Introduction: Mini Potato Launcher
mini launcher, cheap to build and fires up to 30m!
Step 1: Parts
-2 bottles -(coca-cola)
-piezo (lighters off bbq's)
-texter or pen (connectoer pens work best)
-pvc glue
-2 screws
-tape (i used making tape, it works better)
-1 inch pvc pipe
-lynx deodourant ( or a cheap copy )
Step 2: Putting Together or Construction
1. Cut 4 to 6 inches of (1 inch) pvc pipe. It won't matter how long, but I made mine about 5 inch.
2. Then cut away the thread and rib of the bottles ( where the lid screws on, include the whole thread and rib).
3. In one of the lids, cut a hole just big enough fo the pen to push into(with force).
4. Glue the pen into the lid
5. Once that dries, glue the bottle threads inside the pipe. ( u may need to file the rib at the end of the thread, so that it will fit into the pipe).
6. Now make sure the lids screw on
7. drill two holes in the pipe, and screw in the ...screws. check that they are about half a cm from touching each other inside. because the spark from the piezo has to jump across the screws to ignite the gas.
8. screw the cables from your piezo to the screws on the pipe
Step 3: Aim..... Fire!
!!!!!!Make sure the glue is dry b4 testing!!!!!!
-to fire
1. push the end of the pen into a potato, then make sure the potato is pushed down further into the pen.
2. unscrew the lid on the opposing side
3. get some deodourant, body spray type works better than powder.
4. spray some deodourant inside the pipe, when spraying- hold can 6inches away from pipe ( this makes sure the gas, oxygen and the liquid are put inside) trust me, u need all three.
5. put the cap back on quickly, aim and fire by pushing the button on your piezo.
-- my one shoots about 25 meters, depending on what type of deodourant is used. (some work better than others)
~If u make this instructable, please note that I will not be held responsible for any injuries. one more thing, dont use ball bearings! wink, wink. they are dangerous!
19 Comments
14 years ago on Step 1
can u make some catapults i like some of your instructables but i love catapults =)
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
check out my slingshot/catapult instructables
15 years ago on Introduction
An alternative to the pop bottles would be to use PVC to pipe thread fittings with plugs or caps (depending on whether you get the male or female fittings). It'll cost more of course, but it's another way. I've also heard that the best fuel for spud guns is the cheapest hair spray you can get (as long as it's flammable).
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I'm aware that pipe ends and such are available for 3 inch diameters, but do suitable ones exist for mini builds? I have yet to come across any.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Take a look at http://www.plumbingsupply.com/pvc.html and go down to Threaded Caps - Fips - #448, Threaded Plugs - #450, etc. I would think your local hardware store should have something like these. If not, check any local plumbers.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
actually, the best thing is to have a film canister as combustion chamber or an empty pill canister, both good. and methylated spirits is good, it can be applied to the bottle as a liquid and not a spray..
15 years ago on Introduction
is there anything else 4 the sparker that you could use???
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
You can drill a small hole just big enough to put a match into. This method is not safe, but it's the most effective (more so than piezo sparkers). Wear some sort of glove if you do it this way. You can also try getting one of those incense sticks, those should work tool
15 years ago on Introduction
O.K....I am a lil slow on this one. Could you post a video along with this. It sure would help those of us that road the short school bus.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
its ok butters
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Basically, a spark ignites fuel. This explodes, forcing the ammo out
15 years ago on Introduction
try using a markers a the combustion chamber
15 years ago on Introduction
tat was way 2 complicated
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
the writing seems complicated but if u get a general idea of wat a potatoe cannon is then look at the pics (specialy the final one) u can patch it together yourself
15 years ago on Introduction
thanx for the advice
15 years ago on Introduction
Where do I get mini potatoes?
15 years ago on Introduction
Be careful with this AKA Don't take this to school I made one similar to this and I got two months of alternative school and a ticket
15 years ago on Introduction
dangerous! you didnt say something like "im not responsible for what you or your stupid friends do with this". and also "do not point at humans, animals or any other thing that if you shoot at the owner will sue your ***". except for that; nice instroctable! -gamer
15 years ago on Introduction
Nice instructable and welcome to instructables!