Cutting the Stovepipe

[meltman]

Hello all. I'm working on a centerfeed project with an RT Pro stovepipe body. I'm wanting to significantly lower the hopper using a Geo feedneck.
My question is around where I should cut the stovepipe.

I can cut it higher, above the vent hole, which will leave a little more rigidity in the feedneck (top arrow).
OR
I can cut it right through the hole, which will provide a "no rise" lowest possible hopper position.

Which do you think is the most appropriate place to cut? I know we're talking about a quarter inch of difference. Should I cut above the hole or right through it?

[Hellion360]

I have cut a couple above the hole with good results.
Haven't cut any through but I am curious how it goes.

[superman]

I have cut one above the hole as well. This will give you some reference as far as height.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4442p6q7f4U

[meltman]

I'm thinking I'll just "send it" and cut through the hole for lowest possible rise. It's stainless steel and tough as hell.

The feedneck will then cover the hole and look a little cleaner once it's on. I'll just "U" shape the hole.

[Grendel]

I used a pipe cutter with pretty good success. Just exercise patience because if you get too aggressive with a pipe cutter the cut will wander. With a pipe cutter is leaves quite a lib to debur and I used a ream in my drill press to remove that.

[meltman]

Sent it. Still some filing and cleanup to do but this pleases me greatly. Looks absolutely great and once I re-polish the body it should be quite the good looking setup.

[meltman]

Finished filing and cleanup. definitely cool looking compared to a stock powerfeed body. The actual clamping force of the feed neck "just" gets into the hole barely.

IMG_2413.jpg

[Myrkul]

Have you tested it yet? I'd be concerned about blowback up the feedneck of that hole is completely obstructed.

[meltman]

Have you tested it yet? I'd be concerned about blowback up the feedneck of that hole is completely obstructed.

Excellent question!

So the feedneck mount position has slots right on top of the hole which allows air out. It's not totally sealed up there. I've not seen issues yet after firing some practice plastic rounds. The other thing to think about is I'm using a positive feed hopper (Dye LT-R) so balls really can't blow back up since they always have some spring pressure trying to feed them.

Might be an issue with a Revvy though. Fortunately that technology is basically dead these days.

[Myrkul]

Right on. I've had a few markers where the blow back up the feedneck was aggressive enough that it would break paint in my LTR, so I was just making sure that this could still breathe!

[Jordan]

Have you tested it yet? I'd be concerned about blowback up the feedneck of that hole is completely obstructed.

It's no worse than a RF Mag body (non-powerfeed). Meltman has the right idea - use a LT-R and there's zero problems.

[meltman]

For anyone interested, here's where we ended up after polishing up the body.

[GenPunishment]

Looks great!

[meltman]

As a followup - played with it on Sat. Went through a full case of paint and had zero feed issues. Didn't chop or barrel break a single ball all day.