Yes, this variant uses 55mm internal diameter PVC pipe for the plunger tube.
Here is a R55L scale comparison with a R3L plunger tube:

Notice that the catch ring & trigger assembly is the same one from the R3L, it just takes less than a minute to swap the plunger tubes and rods. No need to make new parts. Thats the beauty of this modular design.
Those of you who still remember basic math will know... with almost twice the diameter, the plunger air volume works out to more than 3 x larger! And more air volume = more power! :)
:: Sample Test Fire Data ::
PTG: Parallel-To-Ground (Shoulder height, no elevation)
ATG: Angled-To-Ground (Aimed higher, 30 degrees elevation)
Shots fired from 2ft length Brass Barrel Slide Breech.
Distance is measured at where the foam dart lands (Average of 6 shots).
SGN-R55L Blaster
PTG = 160 ft
ATG = 175 ft
Note: The tests were done under controlled conditions with custom calibrated foam darts.
Stay tuned for more variants!
Hmmm... Interesting.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should shorten the plungertube, because you have about twice the diameter, you could shorten the length by a half, and still have more power because the air moves faster!
ReplyDeleteRANGES?
ReplyDeleteVersatileChicken,
ReplyDeleteWith customised 2ft length barrels and calibrated foam darts, initial test shots could reach around 160-170ft.
joeri83,
ReplyDeleteYes, i could use a shorter plunger tube too, but with smaller air volume, even with faster plunger speed, the power will still be less optimised than if it were a larger plunger air volume (i've already made many different length plungers to test).
The key is large air volume + fast plunger speed = Max power. :)
dear sgnerf just wondering if u could post a list of ranges for the full collection of DIY blasters
ReplyDeleteNerf Depot
nerf depot,
ReplyDeleteI'll include the sample tested ranges as and when i post up new variations of the R-Series blasters, but do note that the test ranges depend on a very wide variety of conditions (ie. calibration of foam darts used, dart fit and seal, barrel length etc), therefore the ranges can very alot just based on those variables.
These creations of yours are absolutely beautiful SG Nerf.
ReplyDeleteI would be very keen to purchase one off you once you make some more, if you plan to.
question
ReplyDeleteSgnerf would u ship to Canada ?
if so i'm interested in buying multiple models.
ps: AMAZING SITE
These are amazing! I'm not quite as talented as you (or the folks on the forums) when it comes to DIY projects like this. I would like to purchase a SGN-R55L. If you ever make a decision to bring these to market, I would suggest using eBay. Makes everything very secure and easy to use. If you would like to sell one I would love to purchase one so let me know how I can make that happen! Let us all know!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking, a clear and concise parts list plus a handy friend could really help out if you decide not to sell. I could find someone to help me build it if you could consolidate the list of needed materials into a single document. a kind of shopping list we could take to a hardware store and say, "we need this stuff!" thanks for the awesome site btw :)
ReplyDeletePossibly stupid questions here, so bare with me.
ReplyDelete1) Do you use an equation to calculate firing distance and projectile velocities in relation to the volume of the air chamber? I'm asking because I love these designs, but they are all a bit too long for my tastes, even the short variants. I'd like to construct a pistol with a short but wide chamber with a decent amount of power.
2) Have you thought of making cases for the models, or scrapping the internals of consumer blasters to house these. Like I said, I love the designs and the power they afford, but I personally prefer a good pistol grip over holding a pipe.
3) Will you ever release a detailed construction guide for those who want to make one themselves? Or, in the very least, do you know of any resources for beginner DIYs to start small?
Thanks.
Niklas Delacroix,
ReplyDeleteWell, i don't have a fixed equation to calculate the ratio of the air volume to the foam dart velocity or range, because there are many other variables such are plunger seal, spring load, plunger speed, foam dart seal in the barrel, length of the barrel etc. All those factors affect the velocity and range of the shot very significantly too. Everything contributes to the range results.
But based on all factors being equal, the basic principle is the larger the air volume, the more power there should be in the shot.
You could get an estimate of the equivalent plunger volume by simply calculating the volume of the plunger cylinder you plan to make (using plunger diameter and plunger draw values) and comparing it to existing blaster plunger dimensions and performance data.
As for external casings for the blasters, builders are definitely welcomed to create their own external case designs to contain the blasters too.
At the moment, my projects are focused more on the actual usage and functionality of the blasters, and to develop more features and variants.
Though in the future i would definitely be keen to work on some external casing designs too, perhaps using resin cast or plastic molding processes. :)
I will not be posting a detailed construction guide yet as most of the basic construction guides and tutorials are already posted up online by other builders. You could check at the NerfHaven forum and search for "SNAP" blaster designs.
Here is a link to the original "SNAP" blaster design by NerfHaven member and DIY blaster builder "Carbon" way back in 2006:
http://nerfhaven.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5767
Note that the early designs use a "clothes pin" trigger design, which has a different method of operation from my latest "catch ring" trigger design.
You can read up on more information and background of the differences at my SGN-R3L overview:
http://diyblasters.blogspot.com/2010/11/sgn-r-series-blasters-r3l-review.html
Do you plan to sell of these like +bows?
ReplyDeleteI would be very keen to buy 1 or 2 depending on the price. Please send me an email if this is a possibility.
Sean
Sean,
ReplyDeleteI've not plans currently to make multiple units of these blasters, i'm more keen to spend my limited hobby time working on and testing new designs. :)
Do you know which sizes of Standard size PVC are comparable to the Metric sizes you used? Would be of great help to me.
ReplyDeleteNerf Doctor,
ReplyDeletePVC pipe dimensions vary across different pipe brands, you'll have to physically measure and test fit them to find the ideal sizes to use.
how much did it cost you to build a R55L ?
ReplyDeleteAmarsingh,
ReplyDeleteAll in, the materials and parts add up to around $30-$40... not including the cost of tools and time to build it. :)
I know you don't do contracts, but would you be willing to make one, then sell it, and I somehow manage to buy it.
ReplyDeletetirbykirby,
ReplyDeleteSorry nope, i don't make blasters for sale. :)
Why isn't this page on the main website anymore?
ReplyDeleteqazwsxedcrfvtgbyhnujmikolp,
ReplyDeleteFor legal reasons, it has to be kept separate.
could you possibly make instructions for the main part/ the trigger+stock part, because the plunger is just an adapter from there, you would only need one for all of them
ReplyDeleteJon,
ReplyDeleteYou can read my R3L guide, which has the schematics and parts view of the trigger and catch mechanism:
http://diyblasters.blogspot.com/2010/11/sgn-r-series-blasters-r3l-review.html
Details on how my PAR55M is made and assembled is also posted in its own guide too:
http://diyblasters.blogspot.com/2011/04/sgn-r-series-blasters-par55m-overview.html
Can you provide the length of the parts?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteYou can refer to my SGN-PAR55M overview for more details:
http://diyblasters.blogspot.com/2011/04/sgn-r-series-blasters-par55m-overview.html
I did not include specific lengths of the pipes sections though, because the guide was meant for experienced SNAP/+bow builders (who would already know how to build them to their own specifications).
The method most blaster builders use to determine the measurements of the parts is to first construct the plunger rod with the spring, once they have determined the plunger rod length, then all the other parts are progressively measured and built around it.
If you are new to building custom blasters, do try making the basic SNAP blasters before attempting my R-Series designs... it'll be much easier with prior build experience. :)