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SPUDZILLA !

SPUDZILLA !
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ok, the fact of the matter is that led throwies SUCK! the one big reason is that you are limited by the fact that you can only throw so many so far!, so me being a logical sane person i thought" Hey I should use a cannnon!!" so i headed down to my labrotory and this is the result: oh, did i forget to mention its great at shooting other things too. E.G. potatoes, shaped rounds, MUD, watemelon, golf balls(really good at that one), paper shells packed with flower, anything you can fit down the barrel.


Hey thanks goes out to my brother, instructables member Capt.Kirk for helping me make throwies for the project
 
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Step 1Create the cannon

create the cannon
ok so im fairly certain that this has to be legally classified as a firearm, my evidence for this is one day i packed the barrel full of bb's and shot it at my fence where now all those bb's currently reside imbedded in the fence!

so to construct the cannon just follow the schematic ive drawn, it'll provide enough info to get almost all of it built, but the main valve is were a schematic just will not do. by the way its a really good idea to use two part gorrilla glue epoxy for the pipes rather than just abs cement, shure it may cost more but i wouldent skimp on it, it could cost you a limb or your life! if any of those parts where to come loose. the reason for this is that i designed this to operate around 250 psi ! so its the only way to ensure a adequate seal between each pipe and fitting
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36 comments
Mar 3, 2011. 9:01 PMilpug says:
Three questions: what PSI are you Using? Why did you choose the sprocket-actuated valve instead of a normal modded sprinkler valve? Does the air compressor charge the cannon too? One thing though: you mention using Gorilla glue in place of PVC solvent cement. That is a major error. PVC cement is designed for PVC, and that alone. Gorrilla Epoxy, while it is badass and strong, may not be exactly formulated to create a perfect bond with PVC. This is a good system.
Jan 20, 2011. 11:42 PMGhost Wolf says:
That thing is huge bring that in central park and they'll arrest you when you step one foot in!
Jan 20, 2011. 11:40 PMGhost Wolf says:
lol love that look you have in that first photo cracks me up! loma!
Oct 11, 2010. 10:23 AM999592 says:
perhaps you could create an instructable on how to create your spud cannon of death with step by step directions, because as of right now i can not make out how it is assembled.
Sep 15, 2010. 10:38 AMJamesRPatrick says:
Can you make a video showing the LEDs being fired at a surface? I mean it's kind of the whole point of the project.
Sep 24, 2010. 4:13 PMElectroinnovation says:
dude check ebay. I bought 500 insanely bright leds for lk $10
Sep 25, 2010. 7:47 PMJamesRPatrick says:
You can buy VISA giftcards at walmart. They work online.
Sep 25, 2010. 7:39 AMElectroinnovation says:
true haha
Sep 11, 2010. 9:08 AMmr.incredible says:
It's dangerous to solder directly to the battery?
Sep 15, 2010. 10:40 AMJamesRPatrick says:
You know, when batteries overheat they tend to explode, or shoot caustic fumes out of the emergency valves, depending on the type.
Sep 23, 2010. 6:32 PMmr.incredible says:
Joke...
Sep 23, 2010. 6:36 PMmr.incredible says:
Soldering is okay if your quick like a bunny... A lot of batteries are difficult to solder because they have stainless tips. It takes too long to solder it, if you can at all. check it with a magnet first. Commercial batteries are always spot welded. Even if you go to a battery store and have them make custom batteries.
Sep 11, 2010. 2:38 PMRadBear says:
I don't know myself, that just seems to be the recurring comment everytime someone does it.
Sep 11, 2010. 7:06 PMeecharlie says:
If you get a very loud report when fire a potato cannon, I believe that means your barrel is too short.

The gas behind the projectile is still under a lot of pressure when the projectile leaves the barrel if you hear a loud report. If the barrel were longer, the pressurized gas could have accelerated the projectile more, and there would be less (nearly zero, ideally) pressure released when the projectile exits. You'll have to do some math to figure out exactly how long as a function of your pressure chamber volume and firing pressure.
Sep 11, 2010. 2:52 PMosepogue says:
The aluminum stuff is called 8020, the "industrial erector set". Check out 8020.net

It is rather pricey, but cool stuff.
Sep 11, 2010. 8:50 AMduckythescientist says:
That is the most badass-looking spud-gun that I have ever seen!!!! Instead of paper wadding, a crumpled up plastic Walmart (or similar) bag works well. That is what I use when I am firing my cannon and don't want to actually shoot anything of substance.
Sep 11, 2010. 7:50 AMRadBear says:
Cool. You're going to get a lot of comments on how unsafe it is to solder directly to the surface of a battery.
Sep 11, 2010. 8:37 AMdarkclaw42 says:
Its dangerous to solder directly to the battery.
Sep 11, 2010. 9:08 AMcrankyjew says:
it's not if you know what you're doing.
Sep 13, 2010. 3:29 PMdarkclaw42 says:
Knowledge, and a short linger time on the battery with the soldering iron is fine.
Sep 11, 2010. 9:16 AMmr.incredible says:
I like how manly and technical it looks. A simple sprinkler valve works great, and is cheaper. You replace the solenoid with a air nozzle. Load up the tank, and press the air nozzle button and poof. no power required.

I noticed you bypassed the compressor for your test. How long does it take to pump up the tank with the AC?

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Author:kyle brinkerhoff(mormon.org)
hi i enjoy making ludicrisly over the top and complex devices.... only thing that helps with the ADD..... Being an ameture engineer, I refuse pick the easy option, but rather the one that seems best, ...
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