how to make a pneumatic spud launcher

How to launch a potato using a compressed air system

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People & Blogs

Tags:

• spud
• launcher
• potato
• gun
• pneumatic

[MrgotPump]

can i do this, but use a 1/4" ball valve and reducers?

[sigmedicalnerdstuff]

@MrgotPump you bet! In fact if you are going to put gasoline in it and make a fireball launcher I recommend ball valves instead of sprinkler valves because the fuel destroys sprinkler valves diaphragms.

A ball valve won't work as good as a sprinkler valve for shooting potatoes though because you need to release the air all at once and you can't twist your wrist that fast. The mythbusters used a ball valve and a device called a pneumatic actuator to open the valve really fast on their cannon.

[ChevyGuy8395]

What hole are you blocking off at about 0:53 ?

[sigmedicalnerdstuff]

@ChevyGuy8395

On the model 57661 jar top sprinkler valve there is a small round shaft at the end of the valve. Its in the middle of the hole where you attach your barrel. Rain Bird valves don't have these shafts from what I've heard. If you have a Orbit brand valve you must block off this shaft in order for it to work correctly.

[13attleflame]

wat glue are u using for the bike valve glueing

[sigmedicalnerdstuff]

@13attleflame

In this video I used ABS cement however I have since found a better way to make the schrader valve:

Go to your local tire shop and ask them to give you a schrader and they have valves that you just tighten down with a wrench. You squeeze a rubber seal against the cap instead of using glue. They work way better and I have been getting them for free.

[xQHacks]

You want to be careful using DWV in cannons. Always buy pressure rated fittings.

[electronics740]

@mrgotpump yes u can use those things u were talking about

[stupid2monkey]

hey could you send me a list off all the parts and instruction in detail of how you put it to gether

[19capncrunch96]

@sigmedical Ok well i supposedly finished my pneumatic air cannon but...it doesn't seem to work right. it doesn't shoot farther then about 75 feet unless theirs like a perfect seal in the barrel. so im not sure what to do because Ive tried just about everything i know how to do.

[sigmedical]

@19capncrunch96

It will work fine it just doesn't release air as fast. If they had a two inch sprinkler valve I would buy it over a 1 inch. Its all about releasing the most air at a time that you can.

[19capncrunch96]

I'm making a similar version to your smaller gun, the barrel is 2" and the compression chamber is 3" and i bought a 3/4" sprinkler valve is that going to be a problem or will it be okay?