Advice needed: First speargun build

[Team Deniz]

Hi folks!

I have been on this forum for a few months now and have been really inspired by some of the Homemade spearguns I've seen in the discussions. Namely, Foxfish's Carbon Beauty and Griswold's Freeshaft Beast and Tuna Cannon.

I want in on the mischief, so I have been planning to build my first set of spearguns. I have obtained 3 pieces of maple(two are 4'2" x 2.5" x 1.25", the third is 3'6.5" x 1.8" x 1.5") and one piece of mahogany(3'10.25" x 1.9" x 1.75") and plan to build either 2 or 3 guns, depending on how much material is needed for each. So far, my idea is to use the mahogany to build handles and possibly some trim/bouyancy control. I get the feeling I may have to sacrifice one of the bigger maple pieces for extra bouyancy control, hence the uncertainty as the the number of guns I'll be able to build. Any thoughts on this?

I have not started cutting or shaping the wood yet, as I don't feel I've got a really solid grasp on how to correctly approach the project. I would like the first one to be a blue water gun with an enclosed track that spans the entire length and uses a remote trigger. (Mid handle with 4-5 bands)

The 2nd will be a reef gun, and I'd like to go with the classic handle style, near the butt end. (Regular track, 2 bands)

Please keep in mind I would like to use as few power tools as possible and keep costs to a bare minimum.
My reasons for these conditions are 1. I don't have easy access to wood working equipment. 2. Using hand tools gives me a greater sense of accomplishment when a project is completed. 3. I do not have much in the way of disposable income.

So my list of questions is as follows:

1. Will maple be strong enough to handle 4-5 fairly large bands without reinforcement? Would an enclosed track act as suitable reinforcement? If not what is the best method? Carbon fiber, steel core, side rails?

2. What is the easiest way to go about building/installing an enclosed track?(foxfish's design on the carbon gun?) Are there any available that can be purchased and easily installed? Should I even bother doing it?

3. What is required for a remote trigger setup? Just a regular trigger mechanism, remote trigger and a push-rod? or is there a specific mechanism made for this purpose? Is it a good idea to get trigger mechs with built in line releases?

4. what is the best method for fixing the handle to the body of the gun?

5. What type/brand/sizes of shaft and trigger mech. combination would be best for each of these guns?

6. Is there anything critical I am overlooking in my plans?


Thanks very much for any advice or tips you throw my way. Sorry I have so many questions. I'm sure some of them are rather naive and stupid... but that's exactly why I'm asking for advice. I admit I don't really have a clue what I'm doing, but I can tell that some of you guys definitely do.

Thanks again,

 

[Salehthefish]

Nice to have new project going on pretty nice questions as well experts will answer soon... Please keep us updated...

All best

 

[foxfish]

Loads of questions all right LOL...
Portinfer has built a maple & mahogany gun featured somewhere on the site he has also produced one of the best gun builds for beginners threads out there, I think it is called teak 80? http://forums.deeperblue.com/homemade-spearguns/63452-teak-80-part-one-stock.html
Jason = JK west has posted everything you need to know about building mid handles & enclosed tracks.
I have also got a thread about a rear handle enclosed track http://forums.deeperblue.com/diy-homemade/75393-look-what-i-have-got.html
To be honest if you follow JKs methods you will get really in depth info through his threads. Here is one http://forums.deeperblue.com/diy-homemade/85671-5-time.html
Carbon is not easy stuff to work with & pretty expensive stuff to make mistakes with!

 

[griswold]

I am confused by the lengths of wood that you bought. They are very short. You generally can't put them together to make them longer.

I suggest starting with a simple, small wood gun design.

It would probably be a good idea to make the 1st one out of a 2x4. It is a good way to work through all the details without the worry of messing up. Once you get it down, you can attack the real one with a much higher chance of it coming out as you have planned.

While it is certainly possible to make guns by hand with very few tools, it requires a good deal of woodworking skill and time.

Neptonics has high quality parts. Check out their web site.

 

[jtkwest]

thats what i was gonna say. A 50" piece of maple is not long enough for a blue water gun.For a small to medium reef gun it may work out.I dont want to rain on your parade, but without ANY power tools , this may be un realistic all together.
I think you could build an open track, all wood gun, that would work. but it wouldnt work better than something you could just buy.I understand that you are strapped for cash, but if you buy a bunch of parts and either cant complete it , or ,(more likely) it doesnt work that well, you will have thrown the money you have spent- away. Some guys go to cabinet shops and get them to do the
complicated cuts. An enclosed track gun, is completely out of the question, since you will need a router table and some custom ball bits to do it.
No matter how you plan it, it would more than likely not work out to be "worth it" sorry. My first guns were almost unshootable. Foxfish has decades of experience, and griswold is one of the best designers and gun builders around. I would venture to guess- both of these guys first gun projects didnt look as good as their current stuff. And we HAVE power tools. It would be possible to use very high quality hand tools- planer, jointer, carving tools, etc., but they cost alot more than you may think, and are very difficult to use correctly,(without proper instruction) FAR more difficult than power tools.
either way good luck.

 

[Team Deniz]

Thanks for all the advice, guys. I have checked out some of the links you've provided and definitely gotten some useful ideas. I have started shaping some of the pieces and I think I've got a good start. The enclosed track idea will definitely be the hardest part, and I really like the idea of going to a cabinet shop to get some cuts done. That will work out great because the wood I got is actually from my local finishing store. They know me and they know about my little project, so they'll likely be willing to help.

As for the sizes of the guns... maybe calling the bigger one a "blue water" gun isn't quite right. Maybe I should say "blue water style" gun. What I had in mind was to mount the remote trigger mechanism as far back on the gun body as possible, maximizing available length while keeping it compact.

When it comes to tools, I've made pretty good progress with just a buck knife and a hacksaw... but a friend from work is hooking me up with a spoke shave which should make shaping a lot quicker and easier. I'll post an update once I've tried it out.

Thanks again.

 

[jtkwest]

dont shape the wood until the track is made or you will have problems. usually the shaping is done last. you need the square edges to run down the fence guides on the router tables, etc. to get a straight track, line release slot, etc. if you make the edges curve now , you will be forced to do the whole thing by hand. a buck knife and a hack saw wont do it either.if you manage a nice gun with only that, you deserve a medal!

 

[Team Deniz]

It's a start...
I think....:head

 

[Team Deniz]

I haven't had much time to work on these lately, but I thought I'd do a progress report. I've started sanding and I've come up with a D.I.Y. trigger mechanism that should work.