Principal Technician/Automotive Research Technician/Metal fabricator & welder.

**Paul Buckner** · Apr 17, 2015, 11:49 PM

Hello everyone, I'm not very computer tech.savvy, but I love to build things at work & at home. Currently, at home I'm (1) building a hydraulic log pusher for a friends Wood Miser LT15 bandsaw mill (a backsaver & speed clamp dog). (2)Building a gasoline powered 30 gal. portable Air Compressor, starting with a bare Speedaire tank & 1/4" plate steel to form a motor/comp mounting plate, for air tools, sand blasting, & blowing my home made pvc train horns. (3) Building authentically sounding tuned pneumatic train horns. I'm building my second set, tuned to D#, F# & B (1st horn set is tuned to C#, E, &A). I don't dare blow them without hearing protection (earplugs!) Estimated sound pressure is about 124 dB! I intended to mount them on my small car, but I'm having too much fun showing & blowing them for friends. Several have repeatedly insisted that I build them a set! So, I've developed steel jigs & fixtures to make it simpler, easier, & faster to fabricate 10 sets for them & to determine labor & materials cost so a reasonable price can be set. I just bought over $300.00 worth of materials & have roughly a $100.00 more to go.

**Jon** · Apr 18, 2015, 01:33 AM

Hi Paul - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

Sounds like you have your hands full! The train horns sound especially interesting. Post some pics if you have any

**kbalch** · Apr 20, 2015, 11:53 AM

Hi Paul,

Welcome!

Some very cool stuff there. What sort of size and weight are we talking about for those horns and associated equipment? I'm always looking for louder horns to fit to motorcycles and sports cars…

Let's see some photos of your work!

Ken

**DIYer** · Apr 20, 2015, 08:48 PM

Cool projects! I've experienced hearing what sounded like a semi pass me, only to see that it was a small pickup.

**kbalch** · Apr 21, 2015, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by DIYer

Cool projects! I've experienced hearing what sounded like a semi pass me, only to see that it was a small pickup.

Ha! But you heard him, right?

When I'm riding or driving a sports car, I'm all about conspicuity - both visual and aural. Can't be too careful!!

Ken

**Paul Buckner** · Apr 21, 2015, 11:39 PM

Jon, KB. & DIYer, Thanks for the welcome. I have this Galaxy Tab4 device & I will figure out how to post some pictures out of the gallery, eventually, Ha! I feel old somehow

As to dimensions, the longest horn (C#) is 21.25" from the back of the 3" dia. pvc reducer "diaphragm/nozzle chamber" to the 4" dia. funnel flare "outlet". The shortest (A) is 15.375" long.
All 3 horns are attached to an angle aluminum bracket, w/ U shaped handle & 0.5" id ball valve to control the airflow. The 5ft. air supply hose goes from a galvanized pipe manifold on an 11gal. Craftsman spare air tank (135psi max.) The tank still has the Safety Relief valve & original tire chuck & hose. I have no compressor yet (too expensive), but get free, dehumidified shop air from work anytime I want.