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Everyone loves to eat potato’s, but shooting them out of a mortar can be just as enjoyable. Also known as a spudzooka, potato gun, potato cannon and Spud Gun, this is a fun project that demonstrates the principles of physics. Part of the adventure and enjoyment of manufacturing a potato cannon is to experiment with the basic illustration to tweak performance and learn priceless engineering tutoring. Here’s how to engineer your own potato launcher.

It is crucial to point out to persons that the aim of your spud launcher is increased by the length of your pipe. You also need to note that the compustion chamber has to be enlarged if you are using a longer cylinder or are looking for extended distance. The finest models I have seen so far have a shorter combustion socket with a wide diameter, an electric ignition off of a portable camping stove, a sharpened barrel edge (for faster loading of potatoes), a shoulder tie for easier aiming, and an under-barrel ram pole similar to those used on muskets and antique guns. Never shoot a potato blaster from on top of your shoulder. A backfire next to your face can waste you.

(Flaming, explosive, black powder, or living projectiles can often make a legal spud launchers banned in many jurisdictions. Many heavily populated areas have ordinances on projectiles and big noises.)

The real trick on a combustion based potato gun is finding the right ignition source. Try finding a twist-type ignitor for a camping stove or lamp. You can also buy a Barbeque manufacturer push-button ignitor switch which is usually sold at hardware stores or anywhere that sells gas barbeques.

The internal ignition spud cannon is befitting, especially for portability purposes. However, a pneumatic spud gun greatly decreases reloading times, maintenance times, and mess. You may need a couple of diameter reducers to get down to the same size as the nipple depending on the size of the cylinder you start with.

The fuel sources that I have used in the past have been mainly Hairspray. I would not recommend anything more powerful. Experimenting with propellant sources can be extremely dangerous and result in harm or death to the dude if proper precautions aren’t taken. A rule of thumb to follow in testing this would be to always start with small amounts of whatever gas you are using as a weaker explosion would merely send the potato out at a low rate. Be warned about the distance that this blaster will go. Make sure you have the space to fire this without destroying anything and treat it like a firearm, not a toy. Also remember to obey the law and check with your city’s local laws and codes before constructing. Lastly…have fun with your new invention.

Even if you don’t plan to build one it’s fascinating to watch videos of how to build a spud gun and the results of the testing videos of spud guns being fired. Visit http://www.skippydeals.com/howtobuildapotatogun.com