SCADAman's 4 Banger Launch Pad

SCADAman's Launch Pad


Inspiration



My version




The parts I used

Folding sawhorse, handle on the side, not on top



Parts list:
4 @ 1 x 3 x 6" boards
4 @ 2" EMT conduit 2 hole strap, not for rigid conduit, EMT conduit
4 @ ⁵/16 x 4" Eyebolt w/nut
4 @ ⁵/16 x 1"(?) Bolts (I used ½ long that was too short for 1x3 board)
8 @ ⁵/16 T nut
4 @ ⁵/16 nuts, plus nuts included with eyebolt, 8 total
8 @ ⁵/16 flat washers
12 @ ⁵/16 lock washers
8 @ #6 x 1-½ wood screws

The EMT conduit strap fit 2-¼ billard balls perfectly

Total weight so far is about 20#. Still need to add drill chucks and ¾" x 36" PVC for launch rod storage.

Parts



Prototype






Showing hole marking jig and 7/64 pilot holes and ⅜ holes




Set T nuts


Install strap with bolt and lock washer



Assemble eyebolt with two nuts, lock washer in between, lock washer, and flat washer. Insert another flat washer between strap and wood.



Add just nuts for depth

Torque the down solid



Fully assembled gimble





Four ready to be attached to sawhorse



Lining up hole jig with edge of assembly






Pilot holes




Aligned assembly a board width from edge and marked pilot holes for #6 wood screws through top of sawhorse into edge of board.



Fully assembled





Adjustable height legs



Adjustable for a more comfortable height



Still need to drill holes for drill chucks and acquire.

So you plan to drill holes in the billiard balls for mounting the drill chucks? Interesting idea for making an easy method to vary the launch rod angle in both x and y (or rho and theta, for that matter.)

Yes, unscrew the eyebolts, do your angle, tighten eyebolt.

I want to protect the drill chucks from the gunpowder, I'm thinking of upside down flower pots with used engine spacer, breastplate and another used engine spacer, but I dont want a full toolbox of stuff to tote around. Still cyphering on this project.

Anybody want to donate 4 drill chucks?

Also working on a remote control 4 bang launch controller, 12v 7ah batt in a plastic ammo box with switches for each pad, power disconnect, continuity LED and tone... Got most of pieces now.

We use 1/2" plywood cut the the same size as 4" ceramic tile. Glue the tile to the plywood and use a 1/4" ceramic tile drill to drill the center hole. If you have some 1/2" ply laying around and some tile cement, they are less then $1 each. You can make up several extra to replace the ones that get broken or cracked. I've made a whole new set about every 5 years.

Son in law fixed my balls, can't wait to get them back.

I really like the idea of using a billiard ball for the gimbal !!! That is brilliant. I am building a new MPR pad using a micro rail so this could be perfect for adjusting the angle. I can tap the bottom of the rail and epoxy a stud into the ball.

Thank goodness you did not say that you liked MY IDEA. Of course it wasn't my idea, I stole it from a club down in Florida. Sorry, I forget the name. Those who do know, please post a credit to them here. Thanks!

FINALLY got it done! Worked GREAT.
Will be even better when I get done with the 4 Banger Launch Controller.