How To Make An Air Cannon (In 5 Steps)

This Instructable will teach you to make a basic, easily modded air cannon. The single-barreled version shoots 'ACRAZY far.

USE EXTREME CAUTION WITH THE PVC CEMENT AND EPOXY

Step 1: Gather the parts

The following is a list of required parts:
 
If you want a double-barrel, include these parts in addition to the other parts:

1' of 1" diameter, threaded PVC pipe
3 1 1/2 long, 1" diameter threaded PVC pipe
2 quantity: 90 degree elbow joints (1" diameter)
1" diameter 3 way T-shaped pipe

If you want a single-barreled version, only use these parts
1' of 1" diameter, threaded PVC pipe
1 1/2 long 1" diameter threaded PVC pipe
1" diameter metal ball valve
1 or 2  ft. (The longer this pipe is, the more powerful the gun, but this is also for you to choose) of 2" diameter, (non-threaded) PVC pipe
Bicycle tire, any size
2" to 1" PVC reducer, non-threaded to threaded
2" PVC connector (used to join two 2" diam. pipes, ask an employee at a hardware store)
2" diameter PVC endcap

Now for the hardware

Epoxy, preferably flexible
Bike Pump
PVC primer
PVC cement
Scissors
Clamp (optional)

Comments

[imthatguy1125]

You will defiantally want a longer barrel because your wastin tons of power with the mini barrals and you should upgrade to a sprinkler valve of a piston valve

[tyronejk]

to maximize efficiency, the volume of the barrel should be proportional to the volume of the air tank and pressure.

For example, since atmospheric pressure is 14.7 psi and you pump your cannon to 100 psi, 100/14.7 = ~6.8. So, the volume of the barrel should be 6.8 times the volume of the air tank.

[1337f0x]

 thanks for the tip, this is only my first gun, so i dont know a lot

[imthatguy1125]

yeah well its a lot nicer than my first cannon, if you want more info check out www.spudfiles.com it will give you all the info you want on air cannons

[ElectroFrank]

I would like to suggest that all high pressure air cannon instructables should include a warning such as:

"These air weapons can shoot things fast enough to cause severe injuries.  Never use them to shoot things at people."