How to Make a Potato Launcher

People have been making potato launchers for years, and enjoying shooting them at various random objects with the always enjoyable splat of a spent potato. However, many people have no idea how to make this simple contraption. If you have ever wanted to make your own potato launcher here is what you do.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• 2 feet of 6-inch circumference PVC piping with grooved male ends
• 1 foot of 12-inch circumference PVC piping with tapered 6-inch grooved female ends and 1 cap
• Hand drill
• Crazy glue
• Flick igniter switch
• Can of hairspray
• Bag of large potatoes

1. Purchase supplies. A trip to a local hardware store or home supplies store will provide you with all the necessary supplies for about $30.
2. Drill hole in ends of chamber. The small piece of PVC with the tapered ends will constitute the combustion chamber. Drill a small hole in towards the end of one side of this canister for the flick igniter.
3. Install igniter. This is the trickiest part. You need to reach your hands inside the canister and install the igniter. Typically the igniter will have a flick switch, which is external, and a long screw attachment for the igniter, which is installed through the hole you drilled and firmly secured.
4. Glue PVC together. Take your longer PVC piece (this will be the barrel) and screw one end into the 1 foot section of PVC piping with the grooved ends. You will want to coat the grooves with crazy glue prior to attaching them so they are secure and leak proof.
5. Cap the end of the canister. Drill a small hole in the center of the cap and screw it on to end of the canister, this secures the combustion chamber.
6. Air-dry the launcher. Allow the launcher at least an hour for the glue to set and dry before using.
7. How to use the launcher. Cut a large potato in half and jam it about halfway down the barrel of the launcher. Unscrew the bottom cap of the launcher and give a good five second spray of the hair spray and then immediately screw the cap back on. Aim the barrel well away from people or pets and flick the igniter switch.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to get a good spray of the combustible fluid in the combustion chamber prior to launching.
• Potato launchers shoot a projectile at very high speeds, always exercise extreme caution when using, and never aim at any living thing.