How to Make a Coaxial Air Cannon

 by NightHawkInLight
Featured
video How to Make a Coaxial Air Cannon
This video shows how I make a compact 2" bore air cannon with a coaxial piston valve. To understand how these valves work examine the third animation in the following link:
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/piston-valves-explained-visually-t8157.html
I also go into more detail of how these cannons function in a video I made many years ago, showing how to build a smaller version using these same principles:
http://youtu.be/9oARDyn4WwE

Warning: It is specifically against manufacturer recommendations to use PVC to contain pressurized air. This video is solely for education and entertainment purposes.

The parts used in this cannon are as follows:
(1) 3' length of 3" diameter pressure rated PVC pipe
(1) 3'2" length of 2" diameter pressure rated PVC pipe
(1) 1/2" PVC ball valve
(1) 1/2" x 2" long threaded PVC pipe nipple
(1) 1 1/2" to 1/2" threaded PVC reducer
(1) 3" to 1 1/2" PVC reducer
(1) 3" PVC coupling
(1) 3" female threaded adapter
(1) 3" male threaded adapter
(1) 3" to 2" PVC reducer
(4) 1" long self tapping screws
(1) brass air compressor tank valve
(2) 3" galvanized steel gas vent tee caps
(1) 3" rubber washer or sheet rubber
(1) 3" tank to bowl rubber gasket

Other supplies and tools needed:
PVC Primer & Cement
Epoxy
Super Glue
TFE Pipe Thread Paste
Coarse and fine Sandpaper
Bench Grinder or Metal Files
Drill & Bits
Bicycle Pump or Air Compressor

Thanks for watching!
buskrat says: Jun 17, 2013. 9:13 PM
I just recently tried the down size one to launch marshmellows (big kid mallow wars) and I cannot figure out the piston it won't seal to the barrel and when I get it to the pressure only holds for a few seconds do I need the piston to be a tighter fit of is my sealing surface on the end of the barrel the problem?
aceylan8 says: Jun 9, 2013. 9:49 AM
Could I make a 1 or 1 1/2 inch barrel instead if so what would I have to change?
NightHawkInLight (author) in reply to aceylan8Jun 9, 2013. 8:32 PM
Just the reducer in the front to bring it down to the smaller size.
aceylan8 says: Jun 8, 2013. 10:59 AM
How much did this cost?
jimbob1996 says: May 16, 2013. 3:10 AM
I find that the best projectile for a 2 inch barrel is a golf ball. Works perfectly with my metric 50mm barrel
mudfish says: Mar 31, 2013. 4:04 PM
beautiful !!!...as soon as turkey season is over...
kevin schill says: Mar 30, 2013. 3:24 PM
very well written ,most informative . can't wait to try this.
anthony_mansker says: Mar 28, 2013. 10:37 PM
If I was to use a sprinkler valve instead of the ball valve on the back which way should the flow ????
alahlou says: Feb 15, 2013. 8:24 PM
Hey! Great ible. I was just wondering the ballpark for how much this costs from scratch
Half says: Feb 3, 2013. 10:04 PM
Great air cannon. Just if other people were wondering you can use a simple bike valve instead of the one he has. It can hold a considerable amount of pressure (more or less 100 psi) and all you have to do is glue it on with sealant.
robertrunyon says: Feb 1, 2013. 7:44 AM
You forgot to list:

(1) 3" tank to bowl rubber gasket.

This is my next spud gun.

In the video you mention only pressurizing to 40psi. Have you tried higher? I regularly go to about 110psi with my sprinkler valve actuated spud launcher.
NightHawkInLight (author) in reply to robertrunyonFeb 1, 2013. 8:23 AM
Thank you, I'll add it to the list. I do go to around 110, but I don't recommend it to people who may be working with PVC for the first time.
cryophile says: Jan 31, 2013. 10:41 AM
That's a great cannon! What should I do if I want to increase the power?
NightHawkInLight (author) in reply to cryophileJan 31, 2013. 10:56 AM
To increase the power, adapt the back of the cannon to accept a 3/4" threaded pipe nipple rather than 1/2", and use a sprinkler valve rather than the ball valve. Look up how to modify a sprinkler valve for air use and you'll be in business.
jimmyf says: Jan 31, 2013. 5:47 AM
Very professionally made ible. Thanks for sharing
Tachyon says: Jan 30, 2013. 5:43 AM
Nicely done. Thanks.
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