Author Topic: Back for a visit (Read 1082 times)

entsminger · « **on:** October 07, 2009, 08:43:47 AM »

I don't know if you all remember me but I was attempting to build a look-alike 13 inch mortar ( non shootable) from a large propane tank. It's still waiting to be made. I got side tracked so to speak for quite a while and I don't even know if this is the site I used to vist, it looks so different? I checking back in to see the latest large mortars that someone might have made. Anyone make a replica 1861 style mortar lately?I know last time I was here, probably years ago? a few guys were making smaller versions?

Scott Springston

Double D · « **Reply #1 on:** October 07, 2009, 09:04:34 AM »

Scott, long time no see!! Welcome back.

You were missed. Don't stay away so long next, in fact don't stay away---Stay.

Theres is just the post for you here and the Sea Coast Artillery Guys are the ones you want to talk to!!!

Here is there post Fabrication du Mortier de Monstre de Paixhans avec des Photos

You can also see some action pictures in this posts. I'll start you mid thread as that is where the action is; Montana Cannon Shoot

entsminger · « **Reply #2 on:** October 07, 2009, 09:35:08 AM »

Thanks DD !! I guess I sort of got discouraged with mortars after being around the "Cannonman" (who is a great guy) who lives near me and I began realizing that this hobby is for those with tons on $$$$. It really hit me when one day I talked to him and he had just bought a 10 inch origional mortar cannon that I've dreamed of owning, like I would buy a new digital point and shoot camera. Probably cost him 30 to 50 thousand?? I just figured this stuff was way out of my league and I started doing other things, but I keep looking at that propane tank sitting there staring at me so I'm getting the mortar urge again!!

Scott

Double D · « **Reply #3 on:** October 07, 2009, 11:41:59 AM »

Scott,

If we have no dreams or aspirations, then what's the point.

I had been toying with the idea of getting a larger cannon of some sort. After this summer's cannon shoot I found that wrestling around all that big iron, got real close to the cross over from fun to work. When the 6 PDR gets finished out, it is going to be a just under 200 lbs. It is fun to shoot. But moving it around with a husband-wife crew, especially when the wife isn't interested...well it's close to work.

The there is the powder bill. I went through 2 lbs of powder at the just this one shoot. I shoot another pound and a half at the Taft Farm Cannon Extravaganza. 3 1/2 pounds. in two shoots. I think the Seacoast guys shot that much per shot!

The 92 lb Dictator that Dom made me about is just about right. 160 grains of powder gives me 43 shots a pound.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #4 on:** October 07, 2009, 01:49:52 PM »

Scott --

Keep the dream alive! We will NEVER forget the SNOW prototype!

Double D · « **Reply #5 on:** October 07, 2009, 05:30:11 PM »

Scott if you still have Snow Dictator Mortar picture how about posting it.

That has to be one off the most unique cannons posted on this board.

GGaskill · « **Reply #6 on:** October 07, 2009, 06:22:17 PM »

Snow Dictator

BoomLover · « **Reply #7 on:** October 07, 2009, 06:27:23 PM »

DD, I remember the Snow Dictator Mortar from last winter, you posted it once, great shot! I'm new since Scott was here, but I've been around about a year, so, welcome back, Scott, tho I never knew ye, you have a home here on the forum. Your back in time for winter, so conjur up another Snow Cannon, then sit by the hearth and warm yer bones! BoomLover

little seacoast · « **Reply #8 on:** October 08, 2009, 03:11:46 AM »

Glad to see that you're back! I'm new to the board but had followed your thread on the propane tank mortar and wondered what had become of it. I have something similar in mind so your ideas and questions were stimulating. As for tons of money, anyone who can produce a snow mortarlike yours need take a back seat to no one. (easy to store for the summer too) Regards, LS

Double D · « **Reply #9 on:** October 08, 2009, 04:20:11 AM »

Quote from: little seacoast on October 08, 2009, 03:11:46 AM

As for tons of money, anyone who can produce a snow mortarlike yours need take a back seat to no one. (easy to store for the summer too) Regards, LS

That's funny!!

entsminger · « **Reply #10 on:** October 08, 2009, 04:33:32 AM »

I'll try and find the snow dictator pictures! I'll try and post some pictures of me trying to cut the trunions out of a big 13 inch piece of pipe as well. I almost got it cut but them my plazma cutter broke but it's fixed now so I have to finish the job soon. I was at Harbor Freight the other day and they have this huge derek like engine lift that would be perfect for lifting the tank while I'm working on it so that's going on my Christmas list! I got this big piece of almost 1/4 inch plate steel from an old boiler to use as the face of the mortar but it's warped and I haven't been able to figure out how to flatten it? It's mighty tough metal to bend. It might just be easier to just buy a new 4x4 ft sheet of metal?

