Learn how to build a potato cannon from http://dangerouslyfun.com/spud-gun/.
I am including this as a warning.
It is very dangerous and if you choose to do this, do it properly – away from cities first of all as it makes a very LOUD explosive boom. Also, you really can put an eye out with this one, so be careful.
No matter the name you use – and there are many: spud gun, potato cannon, spudzooka, spudchucker, and more – there is no bigger smile on your face than after you have launced a veggie across your backyard. This classic version is a favorite.
Built to fire potatoes as a hobby or other items as a practical use, this low speed cannons use air pressure, gaseous fuel or both on this pipe-based gun.
| Danger Level | Materials | Tools |
| negligible | A. Flint igniter (lantern lighter) | K. Drill |
| moderate | B. 4″ PVC cleanout plug | L. Hand Saw |
| high | C. 4″ PVC fitting cleanout adapter | M. File |
| DO NOT DO THIS | D. 4″ PVC coupling | |
| E. 4″ x 24″ PVC pipe | ||
| F. 2″ x 4″ PVC increaser reducer | ||
| G. 2″ x 48″ PVC pipe | ||
| H. PVC cleaner, primer, & cement | ||
| I. Sack of patatoes | ||
| J. Hair spray (aerosol) |
how-to
1. Cut the PVC components to length and clean and prime the joints. Cement components C thru G together.
2. Drill a hole for the lantern lighter in the middle of pipe E and then install the lighter with its included hardware. These lighters are very compact and use flint to produce a strong spark. You can find them in the camping section of large department stores.
3. With the file, sharpen the circumference of pipe G. This makes shoving the potato in easier because the pipe will cut off the excess potato.
You’re ready to launch!
a. Find a very large, open area to launch the gun.
b. Load a potato. Use a stick or rod to plunge it most of the way down the barrel.
c. Spray the hair spray (make sure it’s flamable) into the fat end of the gun. If you use too little the potato won’t go far; too much and it won’t launch at all because there isn’t enough oxygen in the chamber.
d. Quickly screw on the plug (part B).
e. Hold the gun at your side, aiming in a safe direction. Give the lighter a quick flick, as if you’re snapping your fingers.
How to build a Patato Cannon video
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