How to Make a Potato Canon
A potato cannon or "spud gun" is a homemade project that propels potatoes, or other objects of similar size, with the use of compressed air. A cannon is easily built by any hobbyist to fire a variety of projectiles. While there are a few industry uses for these cannons, such as unblocking larger pipes or creating sonic waves underwater, most are built for recreational use. With some easy-to-find items, and a few minutes of time, even novice builders have the ability to create a pretty impressive potato cannon.
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Things You'll Need
- 10 to 12-inches of 3-to 4-inch diameter PVC or ABS pressure rated pipe
- 2 to 3-feet of 1 1/2- to 2-inch diameter PVC or ABS pressure rated pipe
- Reducer (from wider diameter to narrower pipe)
- Screw off end cap
- Slip to threaded fitting
- PVC or ABS cement
Instructions
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1
Cut the PVC pipes to the desired lengths, or have them cut at your local hardware store when purchasing material.
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2
Glue the chamber and the barrel pipes to the reducer using PVC cement. Allow approximately 10 minutes for glue to set before moving on.
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3
Insert screws in the middle of the chamber. Drill two holes in the middle of the chamber and drive screws in, leave approximately 1/4-inch between the two. Make sure that there is a straight line between the two - even if it means bending one of the screws.
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4
Connect BBQ sparker/igniter. Attach the sparker to the screws using extra wire if necessary. Make sure the sparker works, moving the screws closer if necessary.
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5
Wait for glue to set. The most common reason for accidents when operating a potato cannon is using the gun too quickly after assembly of a combustion-based gun. Solvent fumes are extremely flammable and the glue can provide the added fuel needed to remove a great deal of hair from the operator. So make sure you wait at least 24 hours after building your gun before you fire it.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not fire the potato canon in the direction of people, cars, or buildings, or anywhere where people could get hurt. Fire it in a safe, remote location and always with adult supervision.