Scott

Double D · « **Reply #11 on:** October 08, 2009, 05:17:25 AM »

For those of you, like me who don't like to click on links:

This is the only retroactive kewpie I have awarded and one of the very few I gave to direct uploaded pictures.

RocklockI · « **Reply #12 on:** October 08, 2009, 02:49:57 PM »

Dec. calender material !

that would make an awsome ice cube ! smaller of course .

entsminger · « **Reply #13 on:** October 09, 2009, 09:14:52 AM »

Hey cool, you found my old snow mortar pictures!! I have a few pic's of my propane tank mortar progress but I can't remember how to post pictures? I tried to drag it into this letter but it wouldn't work??

Scott

dan610324 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 10, 2009, 09:27:31 AM »

just use the "aditional options" button

entsminger · « **Reply #15 on:** October 13, 2009, 06:36:25 AM »

Here's the status of my 13 inch propane tank mortar. Not much improvement yet. I temp. welded on a 13 inch wheel to bend a trunion around but since have found a piece of pipe to use.

Scott

entsminger · « **Reply #16 on:** October 13, 2009, 06:37:41 AM »

Here's me cutting the trunions from a big piece of pipe/tank.

Scott

KABAR2 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 13, 2009, 07:05:16 AM »

My friend you are dangerous! Now you have planted a seed in my fertile mind!

Hee,hee ha-ha- (laughing maniacally) I have been looking for a large rounded cylinder

for a project and couldn't think of what to use............... eureka

entsminger · « **Reply #18 on:** October 15, 2009, 06:25:03 AM »

I got the tank for $50 from the a propane dealer in Penn. They usually have a few that get busted that they sell for scrap. If I find enough material I can make two 13 inch mortars from one tank. I'm still looking for the material to make the carriage. The carriage sides are real thick and literally tons of steel so even scrap isn't cheap. I need a few of those big 4x8 one inch thick steel plates they use for road construction. I don't know how I'd move it though even if I was offered one for free, ha ha, as they weigh as much as a car.
Scott

little seacoast · « **Reply #19 on:** October 15, 2009, 10:36:34 AM »

Regarding your mortar base, Is this going to be subject to high stress or only for display? If it's for display only a base could be made easily with the sides built as torsion boxes from exterior grade plywood. Examining my golf ball sized Dictator's base doesn't show any difficulties at all with this approach, basically two thick sides, steps, and cross bracing. When prepped to hide the woodgrain and seams paint should provide a very "steel" look. Slight elevation off ground and routine painting should be all it ever needs for maintenance. Just one approach (cheap)......... Regards, LS

GGaskill · « **Reply #20 on:** October 15, 2009, 01:55:28 PM »

If you have the plans, you will see that each side is actually two separate plates with various flat and T-shaped spacers between them. Still heavy but it's not 2" or 3" thick plate. The 8" M1861 (which I have plans for on my work computer) uses .3" thick side plates.

RocklockI · « **Reply #21 on:** October 15, 2009, 02:04:13 PM »

What kind of ammo will you shoot ?

GGaskill · « **Reply #22 on:** October 15, 2009, 02:16:08 PM »

I shoot bowling balls from mine and its sides are single pieces of 3/4" plywood with a 3" channel brace vertically beneath the trunnion cutouts. It has never shown any sign of failure.

entsminger · « **Reply #23 on:** October 16, 2009, 02:18:08 AM »

I thought of using wood but wood will eventually rot so steel would be nicer and have the real feel . No it can't possible shoot as it's just a hollow tank with a 13 inch pipe welded in the center of it. Unfortunately just for looks. I did visit Paulson Brothers who made two 13 inch mortars and at 17 thousand pounds just for the barrel I couldn't even begin to pay for the rough iron much less have it milled but I was considering it till I came to my senses, ha ha.

Scott