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Last Updated: January 10, 2008 - 09:28:40 PM

DIY - Friction Free Rails for Bungee Launcher (PVC)
By Carl Tulanko
August 10, 2007 - 03:52:21 PM

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Cut two pieces of 1 1/4" PVC tubing to a length of 4 1/2 feet (54"). NOTE: This is for a 4" PVC launcher; if your length varies, you will need to adjust the length of the rails

Mark the tubing 2 1/2" from each end

Lay a long 4' ruler or straight piece of aluminum or wood against each piece of tubing and across a flat table, then mark center lines at each end at the 2 1/2" marks you made earlier

Use a 1" Forsner bit to bore a hole at the center marks on each end of the tubes

Use a dremel and sanding drum and carefully open the holes so a piece of 1" PVC fits tightly

Check the fit on each hole with the 1" tubing

Mark and cut four pieces of 1" tubing to a length of 1 3/4"

Glue each short piece of 1" PVC tubing into a 1" PVC coupler, making four pieces as shown with approximately 7/8" protruding from the ends

Clean the area using PVC cleaner before final installation

Apply an ample ammount of PVC glue in the opening and around the inside ridge

Install the small coupler units into the tube, insuring they are square. Install one, then the other and immediately stand it on the short coupler ends across a table to make sure their bottoms are flush with the table. Adjust the second coupler quickly if necessary before the glue sets. This will insure they are vertically aligned to eachother

Extra PVC glue should be added to each end. Allow them to completely dry before use

One of the PVC rails is shown completed. If you wish, you can drill across the center of the 1 1/4" tube and pin each piece in with a finishing nail, then cut and sand it flush to the outside of the rail

PVC Frictionless launch rails shown installed on the PVC Bungee launcher

Front view of the rails

Rear view of the rails

The Frictionless Rails in action...they really work well!

Parts Required:

Two 1 1/4" PVC tubes at least 54" long, an 8" length of 1" PVC scrap tubing, Four 1" PVC Couplers, PVC Cleaner and PVC Glue

Tools Required:

Saw or PVC Cutter, Small Ruler, 48" Long straight edge or ruler, Pencil or Marker, 1" Forsner Bit

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