Author Topic: 1/2 scale Beercan Eprouvette Mortar (Read 1082 times)

Powder keg · « **on:** November 27, 2005, 12:54:11 PM »

Hello All,

Here is a new project I started. I found the plans for a full sized Eprouvett in the links section and thought it was kind of a cute mortar. I decided to build a couple and see how they would turn out.

First I started with the barrel portion of the mortar. I turned the outside of the muzzel end and then drilled and bored the barrel. the barrel has a 1" X 1" powder chamber with a rounded bottom.

I then chucked the barrel on the muzzel and rounded the breech end. That is a 5" hemisphere.

This barrel gets welded to a base at 45 degrees. I had to cut 3/4" off the bottom at an angle. It took some fanagling but I got it to fit in my little bandsaw. I had to move the fence back a couple of inches.

I've started on the base plates. They are 6.5" square X 1 1/4" thick. The edges get a 22 degree bevel on all 4 sided then the barrel and the base will be welded togather. I made the barrel out of 4340 steel and will go through the process of welding this particular steel.

Before machining the barrel weighed 38 pounds and after I cut the 45 degree slice off the end it weighed 20 pounds. Now I need to go clean my shop.

Powder keg · « **Reply #1 on:** November 27, 2005, 02:35:12 PM »

I forgot to mention. This is one of those projects that needs to be thought out. Once the breech is round there is no way for me to hold it again in my lathe. So, All the work on the muzzel end has to be finished before the breech is rounded.

Oh Blaster, I'll post a picture with a can soon.

Powder keg · « **Reply #2 on:** November 28, 2005, 08:25:19 AM »

I got the base done today. Here is what the two look like togather. I even managed to find a can for size comparason :grin: I'll get them welded later this week.

Medbill · « **Reply #3 on:** November 29, 2005, 03:25:15 AM »

Instead of Powder Keg I think we should start calling you mortar man!

Nice going.

Billy

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #4 on:** November 29, 2005, 04:05:59 AM »

Nice touch on the details - I like the extra little radius at the step in diameters.

CU_Cannon · « **Reply #5 on:** November 29, 2005, 05:38:25 AM »

I like it a lot. At some point Im planning on building a golf ball size one. I like the simplicity of the design. It will be interesting to see how stable it is to fire. You may have to stake it down.

Every time I look at one of your threads my list of projects gets longer.

Powder keg · « **Reply #6 on:** November 29, 2005, 08:20:40 AM »

Hey Cat, It's hard to see but those are little 45 degree champhers. I liked the simple design also. I talked to the guy I have weld some of my stuff and he sugested drilling a hole in the base and plug welding it from the bottom. that way you can't see the weld. Now I can't decide.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #7 on:** November 29, 2005, 12:15:56 PM »

Quote from: Powder keg

Hey Cat, It's hard to see but those are little 45 degree champhers. I liked the simple design also. I talked to the guy I have weld some of my stuff and he sugested drilling a hole in the base and plug welding it from the bottom. that way you can't see the weld. Now I can't decide.

Depending on the finish that could leave a crack for moisture. Not terribly bad structurally, but maybe disconcerting regarding finish.

kappullen · « **Reply #8 on:** November 30, 2005, 09:26:08 AM »

PK,

That's a nice looking job.

I used to make golf ball jobs similar to what you have.
You have a bit more patience than I do. Yours look really purdy.

You must not sleep at night with all the stuff you build!

The wife needs a little attention(mine)too.

Kap