Elasto-O-Matic RBG-5 - Binder Launcher

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Introduction

Hello Everyone,

First, I would like to thank you for viewing my instructable.
And, if you enjoyed it, please give me a vote!

Thanks....

The Elasto-O-Matic RBG-5  (rubber band gun five)
The crème de la crème of Binder Shooters...

My interest in rubber band shooters, goes back to my childhood.
I'm sure we all had a rubber band shooter aka binder gun when we were kids!

I was searching the internet and came across this site:
http://oggcraft.jp/eng/eng_gun.html

I really liked his shooters.
So, I like the idea of shooting 5 rubber bands in sequence. (one after the other)
I used his firing method of his P302 ARC II 5 rounds.

This shooter has a safety on it. (It works, for real)
It also has a ammo holder.
Will hold up to 15 rubber bands.

You do not have to follow my plans to the tee.
You can design your own, maybe make a different handle, shorter barrel, many options.
If you do decide to make one, make sure and post a picture.


Well, lets get onto the instructable.

Materials needed to build the Elasto-O-Matic RBG-5

1. Wood ( I used KOA, Walnut Allowood, White Oak, and Ash.)
   a. I used 3/4" for the box and the shooter parts are all 1/4".
2. Dowels ( I used Walnut for the grips and poplar for the trigger mech.)
    a. I used a 1/4" for the trigger and safety and 7/16" for the pistol grips.
3. Screw Eyes
4. Felt Bumper Feet
5. Barrel Hinges for the case, available from rockler.com
    a. 10mm concealed hinge
6. Spring (something bigger then 8lbs safe working load)
7. Magnets for the box holder. I needed 6 of them.
    a. 1/4"
8. String for the safety. About 10" worth.
8. Of course, rubber bands aka binders for all you northerner's (I use no. 32 binders)

Tools
I did all my designing with my CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) software.
You could make the shooter without the CNC.
You could cut all the parts with a bandsaw or scrollsaw.
You will also need:
Router
Sandpaper
Miter Box
Exacto-knife
Patience...(Lots)

I used a program called Aspire made by Vectric software.
Vectric - CNC software
GREAT software, they do have a demo...

Also included are the eps files.
I did include the shooter and the box eps files.
You can use them as a pattern, or make your toolpaths from them.
Tweek them, too!
As a BONUS, I included a holder for the shooter that mounts on the wall. (see picture above)

Below is a flash file (.swf) that shows the tool paths of the CNC.
It is cutting out one side of the box. (see picture below on step 3)

I cut all the pieces on my CNC machine.
DIY-CNC

I used a Sherline Mini mill to CNC the parts.
Sherline Products

I had to cut two sides (left and right) for the shooter,
also the trigger and pistol grips.

For the box, I had to cut the top and bottom.


Now onto the next step...

Here are the pistol grips.
They are made from white oak.

Below is a .swf movie of the grips being cut on CNC.
This is a preview mode, before you actually cut them!

You want to mark where the spring will go.
You will need the two screw eyes and spring.
Make sure and have a 8lb safe working load spring.
Anything less and it will not have enough force to go back.

Here is the glue up of the Elasto-O-Matic RBG-5. (picture says a 1000 words)
Just make sure and don't get any glue on the spring or trigger mechanism.

I glued the dowels in first then the barrel, finally the two halves.
You only have one chance, make sure everything is aligned.

Last was the grips. 
You can just use the glue or double-sided carpet tape.

I did use super glue aka Cyanoacrylate glue.
Thick and thin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanoacrylate

For the finishing, I use 240 sandpaper, then go to 600 sandpaper.
I will spray the laquer, then sand with 1200 sandpaper.

Then I will give it a coat of Minwax finishing wax.

I did flock the inside of the box.
I used black flocking.
A great source for all your flocking needs:
http://www.donjer.com/

On the bottom, I added felt bumpers, and my signature.
I put a silver dollar in there, too!
For Luck!!
Like most of my projects.

Here is my first RBG-5 I made.
It is loaded with 5 rubber bands.

It will fire one rubber band with each pull of the trigger.

There is a video below of me, shooting the RBG-5.
I used my 1st build for the video, as the wooden RBG-5,
the spring (2.4lbs of safe working force) was not strong enough to pull the trigger down when loaded down with 5 rubber bands.
It shoots fine, you just have to manually push the trigger down.
Lesson learned. (thats why you need a 8lb safe working load spring)
Enjoy....

Here is a quick one, I made.
I found some plans on the internet.
Here is the link:
http://www.scrollsawer.com/features/spypod.html

It is made from oak, and teflon.
Shoots only one binder at a time.
But, works rather well!

I hope you enjoyed my instructable!

Here is a sneek peek of my next instructable....
Its called a calliope. (circus organ)

Stay tuned.
Work in progress....