Thread: pneumatic help!

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Hi, everyone!

I am a noob when it comes to pneumatics, and I would really like to build my first pneumatic prop this year. I have looked on the internet the last couple of days to find an easy pneumatic to do as my first prop. I think im going to do a pop up. Either in a trash can or coffin pop up.

Im a little confused tho when it comes to how to activate the prop. Do i need to buy a controller, or can I just buy a mat that some one steps on?

Also, where is the best place to buy the supplies?

I was looking at monster guts but didnt know if anyone knows of a better place.

thank you.

sometimes you luck out by searching for it on ebay. Worse case scenario is they price it out of your budget, best case if you dont buy it is you see how they did it.

Youtube has been a friend and a half for me over the years. There are a LOT of been there done that people out there that often link to their homepages with step by step instructions and parts list.

Make sure to check out this great pneumatic primer - Beginner's Guide to Props and Pneumatics
One of my favorite places to get my components is Automation Direct - http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/...tic_Components
The prices are great and so is the service.

one caution I would like to state is:

Do not build your own cylinder! You can buy affordable commercial ones all over the net and they are much easier to work with, not to mention the safety issues.

I have bought from Monsterguts and they are great. I have also used frightprops and they are also great! There is also ebay which I have had good luck when buying "lots" of pneumatic items too. Just shop around to find what suits your needs best.

Originally Posted by beggars alley

one caution I would like to state is:

Do not build your own cylinder! You can buy affordable commercial ones all over the net and they are much easier to work with, not to mention the safety issues.

If I can find the insurance pics, I will post them that shows a reallllllly good reason among MANY of seconding the motion to NOT build your own cylinder. Thankfully when mine exploded no one else was around and I was smart enough to hide in the garage watching out the window. Sadly my Bay window in the front of my house that I never considered did not fare well and 3200 bucks later my cylinder making days were over.

I didnt realize just how much danger I put myself in until that day. Yeah I read the proverbial "dont use the dryer in the shower" warnings but did not pay attention to them.

Even if you make one and it works "just fine" are you really willing to make it, only to have it explode when your trick or treaters are standing around admiring your work?

I have found going to Clippard direct for air cylinders and solenoids and poweraire for fittings and air lines then grainger for silencers the most cost effective without giving up quality and safety.