Spud Gun Cannon - version 1

==HOW TO MESSAGE FROM THE MAKER==

Thanks to all the positive responses - thought it was about time I gave a few more details...

From looking at all the videos online it seems the US has a completely different type of plumbing fittings to the UK. All the US guns are big but un-impressive.

My gun is simply a P-trap (sits under a bathroom wash basin).

- The internal trap bit is cut out to give a nice combustion chamber.

- An end cap is placed on the side outlet (I found a nice one with a bayonet fitting which makes for easy access - available at B&Q - this isn't on the one in the video so you see me opening the bottom of the trap to spray the propellant in). In the early models this end cap would often pop-off into your hand as the gun was fired so we had to superglue it into place.

- A normal piece of plastic waste pipe is then attached to the top of the trap (experiment with length - different effects).

- The igniter was the hard part - BBQ Igniters aren't easy to find in UK stores so we started with disposable lighters but depending on the model they're very hard to wire up. The coolest thing we found was a battery powered igniter for £1.99 from Morrissons (look in the kitchen section).

- To make the spark gap we mounted two strong pieces of wire with plastic outers taken from some coaxial cable (used for TV arieals). Thes were fed in through the strong platic top part of the trap (didn't want to risk weakening the main chamber walls). The ends of the wires were bared and bent so they give about a 2mm gap.

- Propellant: We tried hairspray, air freshener, Butane (lighter fuel) and deoderant (NB: not anti-perspirant). By far the best results were the deoderant (Lynx - known in Europe as Axe) which gives the most ferocious bang (surprisingly butane was more of a gentle "pop"). It took a while to learn the right mix - we started with a big spray and then allowing some air to mix in, later we found that a tiny amount was sufficient so long as you'd allowed the gun to breath by removing the bottom of the trap to let some fresh air in.

NB: one of the significant reasons why I think my cannon is more powerful than the us ones is the size of the plumbing fittings used - ours are much smaller diameter. This means that the potato is literally cored through the middle making a very tight fitting projectile. Also the smaller size probably makes form higher firing pressure.

Warning: I tried making an even bigger version using plumbing fittings used for external rainwater drainage. These are made of much more brittle plastic and as a result you should expect failure. Mine exploded on one of the first few firings and gave me a rather significant bruise (and a big smile on my face!). Part of the problem with that gun was also the combustion chamber wasn't a good shap for channelling the pressure up the barrel - stick with P-traps is my advice.

Of course I should say "Don't try this at home - all stunts were performed by a trained proessional" but that wouldn't stop you anyway so have fun and try to use your common sense.

Cheers,
Ed.

Category:

Comedy

Tags:

• Spud
• Gun
• Cannon
• Lynx
• Explosion
• Explode
• Bang
• Build
• Make
• Plumbing

[micoatienza]

hey dude...what do you called for black PVC I saw in the hardware? can I make a Spud gun throughout hte black PVC thing I saw in hardware? I wonder if it is durable..please reply. Cheers!

[ecalverley]

If you're talking about the black plastic fittings for use outside the house (Rainwater drainage and waste standpipe) then don't bother. I tried it to make a much bigger gun but the plastic is brittle and couldn't take the pressure (resulting in a small explosion followed by my leg on fire!).

If it's indoor 32mm or 40mm then it's probably the same stuff I used so possibly worth a try (with caution!).

[kasjv]

what parts did u use to make that

[ecalverley]

Read the how to in the video descrtiption (or various posts in the comments) - all will become clear..

[oishi222]

looks like a bong

[funnyanimationguy]

smallest one ive ever seen

[INSAN3k1LLER]

i have an idea of a spud gun that has not been made i have found no traces of anything like it so far i have blue prints well white prints i drew them on a paper :P haha but i am thinking of making it if i get enough likes ill make it if i get more then enough likes ill put it up in action so like like this comment

[94981745]

Impressive to get that kinda power from such a small gun

HAve a look at my spud gun its cheap but awesome h ttp:/ /w w w.youtube.com/watch?v=b1VAVN8O­8FE

[IKARTRACER]

Epic

[ethanissocool]

@micoatienza I just made one my brother is a roofer and they use the stuff when pvc is to weak he said. It is called Avb i belive works like a charm 30 bucks made a nice spud gun sorry for the late responce XD.

[LunauuLisaji759]

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[FORD427W]

cool!! a hand potato gun

[pacificaz]

Followed your design and tips, got a proper good cannon made now! i'll be posting a video up soon and i'll make sure to direct them to this video!

Thanks a lot bro!

[steveyodog]

Hey...nice gun!! I built one, but its much bigger. Have you thought of doing a short video on how you built that? I know you describe it, but video would be so much better so I dont blow my face off...:) Thx

[sano427]

im building a spud gun this size... :D i wonder if to get a bigger combustion chamber... :D

[hatemuffin]

IT CANT BE A GUN AND A CANNON!!!!!!!!!