Welding bowling ball powder chamber

[js2346]

I'd like to build a bowling ball mortar from a oxygen tank. It would be constructed similar to the "Florida mortar". I've got two questions regarding design and construction.

1. Has anyone out there ever experienced a failure in the weld that connects the powder chamber to the cylinder? What are the highest loads that have been fired using this design? I'm concerned the weld could become fatigued over time and lead to someone getting hurt. Anyone ever find cracks on their weld?

2. Does anyone have a link to site where I can order the correct tank? From the research I've done here the correct tank is a 300 CF, DOT 3AA2400 made by Taylor Wharton.

[Cat Whisperer]

js2346

WELCOME to the board!

Tanks are where you find them.  Good concern about weld cracks.  I haven't heard of any, but then who's inspected?  Again, good concern; use a certified welder and you're starting as best one can. 

[armorer77]

A crack check kit , Penetrant & Developer , is cheap insurance if you worry about your welds . Armorer77

[Cat Whisperer]

GOOD suggestion.

My preference is to have nothing welded nor cast.  Obviously there are good DESIGNS that successfully use welding and thse that are very safe castings.

But my point is, that if welding is used, it should be located away from the high stress areas AND so designed if the welds fail that nothing catestrophic happens. 

[js2346]

Excellent suggestion with the weld inspection kit! I can't wait to get started on this project but first I need to locate the right tank

Anybody have a source where I can purchase the correct tank for bowling balls??  300 CF, DOT 3AA2400 is suppovely the right one. Can anyone confirm this for me before I spend a few hundred on a tank.

Thanks guys

[GGaskill]

Anybody have a source where I can purchase the correct tank for bowling balls??

Try your local welding supply stores.  Tanks are really heavy and you don't want to be paying shipping on one if you can avoid it.

[dougrunnels]

I just recently gave away a BB cylinder (the bottom half) for postage only.  The postage was like $65 for , I think it was about 72 lbs.  UPS.  The bottom half can be utilized for a BB cannon also.  The person I sent it to in Co. convinced me by his description of how he would build it.

[smokemjoe]

If you can find a machince shop and have them call a place that sells weldling gas and have the fellow  tell them he needs a scrap one for making rings out of or wheels you may get one  , It cost me 3 - 30 packs of beer,2 bottles of ruhbarb wine and $15.00, When I went to pick it up the fellow had a ribbon wrapped around it for me.