How do you guys attach the tubing from the gun to the pack? I’m looking at some pics and it just looks like it’s shoved in there. Is there a trick to it? Also where do I get the vacuum hose for the pack? Or is that the same 3/4" split loom tubing? And one final thing, the pipe insulation is that an inch thick? I have 24 hours to finish my pack!!!
OH DAMN! I forgot one more thing. How do you pack your gear in a box for a cross country flight? Any tips from you hardcore travelers out there?
I believe the vacuum hose is the same size split-loom as from the pack to gun. At least, according to Norm’s plans. I don’t know if that’s the way it really is (and unfortunately, neither of the other plans mention the split-loom.
For the insulation, Norm’s plans say 3/8" thick (he says to attach it with cable ties). None of the other plans say anything about it, so that’s probably your best bet.
As far as packing it, one solution is you could get a large enough box, some bubble wrap, and some packing peanuts. First wrap the whole thing in bubble wrap (a whole pack would probably need a lot to cover it). Then place it in the box with the packing peanuts. Have the pack sort of floating/suspended in the middle of the peanuts. You might want to shake it to make sure everything’s settled (just make sure that you keep the pack suspended in the middle). When selecting the box, make sure there is some room all around the pack for the peanuts to fill in (so they can absorb any shock). How much room, I can’t say.
You could take the pack to Mailboxes Etc., UPS, or some other place that packs things and have them box it up for you. These people typically know what they’re doing and will seal it up tighter than Fort Knox for about $20 or less.
From my pack to my gun, the rod inside the pvc handle is sticking out and the tube is taped and zip-tied to it. Then on the pack I have a 3/4" long pieceof the same dowel screwed and glued to th pack, and the tube is partially stuck under it as well as taped tightly around it with electrician’s tape so it still looks ribbed. Hope that helps.
For me the tube is inserted, via a hole in the side of the pack, then a dowel/bolt is put through the split-loom to lock the tubing in position. I then bondo puttied around the tube to give it further stick and stability.
On the gun end, I forced the tightened the split-loom and inserted it into the handle end, then taped it over with electrical tape.
