How to Make a Smoke Ring Mini Canon

Smoke rings give your party a different atmosphere.

A smoke ring mini cannon adds to the atmosphere of a party or event, without filling the room with too much smoke. It is suited for parties held in your home, rather than a larger hall. Making a smoke ring cannon yourself requires few materials and is inexpensive, unlike commercial smoke cannons. It is quick and easy to make, and once finished you can use it again whenever you like.

Things You'll Need

• Tin can
• Can opener
• Thin cardboard
• Scissors
• Duct tape
• Quarter
• Incense
• Matches

Instructions

1. Use a tin can at the size you wish to make your cannon. Cut off both ends of the tin using a can opener. Wash the inside of the tin thoroughly.

2. Place the tin on a piece of cardboard. Draw an outline of both the ends and cut out the cardboard circles.

3. Stick the circles to either end of the can with duct tape. Tape all the way around the edges to seal any gaps and make the tube airtight.

4. Lay a quarter in the center of a cardboard circle and draw around it. Cut this circle from the cardboard using scissors.

5. Light a stick of incense and allow it to burn for a minute or so. Dampen the cardboard slightly to prevent the incense from burning it. Lay the cannon on its side and slide the incense stick through the hole.

6. Tape over the hole to allow a buildup of smoke within the cannon. The time this takes will depend on the size of your tin.

7. Remove the tape from the hole and tap on the other end of the tin. Rings of smoke will begin to materialize from the hole in the cannon.

References

• Steve Spangler Science: How to Make Giant Smoke Rings
• This & That: Wayne Smidt's Smoke Ring and Air Blaster Gun Page