[Catbert]

I want to make the trash can trauma, but I have no idea what the stuff is. So what is a solenoid and how do the pneumatics work? Thank you for you're help.

 

[HalloweenRick]

I'd recommend looking at hauntproject.com and seeing their Trash Can Traumas projects. You can also buy several prop books, either by dcpropshop or Ron Hurst. (techinicalterror.com)

 

[Catbert]

Thank you

 

[PerfessorEvil]

I also highly recommend Wolfstone's Halloween Technology Roadmap... it answered a lot of my questions when I got started in pneumatics

 

[halloweenguy]

along with everything else mentioned...this guy did a great write up!!!
http://www.halloweenforum.com/showthread.php?t=62029

and here:
http://www.halloweenforum.com/showthread.php?t=60277

 

[Catbert]

Now where do you guys get you're pneumatics from?

 

[Dreadnight]

Catbert, whatever you do, don't feel overwhelmed by this stuff. I was really tentative about it when I did my first pneumo, and it turned out to be very straightforward. More than that, it's really FUN!

 

[Catbert]

Danke

 

[Lakeside Haunt]

Phantasmechanics have a great page on how to start with pneumatics.

http://www.phantasmechanics.com/

 

[Catbert]

I read in all of those and I understand it all, thank you. Now where do you guys get you're pneumatics?

 

[Dreadnight]

ASCO Solenoids - just Google "ASCO red hat solenoid valves" and you'll find several suppliers.

BIMBA rams - Again, Google "BIMBA pneumatic cylinders" and you'll get a bunch of returns.

By the way, I've heard a number of folks say that red hats and BIMBA rams are frequently sold on Ebay.

 

[halloweenguy]

If you have more money than time...then Frightprops is good too If you are looking for the "one stop" shop. They have a large selection and complete kits too!!! The even carry many of the pnuematic attachments. Its even a good place to browse to get more product info.

http://www.frightprops.com/frightprops/props/category.asp?ID=A

 

[Catbert]

Sorry that I'm so needy.

 

[Dreadnight]

Don't be.... we all gotta' dive in the pool sometime, and it's good to ask questions so you don't waste your bucks!

 

[Catbert]

thanks. Do you know of a cheaper place than fright props?

 

[jrzmac]

here's a cylinder: http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G15538 $20.00
and a valve: http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2005091511092743&item=20-1400&catname=air $13.00
Home Depot has these kinds of fittings in brass : http://www.coastpneumatics.com/products/fittings/stainlesssteel/index.php
Home Depot also has the tubing only clear though: http://www.coastpneumatics.com/displayitem.php?keyword=TIUB01C-153

 

[gadget-evilusions]

I sell valves, fittings, cylidners and tubing. I have taught pneumatics 101 at 3 of the haunter conventions this year also.

Take a look if you would like. http://evilusions.com/shop/index.php?cPath=26&osCsid=a7b5229250d4b8cdf6b11aab6f58d852

I am always willing to help people by email also. [email protected]

 

[Catbert]

What's the difference between the double, and single acting cylinder, I couldn't find that out. Also while I'm on questions, what is the difference between the different quality buckys? Is fourth quality best or something?

 

[gadget-evilusions]

double acting cylinders use air to provide both in and out movement. single acting cylinders use a spring to provide movement in one direction, in for standard, and out for reverse acting. That's why you use a 4 way valve with a double acting cylinder and a 3 way valve with a single acting cylinder.

4th quality buckys are the worst quality, that's why us haunters can afford them.

 

[halloweenguy]

What's the difference between the double, and single acting cylinder, I couldn't find that out. ?

One thing to note is when building props is the single acting cylinder props... many times depends on gravity to reset them and you have to wait a short period for the air to bleed out...The double acting are exacly that, and can be triggered much faster...All this depends on the prop you are designing.

example: A simple popup or grave jumper...single acting may work fine when a slow bleed down doesn't matter or is even prefered!!! Now the monster in a box or Creature Crate where you want a quick acting or more violent prop...then double acting will be the way to go!!!