Tried my hand at making a brake.

Since airgun toys is going to be down for a while, I decided I'd try to make my own brake.  My dad is a full time wood turner, so I had access to a lathe and some tools.  With his help, I made this bad boy...
Just started with a block of wood, and carved it into a cylinder.  Then bored the inside.  After boring, I tapered off one end, and cut notches in the other, then burned the notches.  Then I sanded, and cut the brake off.  I tested the size, I was going for a push to fit.  It was pretty tight, but I wanted it to be slightly tighter so I sprayed the inside with water.  When it dries, it should expand enough for a nice snug fit.  Oh, I'm also going to put some finish on it.  I'm pretty proud.  What do you guys think?  BTW its for a Beeman SS1000.  
If anyone wants, I can TRY to make one for you!  Just give me a holler.

[melloroadman]

I don't see why not  Thinking out of the box is good. There was a wooden one on the Crosman forum a day or two ago as well  Let us know what it looks like when you are done. Marvin

[gamo2hammerli]

That's a pretty cool muzzle brake.

I put some stain on it, to try and make it blend in with the stock of the rifle.  I think it turned out beautifully.  It now has a tight snug fit.  Looks great, IMO.  

[daved]

Used a wood lathe to turn some barrel bushings for one of my Talons.  Used Ipe, a very hard, heavy, dense wood, like you, turned down a cylinder, then bored a hole (a 5/8" Forstner bit is a near perfect fit on a 16mm barrel), cut to length on the band saw, then soaked in teak oil for a couple of days.  On your next brake, you might try some hard white maple, then stain it with waterproof india ink.  Polish out with fine steel wool, top coat with oil based poly, and it will look like polished black iron.  Very cool effect.

I've been thinking of using the wood lathe to turn some plastic, I've already done it with an end cap for one of my Talons.  Anyone else done that, or have any tips?  For a lot of this type of stuff, I think my lathe turns too fast, slowest I can go is around 800 rpm.  Still, any ideas would be appreciated.  Later.

Dave

[johncedarhill]

I turned some abs and delrin rod. I don't think the 800 rpm is too high a speed. Light cuts with sharp tools will give you a nice ribbon coming off the turning. I have had better luck turning at higher speeds.  Delrin turns better than the ABS as I recall. I have been looking for a bit which will drill for barrel diameter for a qb 78d. I suppose I could just try filing while turning it.

[fisherdude]

I have been thinking about using wood as well.  Have you shot it?  Does the wood muffle the sound any?

I took a few shots with the brake on.  Since its on a springer, the brake doesn't really affect the sound.