Large diameter Spear

[Superfrog]

Any thoughts on a large diameter (1") hollow aluminum or titanium spear?

[NateSmith]

what are you powering it with?

[David Deman]

1" :eek: what are you doing? taking skin samples from Great Whites?!?!

[OceanEd]

Are you talking about a pole spear? If you are, the 2 pole spears with the largest diameters that I know of are the Omer (Manny Puig), and the Henley. They are also very good pole spears but very different designs.

[David Deman]

And I don't think the Manny is anywhere close to an inch.

[CountrySpearo]

actually it is Dave I measured Nate's and it was a lil bit under but close enough

[Superfrog]

I just made one with some .750 (3/4") Alloy 6061-T6 tubing that I had behind the lathe. I have some sections of 6Al-4V titanium tubing in 1" laying around.

The 3/4" aluminum tubing seems to make a good spear (so far), it is easier to grip with less fatigue. I just made it, so I will yet determine the best balance.

The point of balance is about 35% back from the tip with a light 3 prong. I need some more water time with it.

Just curious, they are fun and easy to make, so experimenting is interesting. I just do not have the spearing experience to know what really works.

[caldiver]

wow - that polespear sounds like a beast! I'd be curious as to how the testing goes - lemme know if you ever wanna head out there with some polespears.

[Superfrog]

The 3/4" diameter spear is drying right now. I nuked it with some hardcore epoxy (flat gray green) that takes a week to fully cure.

The spear actually looks "skinny", not as flimsy as those diveshop fiberglass spears about 4.5' long, but has a good feel to it.

This one is as tall as me with the tip installed. I made this for a certain section of kelp and eel grass that holds some big calico, leopards, and a very large WSB we have spotted twice (both times without spears....go figure). depth is 6 to 8 feet.

I used .065 wall 6061-T6 tubing, with an insert at each end. The front insert is tapered, and has a stainless steel internal sleeve that is threaded 6x1 (metric).

The rear is just a simple large chamfered hole. The spear is sealed, no water can get into the hollow pole portion.

I have some 1/2" OD with a 1/4" ID (thick wall) latex surgical tubing coming, I figure that this lightweight spear might end up being extremely fast. I will see.

[NOTANX]

pics...pics...

[Superfrog]

The epoxy will be dry enough for some pics tomorrow.

[bug_power]

As for spears...I was thinking about using some carbon arrows from Wal-mart with a fishing tip and knock insert which would work with an american style gun. WHat do you guys think about that. Seems like you could get it going pretty fast. I was shooting my Compound bow the other day thinking about this. I just don't know how to make band tabs on it.

[Superfrog]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a314/orbob/IMG_0529.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a314/orbob/IMG_0530.jpg

This is the spear. The rear and front inserts are a .002" pressfit with solid .125" stainless (316) pins pressed in. The pins were made flush with the outer profile. The spear is hollow and sealed.

The flat epoxy gray/green may be a bit too camo!

In the tapered end is an internally/externally threaded insert that is permanently bonded internally. The thread pitch is M6x1.

[OceanEd]

Many of the pole spears I use have a 3/4" diameter. When you experiment with weighting your pole spears, don't be afraid to weight them heavier than you thought you could. We have done that with a couple and really like the penetrating power it gives the pole.