Thread: Most Universal Pneumatic Setup?

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Hey guys and gals. Not much time left so I need to order my pneumatic supplies ASAP. My question is, what is the most universal setup when it comes to pneumatics?

For example, if I want to change around and play with different props each year, what cylinder will be the most versatile? I understand a cylinder with a 2" stroke wont compete with one of a 6.5" stroke, but where is a happy medium? Also, is it not possible to extend the rod if needed?

Opinions, help and words of wisdom are GREATLY appreciated!

Heres what I was looking to buy:

Either : http://www.frightprops.com/pneumatic...le-acting.html
OR
http://www.frightprops.com/pneumatic...le-acting.html

And: http://www.frightprops.com/pneumatic...le-acting.html


Thanks everyone.

Anyone??..

Hi Aaron, in the future, you might want to try posting threads like this over in the props section where more prop builders will see it and are more likely to respond quickly.

This is a pretty open ended question as far as the cylinder goes. It really depends on what sort of props interest you. Keep in mind the the stroke of the cylinder (for the most part) is how much travel you will have from point A to B. Again depending on what sort of prop and structure (i.e. a 4 bar setup) you are using it on is going to make a difference too. It might be helpful if you pick out of prop and then go from there.

I would definitely recommend getting the double acting cylinder hook up kit. You can always build something this year requiring say a 6 inch cylinder and then next season build something else with another cylinder and recycle your control kit if need be.

Thanks for the reply.

As far as the prop goes, this will be my first pneumatic experience, and I don't exactly have a lot of time to get it done, so starting simple and effective is my goal.

I was hoping to do a ground breaker pop up, or even better The Kicking Guy from ScaryGuys.com. ( http://www.scaryguys.com/kicker.htm ) I do have all the supplies minus the pneumatics to do The Kicking Guy.

I will purchase the double acting kit, but I am still stumped as far as which cylinder to pick up.

I went ahead and moved your thread over to the props section.

Another very easy prop is a simple TcT (Trash can Trauma) if you haven't ran across it yet.

Originally Posted by Terra

I went ahead and moved your thread over to the props section.

Another very easy prop is a simple TcT (Trash can Trauma) if you haven't ran across it yet.

Thanks for moving it!

Yeah I saw the TCTs too, just that kicking guy would fit this years theme so well!

Thanks Terra.

The kicking man looks like a great starter project . I think a 6 inch throw would be plenty for a prop like that. have you thought about how you are going to control it ? something else to consider.

Diabolik is my new best friend!

Awesome, I think ill do the kicking man then. Another question of many for ya, how do I determine the throw of the cylinder? Im looking on Fright Props and the only thing I see are the bore sizes and air port sizes.

Not sure where to get it, but I saw someone using a Wireless Remote Control that plugged into the solenoid then into the power source. Viable option?

As Diabolik said it's to hard to designate one cylinder as the most versitle. Going with a double acting cylinder would be a good starting point. It will extend and retract very quickly. However if you wish to slow the movement you can add a flow control to slow it down. I would also look at a pivot mount for both the head and cap ends. Doing so will give the cylinder a wide range of motion if you are planning on swaping parts.

As far of the valve goes a 3 way valve is a very commonly used valve for props. It will work perfectly with a double acting cylinder. You also can plug one of the ports and it will function as a 2 way valve.

there should be a pull down window on Frightprop's site that lets you choose your throw once you choose your bore.

keep in mind, using remote to energize the solenoid will just`cause your guy to pull back and stay there. you need an on/off/on/off type cycle to make him "kick" .

this is where a programmable controller comes in like the PicoBoo.

if you are on a really tight budget, you could always control it manually witha momentary switch...