A simple but powerful pneumatic spud gun

In this 'ible i'll show you how to create a simple but powerfull spud gun. (a.k.a. the taser totter a.k.a the tater tosser a.k.a. the potatoe cannon a.k.a. the spud-zooka)

However, instead of the commonly found and more dangerous combustion based spud gun, we'll be building a pneumatic spud gun. (It fires using compressed air) The gun's design and inner workings are actually very simple. Using an air compressor, a chamber is filled with air. This air is held in the chamber by a valve. When the valve opens quickly (in a fraction of a second) an enormous amount of pressure is released onto the projectile, forcing it down the barrel, and finally, out of the gun into your neighbor's window.

Before we begin, I nor Instructables will hold responsibility over what you do with the information you are about to recieve. If this form of pneumatics is illegal in your area you will be held accountable for your actions. Even if it is not illegal for you, you are accountable for yourself. This project is not reccomended for small children as this is dangerous. once again, I NOR INSTRUCTABLES WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS.

Head to the next step to find out what materials you'll need.

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Step 1: What you'll need

In this step we'll be finding or buying our parts. (If you dont know what this is ask your local hardware store for assistance. Just don't tell them what its for as this gun may be illegal in your area.) you'll need:

Materials:

- a 5' peice of sch 40 280 psi pvc pipe

- two 2" 90 degree elbow joints

- two 2" "t" joints

- 2" cleanout plug

- 2" single flange quarter turn ball valve

- a tank valve (MP3229) 1/8" male NPT threads

- a 115 psi 1/4" NPT tank safety valve (pressure relief valve)

- teflon tape

-any form of liquid soap for leak testing (kaboom works well)

Tools:

- 1/8" NPT pipe tap

-1/4" NPt pipe tap

- 0.344 drill

- 0.437 drill

- a saw

-pvc primer and cement

-a dremel tool with a relatively large sanding bit

Patman27 says: Mar 6, 2011. 2:13 PM

Cool 'ible!
Now for some corrections:

Combustion-based spud guns are actually SAFER than pneumatic spud guns for a few reasons. For starters, the pipe and the joints don't withstand high pressure for long periods of time, and the margin for error while building them isn't as narrow. This is because the pressure generated from combustion is generally much lower than the pressure used to arm pneumatic spud guns, and this pressure is only sustained for the 0.25s or so during the firing cycle. They're also easier and less expensive to construct as they don't need extra fittings for the reservoir, and there isn't a need for a quick-release valve such as a sprinkler valve or a piston system. Combustion spud guns can also shoot a variety of household-variety fuels (i.e. hair spray, deodorant, butane, propane, etc.) EXCEPT for fuels such as HYDROGEN, ACETYLENE, OXYGEN, or any other high-powered gas. These would likely cause the combustion chamber to EXPLODE.

Ball valves aren't usually the best valves to use on pneumatic spud guns, as they can't open quick enough to let all the air out of the reservoir by the time the projectile has cleared the barrel. They do work, but a modified sprinkler valve would be a much better choice.

Great use of a safety valve! I see you thought that scenario out in advance. Props!

messmaker says: Mar 21, 2010. 5:32 AM

ill pay you 150 to make one for me.

jj.inc says: Feb 14, 2011. 6:21 PM

I found this where you can order a bigger one here for less:
http://jjincorperated.weebly.com/air-gun-order-form.html

Here is my instructable of assembling mine:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Multi-Barrel-Air-Gunpaint-ball-tennis-ball-pota/

Cool cannon by the way, I love the design!!

messmaker says: Feb 15, 2011. 12:52 AM

thanks.