How to Build a Safe and Effective Potato Cannon

Have you ever wanted to make something really cool that’s both fun and practical? Well, let me introduce you to the potato cannon. A potato cannon is a device that can launch a raw potato at high speeds and great distances. Although it sounds dangerous, building one is actually quite simple and safe if proper precautions are taken.

There are many different methods for building a potato cannon, but in this article, we will go over a basic design using PVC pipes and a barbecue ignition as the fuel source. This design is affordable, easy to build, and can launch potatoes up to 300 yards away! So, let’s gather our materials and get started on building your very own potato cannon.

1. Gather Your Materials

To get started building your potato cannon, you will need a few key materials. Here’s a list of the things you’ll need to acquire before getting started on your DIY project:
– PVC pipe (two or three inch diameter)
– End cap for PVC pipe
– Ignition source (like a grill lighter)
– Propane torch
– Teflon tape
– Drill
– Drill bit sized for the rod
– Threaded rod
– Screws
– Power saw

2. Cut the PVC Pipe to Length

Using a power saw, cut your PVC pipe to the desired length for your potato cannon. This length will depend on the size of the cannon you want to create. A typical potato cannon is around four feet long.

3. Drill a Hole for the Ignition Source

Using your drill, bore a small hole in the side of the PVC pipe near the end cap. This hole will be used to ignite the propane and power your potato cannon.

4. Cut a Hole for Your Potato

Using your power saw, cut a hole in the side of the PVC pipe for your potato. This hole should be the same diameter as the potato you plan to use.

5. Install the Threaded Rod

Using a drill bit the same size as the threaded rod, drill a hole through the end cap of the PVC pipe. Insert the threaded rod through the hole in the end cap and attach the end cap to the back end of the PVC pipe.

6. Screw the Ignition Source into Place

Using screws, attach the ignition source (like a grill lighter) to the hole you drilled in the side of the PVC pipe.

7. Wrap Teflon Tape around the Threaded Rod

To create an air-tight seal in the cannon, wrap Teflon tape around the threaded rod.

8. Attach the Propane Torch

Attach the propane torch to the end of the threaded rod inside the PVC pipe.

9. Load Your Potato Cannon with a Potato

Insert a potato into the hole you cut in the side of the PVC pipe.

10. Fire Your Potato Cannon!

To fire your potato cannon, aim it away from people or property, turn on the propane, and ignite the cannon with the ignition source. The pressure inside the PVC pipe will launch the potato up to several hundred feet away! Make sure to always use caution and follow all safety guidelines when using your homemade potato cannon.

Section 2: Materials and Tools Needed

1. PVC Pipes and Fittings

The first essential item you need for making a potato cannon is PVC pipes and fittings. These materials are readily available at your local hardware store and are inexpensive. You will need PVC pipes with a diameter of at least 4-inches for the body of the cannon. You will also need PVC fittings such as couplings, end caps, and tees to connect the pipes and create the chamber and barrel.

2. Power Drill

Another important tool you need for making a potato cannon is a power drill. You will use it to drill holes in the PVC pipes for the igniter and the barrel. The igniter hole should be about 1-inch above the middle of the chamber, while the barrel should be located at the end of the chamber and have a diameter of 1 to 2 inches.

3. Saw

A saw is also required for cutting the PVC pipes to the desired length. You can use a hand saw or a power saw to cut the chamber and the barrel to the desired length.

4. PVC Glue

PVC glue is essential for joining the PVC pipes and fittings properly. It is important to use the right amount of glue and to allow it to dry completely before testing out your potato cannon.

5. Propane or Butane Gas

To fuel your potato cannon, you will need propane or butane gas. These gases are readily available at your local hardware store, and you can use either one to power your cannon. A standard propane or butane torch can be used to ignite the gas.

6. BBQ Lighter

You will also need a BBQ lighter to ignite the gas in the potato cannon. A lighter with a long handle or extended nozzle is recommended to keep your hands at a safe distance from the cannon.

7. Potatoes

Of course, you cannot make a potato cannon without potatoes! You can use any size of the potato, but a medium-sized potato is recommended. You will also need a sharp knife to cut the potato into the right size and shape to fit into the cannon.

8. Safety Glasses

Safety glasses are an essential item to have when making a potato cannon. The PVC pipes can shatter or explode, so it is important to protect your eyes during the construction process and when testing out the cannon.

9. Gloves

Wearing gloves when making a potato cannon is also recommended. The PVC glue and pipes can be sharp, and the gas can be dangerous. To protect your hands, use gloves that fit snugly and do not interfere with your ability to work.

10. Tape Measure

Finally, a tape measure is necessary to measure the length of the chamber and the barrel accurately. This is important to ensure that the potato fits snugly into the barrel and that the gas combusts correctly. It is also critical to measure each PVC pipe correctly to ensure a secure and reliable fit.

Section 3: Materials Needed for Making a Potato Cannon

A potato cannon is an easy and fun DIY project that anybody can make with the right materials. Before going ahead to make a potato cannon, it is important to make sure that you have all the necessary materials needed. Here are the materials you will need to make your own potato cannon:

1. PVC Pipes

For this project, you will need two PVC pipes. The first one should be a 2-inch diameter PVC pipe that is about four feet long, which will serve as the chamber for the cannon. The second one should be a 1-inch diameter PVC pipe that is about six feet long, which will serve as the barrel for the cannon.

2. End Caps

End caps are used to seal off the ends of the PVC pipes. You will need four end caps in total – two each for both the chamber and the barrel. Make sure that the end caps fit the size of the PVC pipes you are using.

3. PVC Cement and Primer

PVC cement and primer are used to connect the PVC pipes and end caps securely. Make sure that you buy the right type of cement and primer that is suitable for PVC pipes.

4. Ignition System

The ignition system is what you will use to ignite the fuel in the chamber to launch the potato. You can make use of several different ignition systems such as a barbecue lighter or a stun gun. Choose an ignition system that is safe and easy to use.

5. Fuel

The fuel used in a potato cannon is usually either hairspray or propane gas. Hairspray is a more convenient and safer option for beginners, but propane gas is more powerful.

Assemble all of the materials before beginning the construction process. Being well-prepared ensures that there are no interruptions or trips to the store to find additional materials. In the next section, we will go through the process of assembling the potato cannon.

That’s it! Make sure not to shoot your eye out

Thanks for sticking with me throughout this tutorial for crafting your very own potato cannon. I hope you had as much fun building it as I did writing about it. Now go out there and launch some spuds! And don’t forget to come back for more exciting DIY projects you can create in the comfort of your own backyard. Stay safe and thanks for reading!