killforfood Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 I would like to weld up a test gun for stars and comets up to 1" I have ½", ¾" and 1" EMT and would like to know if it is considered safe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hst45 Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 I can only speak from experience, but I made my stargun using 1/2" and 3/4" EMT and I have yet to have shrapnel shred my viscera. Since it's only a small BP charge used to launch the star it seems o.k. I do not, however, stand particularly close to the device when in use. For 1" I'd go with a thicker tube, such as black pipe. This is by no means a recommendation, just my personal observation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marks265 Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 I would not trust it. We know it as thin wall tubing in the trade as you might know. But it is also a welded seam constructed pipe, usually done with high frequency welding. I also have to believe that the alloy of steel is not too great for bend ability reasons and cost. I really would hate to find a weak spot. So my answer, being a best guess, would be know. IMO no flipping way would I use it. Maybe someone else will chime in with their experience but I care not to have any here. Definitely my two cents here. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonny Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 The welded seam IMO opinion would not be an issue, in many cases the seams are as strong (sometimes stronger) than the base metal. HOWEVER, I wouldn't use EMT. As marks265 said it is a soft crappy steel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
killforfood Posted May 11, 2011 Author Share Posted May 11, 2011 Well, I'll have to look around and see if I've got some scrap black pipe laying around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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