2014-06-08 (Su) Tennis Ball Launcher



Sometimes working on projects is more like meditation than work. Especially working with wood. Sunday was a particularly bad day but working on my projects helped to alleviate some of my worries. Sundays used to be a slow day all around but I got a lot done this time.

Enough background.
----------

A 1 1/8” wooden dowel was cut at an angle to make the handle for the tennis ball launcher. The top was cut so it would be parallel to the release mechanism bottom. Then a groove was cut out where the corner brace could be inserted. The cuts were made on a band saw. A thin disc of wood was cut from the dowel to go above the handle and below the release mechanism to ensure a strong fit.

Cutting the top of the dowel

The angle cut into the top of the dowel
Cutting a groove for the bracket

A wooden shim for the top of the handle
Placement of the handle and shim

Holes were marked on the wooden dowel which corresponded to the holes in the corner brace. These holes were marked freehand. The holes were piloted to 3/32” according to the instructions which came with the corner braces since the screws from that kit will be used.

 Holes marked by "eyeballing" it

3/32" bit according to directions


After the pilot holes were drilled a ¼” bit was used to cut a hole through the dowel to expose the screw holes. The screw heads were roughly ¼” in diameter. The screws were inserted and tightened. A second wooden shim was cut to replace the first and go between the handle and release mechanism. The second was thinner and angled to fit more securely. The handle will have the shim glued and the whole handle will be wrapped in cloth friction tape.

 
 1/4" bit which is the size of the screw heads

1/4" holes drilled to the 3/32" holes
Screws installed from the back
Handle assembled with new shim

The launcher was reassembled to be upgraded with PVC purchased to make the launcher easier to load if the user has poor wrists. More 2” PVC pipe was purchased along with two 2” 90° elbows and two straight couplers. Two identical lengths of PVC were cut by improvising a jig by placing a small clamp on the rip stop of the radial arm saw. The lengths were put between the elbows and the straight couplers.

 Colorful launcher assembled

Improvised jig two short PVC segments

Coupler units assembled

To judge the next length of PVC the assembled units were put on the ends of the launcher at the back where they will cover the release mechanism. The length of PVC was estimated by holding it up to the elbows and marking the ideal cut. The cut was made on the radial arm saw. Shavings from cutting PVC look like shredded coconut flakes.
 
 Most of the rear guard

Measuring the pipe for the rear guard
It looks like shredded coconut, neh?

The whole unit was assembled with the rear guard and two 2” PVC caps purchased a few days ago. The caps were sanded on top since their markings were raised.

 Rear guard all put together

Second view of rear guard
Front end of launcher with caps

To do:
  • Sew hammock to a curved and less deep shape 
  • Attach magnets to strap 
  • Glue handle shim 
  • Tape handle 
  • Shorten central 1 1/2” PVC pipe to make it easier to load 
  • Cap central PVC 
  • Paint white PVC 
  • Document

The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.



This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.

All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, are not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.

All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.

Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim claim property or assets based on their post.

This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
 

Comments

Post a Comment