Enclosed Track or Open Track???

[tlong]

Hello all.
I am looking to build my first speargun, and was wanting to get some opinions. Should I go with an enclosed track or an open track design? The length of the speargun will be approximately 46". Also, while your reading, if you could also give me some ideas on bands, (sizes and number of). Thanks in advance.

 

[octpora]

At that length. an open track should be plenty. Doesn't sound like you are building a cannon.

 

[foxfish]

I am sure octpora is right but enclosed tracks are very cool.

 

[CaptainCanuck]

Hello from the Great White North (Canada) Concerning band sizes ... if you go to Homepage, follow the "How To.." link on the left hand side of the page and there will be a heading called Can't remember how long your speargun rubber should be? ... this link will take you to a chart of gun lengths and band sizes. It's an Aussie site and they refer to them as rubbers but up here, rubbers are something completely different. CaptainCanuck

 

[tlong]

Thanks Captain!!! That helps a lot.

 

[Bill McIntyre]

Here is how I calculate my band lengths for any gun.

1. Take a measure tape and measure the distance from the middle of the
band slot to the center cocking tab.

2. Double the distance ( for both sides of the gun )

3. Subtract the length of the wish bone. (Alexander and Riffe's are
approx 6", Daryl Wong uses about 3".)

4. Divide the number by 3 1/2.

5. This is the length of your powerband if you are using a standard 3 1/2
: 1 stretch ratio. This is a measurement of the powerband from knot to
knot. For actual rubber length, add 1" to this length or 1 1/2" in you
are tapering the ends of the powerbands.

If you have separate holes for each band as with the newer Aimrite/Wong muzzles, then rather than measuring from the center of the band slot (you don't have a slot) to the middle tab, measure from each hole to the appropriate tab, and you will have a different band length for each hole.

 

[settingsteel]

wheew loaded question...95% of the guns I make are enclosed track with the first 4-6" open...benefits to an open are slight, other than with an enclosed the rigging is more versatile

 

[tlong]

I think I have decided on a poured enclosed track. A little bit more work, but better looking imo.
Thanks for the replies. I'll post pics once I get started.

 

[settingsteel]

poured is good, mixed with graphite IMO better...messy as hell though!