Okay, so now that my coffin has been built. Now I need help with figuring out how to animate it.

Here's the build thread:

My First Coffin Prop

This is what I want it to do:

Name: coffi_lid.jpg Views: 56 Size: 27.2 KB

I need help trying to figure out the bore size and stroke length. I'm thinking a 3 inch stroke would be enough to open the lid and depending where I put it. I can get the desired lift. I imagine I would need to center it. I guess I can go straight up and and down. Anyway, I want to raise the lid about 3 - 4 inches.

I haven't yet weighed the lid, so I don't know the bore size that I need in order to be able to lift it. Of course, there's more than to just static weight when lifting an object. I need to keep in mind the fulcrum and where I'm lifting. I bet if I lift closer to the fulcrum, I would need more force, right?

Anyway, I need help help determining the right bore size for this job.

Doug at Fright Props seems to think that 3/4 bore is enough. I'm not experienced, but from the calculations it seems that a 1 1/2 would give me the right amount of force and velocity. Also, he suggested the following kit:

http://www.frightprops.com/air-elect...0703-0177.html

That kit has a cylinder that is 3/4 bore and 6" of stroke. Again, I believe 3/4 isn't enough and 6" is way too long. Or, maybe you guys with more experience can tell me otherwise. Maybe it can be mounted in a way where the stroke length won't make it open too high.

Any help or advice would be much appreciated. I hope to put in an order soon so I can have this finished this weekend.

Joey