Pirate Cannon - A working replica of a naval cannon that fires pneumatically

Step 7 For Those About To Rock

Start things off on a low PSI, say 30 or so until you are comfortable with the operation and range. So far, I've only shot "stage" rounds out of it for the kids in the neighborhood. I wrap about a 1/4 cup of baby powder in a sheet of tissue paper and spray paint the ball black. To load I insert two sheets of wadding (tissue cut into 6 x 6 inch squares then the faux cannon ball on top. Slide this down the barrel with a dowel cut to the correct length so it is seated at about the bottom of the barrel. The result is a nice pop and a cloud of "smoke".

A real pyrotechnician might develop a load that would use the compressed air to dispurse a liquid also known as a flame projector, but only with the correct permits, safety equipment, and plenty of insurance.

Comments

[garypatty]

this site is great, we have had a pirate theme for years now. I have a few questions. what is 1/4" quick release? 1/4 - 3/4" fitting? Thanks, Gary.

[KronoNaut]

Really great tutorial, thanks. You can also glue two styrofoam cups bottom to bottom and after cutting them down to the right diameter, insert them down the tube to shoot out items like candy, birdseed, etc.