Looking for a certain pipe that can flex and bend

[AgaBoogaBoo]

I need something at least 7.25 inches in diameter that can flex and bend easily, it will be used as a shooter and balls will be shot out from it.

Weight isn't a factor right now, however the lighter the better. At most hardware stores I've only been able to find metals and PVC pipes however these don't bend and flex on the fly.

Any ideas?

 

[BillGates]

pervert
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something at least 7.25 inches in diameter that can flex and bend easily, it will be used as a shooter and balls will be shot out from it

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: BillGates
pervert
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something at least 7.25 inches in diameter that can flex and bend easily, it will be used as a shooter and balls will be shot out from it

I figured I'd get something of this sort from you guys

Seriously though, witty comments aside, any ideas?

 

[KK]

what about that black drain pipe stuff. does it have to be smooth?

 

[MysticLlama]

Dryer vent style hose that's used for A/C units?

It's plastic instead of foil so much stronger, maybe that big around, maybe not, flexible. They usually have it at Home Depot and stuff.

 

[Sukhoi]

Cast iron.

 

[nissan720]

I would also suggest some sort of heat and air flexable tubing

 

[iamwiz82]

flexible ductwork?

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: KK
what about that black drain pipe stuff. does it have to be smooth?

Yeah, it has to be smooth, or at least an easy way to make it smooth

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
flexible ductwork?

You mean where it has a few sections that can rotate that makes it change angle? If so, we need something else since rotating to change the angle won't work.

 

[Sphexi]

It's going to be tough finding something at that diameter. Cortex (black drain pipe) is only about 4 inches in diamater, comes in lengths up to 100', but isn't smooth. Dryer vent pipe isn't even that big in diameter, and is more smooth, but still not totally.

Smooth pipe isn't going to be flexible at all, wrinkling it is what allows it to flex and bend like that, like an accordian. Your best bet is going to be dryer hose, although you won't find it 7.25" wide.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: MysticLlama
Dryer vent style hose that's used for A/C units?

It's plastic instead of foil so much stronger, maybe that big around, maybe not, flexible. They usually have it at Home Depot and stuff.

I think that might work if I'm thinking of the same thing, thanks!

 

[l Xes l]

hmm.. why dont u just use water bong?

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: Sphexi
It's going to be tough finding something at that diameter. Cortex (black drain pipe) is only about 4 inches in diamater, comes in lengths up to 100', but isn't smooth. Dryer vent pipe isn't even that big in diameter, and is more smooth, but still not totally.

Smooth pipe isn't going to be flexible at all, wrinkling it is what allows it to flex and bend like that, like an accordian. Your best bet is going to be dryer hose, although you won't find it 7.25" wide.

That's a good point, I was thinking we could take sheets of plastic and lay them on top of some kind of soft padding to making it a little smoother on top of the ridges.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

One idea someone threw out was something similar to how metal armor works and couples together.

 

[Sukhoi]

Why does it need to flex and bend easily?

Welded cast iron is going to be quite smooth inside. True, it'd be heavy especially at that diameter.

 

[Antisocial Virge]

I've seen exhaust pipe on big generators and such get that big and its flexable but good luck finding it and it would probably be big $$.

 

[BigJ]

Go to the Building Materials or Plumbing section of Home Depot and see what they have. That's probably you're best bet.

 

[trmiv]

How about Spa Flex flexible PVC?

EDIT: NM, doesn't come in the diameter you need.

 

[NascarFool]

THIS might work. You can get it at HomeDepot or Lowes but it comes in 25' lengths. 7" or 8" will be the closest you will find.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: Sukhoi
Why does it need to flex and bend easily?

Welded cast iron is going to be quite smooth inside. True, it'd be heavy especially at that diameter.

It's a shooter going on a robot for some competitions that we're building and will be shooting into a vertical hoop from different locations.

Originally posted by: trmiv
How about Spa Flex flexible PVC?

2" diameter at most is what I'm seeing online

 

[arcenite]

flexpipe for exhaust

 

[myusername]

How rigid does it need to be? Would a fabric sleeve with a spring skeleton work?

 

[Rubycon]

What are the balls made of and what is providing the driving force for the throw?

Perhaps a different approach should be taken concerning containment and propulsion of the air filled spheres.

 

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo

Originally posted by: Sukhoi
Why does it need to flex and bend easily?

Welded cast iron is going to be quite smooth inside. True, it'd be heavy especially at that diameter.

It's a shooter going on a robot for some competitions that we're building and will be shooting into a vertical hoop from different locations.

Originally posted by: trmiv
How about Spa Flex flexible PVC?

2" diameter at most is what I'm seeing online

Ah, I was thinking more of a batting cage type machine.