carrying a scuba tank which you say you can walk 20 miles with I am talking about a spare cylinder that is 20 inches long 1 1/2 diameter and it weighs a pound with 40 shot capacity. On my hatsan ATS 44 you can unscrew it and replace it. I was not replying to you so save your comments for someone that is
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I would like to use a moisture trap and maybe a filter for dust but nothing too restrictive. I would make it out of something you can clean yourself. I think. User serviceable is important. Also I will try my best to use standard size orings so you can order them anywhere.
Lots of companies use special sizes and designs just so you are forced to buy parts from them or send stuff back for repairs. Who has time for that?
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Im on the same page as I would love to have a more portable pump that could possibly fit "inside"a backpack.I thought of using an existing pump similar to the flying dragon pump with fold up legs.Im thinking by making the the main tubes a larger diameter you could make them shorter while still having the same airspace inside.How easy it would be to pump is questionable? My current pump is the Benjamin and found it to be much to bulky to work with as a prototype due to the weight and the base that everything mounts to.The flying dragon is the closest to portable as I have seen sofar.Keep posting your thoughts because its a great idea 8)
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Very interesting the different takes on things.
I think the idea of taking a spair air tank is good however it has its limitations as well. There is no one solution. Some people use springers cause they are self sufficient however a quick fallow up shot is not possible some use pcp for quick fallowup shot and impressive power but are relient on an outside power source weather it be hand pump or scuba tank.
I personally have a spring gun, pump and a pcp
I enjoy the pcp a lot more the. The others. But feel limited by it so am seeking a way to charge it without all the weight and bulk of a traditional hand pump.
I like things that are self sufficient I spent $79 for a backpacking wood stove that weighs under 5oz so if I run out of propane ill still have a very effective way of cooking. Again everyone is different and has their own way of doing things. I guess for me I consider the lighter things are the more things I can take with me on my extended hikes. This summer im going on several week long packs and next summer will go for a whole month. I would like to take my pcp with me for fun and still be able to shoot it without the huge extra weight and figured others might be interested in this as well. If not thats fine with me and ill make what I need for myself and call it a day. Im very open to suggestions on design and function of the pump but please dont tell me to give up on the project. I mean whats it hurt if its a complete failure? Only person out anything is me. I have a lot of respect for some of the forum members here and seek their advice on this project.
Absolutely, keep going I'm interested
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have you read the rsterne millenium pumper thread?
it's a different approach but something to consider.
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Ok here's the deal, you say you know engineering and design?....
have you actually used a high pressure pogo stick style pump?...
they compress on the up stroke as well as the down stroke, some weight will be seen if not as an advantage, then at least as a non issue in the design process..."so what if it's got a few extra pounds, that will help hold it down a bit during the up stroke"
if you are looking for TRUE light weight you want to limit your pressure to 2000psi and you want a HAND pump...
why??..well the light guns are going to be HPA converted CO2 guns like the 2240 built up as a carbine...1500 is pushing the limit for a gun like that......for those that are willing to go with a full on rifle the FD-PCP weighs ~6 pounds and the Discovery with it's 2000psi max is what? a pound heavier?...unless something goes wrong with the gun, you won't be filling from ZERO, you'll be topping off after 2-3 shots to keep pumping time low...
so here you go, a single action hand pump that weighs 3 pounds that will take an FD-PCP from 1300 to 1500psi with 30 pumps...
that's pump that will actually cover the range of "hiker weight" PCP guns while being hiker weight itself and will also have an appeal to hunters as well by making a belt holster to fit it...
oh haitch eee double hockey sticks, I might just have to jump on THAT idea myself, that sounds like a good one if it can be done for under $200 it might just fly... Wilbur, it might just fly....
[EDIT]...3 pounds allows the use of cheaper but heavier materials for durability..i see pounds as doable but things like roller bearings and hardened steel pivots each add a bit of weight....[/EDIT]
[EDIT] all the math i do says can't provide enough force to move enough air to make truly practical [/EDIT]
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If you actually read my previous posts you would know I own and use an fx 4 stage pump. And no the weight of the pump does not hold it down my feet do.
Thanks for your input though. I understand what your saying about designing it for lower pressure and of course that would work and save weight however I want to be able to pump up all my guns to 3000psi
yes it will take more work then a normal pump but its not like im going to be out in the woods shooting thousands of rounds. When I design something I like to make the ultimate version then work backwards to make it affordable rather then see how cheap of a product I can make. Everyone is different and their idea of quality is different.
I want to make the best hand pump in the world not the cheapest. I understand not wanting to spend much on one but that is up to each person to decide what value it has to them.
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i didn't say the weight held it down did I?..i said help hold it down didn't I?
that is exactly what i meant as in 10 pounds of gravitational resistance helps oppose the 30-40 pound of lifting effort to operate the pump...
most "design engineers" would consider that 25-33% assistance to be be helpful...even if it takes 50 pounds of effort, 20% is still a considerable gain...
bet i get another PM about feeding the trolls again....
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So wait you dont still need to lift 30 or 40 lbs each stroke with your heavy pump? I thought my 150lbs of static weight worked fine to keep the pump on the ground?
My math says you still lift 30 or 40 lbs every time.
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Yeah, the weight of the pump itself makes no diffference whatsoever when you step on it with all your weight ;)
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DavidS wrote:
Now that is an odd statement. Any PCP that I would consider would have to way less than 5 pounds to begin with. So how do you take 8 pounds off of a 5 pound gun and still have a gun? Since you are talking about compensating for the weight of the pump.
I was replying to the original OP, not you, who was looking at an FX Independence or FX Indy, which happens to be a fairly heavy rifle at 8-9 lb rifle sans scope.