Author Topic: kartofel kannon (Read 707 times)

Octavius · « **on:** August 06, 2003, 03:20:02 PM »

Out of boredom, a few buddies and I decided to build a potato gun... it's marvelous... when it works.

We used two 3' sections of 3" and 2" diameter PVC piping (3" = chamber, 2" = barrel).

For the ignitor, we decided to buy a $12 grill-ignitor and wire it to two wood screws drilled on opposite sides of the firing chamber. Inside, the two terminals are about 1/8" apart.

Here's the problem: Using hair spray ("Rave" brand, industrial strength), we'll get about 2 successfull firings out of 10 attempts. The lighter is definitely working, but it doesn't have enough oomph to jump the gap and ignite the fuel. We discovered the hairspray would partially coat the terminals and screw our spark. But even without hairspray, a spark rarely occurs. We've tried moving the screws closer together with no avail.

We're thinking about using a different fuel (heard propane works the best) or scrapping the current ignitor and finding something else. We *do* have a tesla coil and I'm positive that'll make a spark... we just have to fix it first

Would a chain of 9V batteries and a switch make a decent spark?

Any comments / suggestions?

Tarmac · « **Reply #1 on:** August 06, 2003, 03:21:17 PM »

don't look down the barrel after a misfire, especially if you're shooting frogs.

boxboy28 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 06, 2003, 03:24:19 PM »

first things first Use ether (starting fluid) and secondly make sure the arse end can unscrew! after every shot you need to revent the combustion chamber(un screw end and blow it out) just to give it oxygen to ignite!

Gadfly · « **Reply #3 on:** August 06, 2003, 03:27:30 PM »

Give us the link to your hometown paper so that we can read about the explosion from a primary source.

Octavius · « **Reply #4 on:** August 06, 2003, 03:27:56 PM »

hehe Tarmac, I read about the frog(s)

Box: We already have an un-screwable end and it gets ventilated fairly well.

And using different fuels such as ether / propane / farts won't make much difference if the ignition wont spark!

boxboy28 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 06, 2003, 03:31:41 PM »

well thats the same prob my buddy has with his gun ill ask him what he did! clean off the terminals and move them closer together! is the ignition on the side or the butt end?
etrher is much more flamable so it ignits easier too!

Octavius · « **Reply #6 on:** August 06, 2003, 03:34:54 PM »

screws + ignitor are mounted on the sides. They're positioned a few inches from the end (arse).

boxboy28 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 06, 2003, 03:59:41 PM »

you might want to move them up about 1/2 way in the cumbustion chamber! when you spray all you fuel its gonna gather up there!

SKurj · « **Reply #8 on:** August 06, 2003, 05:50:20 PM »

sounds like a fun project for a 14 yr old....

So errmmm what is it for?

SKurj

Octavius · « **Reply #9 on:** August 06, 2003, 05:57:34 PM »

14 yr old? http://spudtech.com/detail.asp?id=26

Who hasn't heard of or built a potato gun?

Curval · « **Reply #10 on:** August 06, 2003, 06:22:05 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Tarmac
don't look down the barrel after a misfire, especially if you're shooting frogs.

Saw a show about a blind kid who got that way doing EXACTLY what you describe about 2 weeks ago.

Please be careful Oct.

Now go and play with your friends. There's a good lad.

Animal · « **Reply #11 on:** August 06, 2003, 06:33:38 PM »

Aim it at your crotch.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #12 on:** August 06, 2003, 06:59:43 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Animal
Aim it at your crotch.

Sometimes you say the strangest things...I wonder if its bad weed that we export for consumption south of our border.

Stringer · « **Reply #13 on:** August 06, 2003, 08:26:38 PM »

LOL Gadfly!

Mark Luper · « **Reply #14 on:** August 06, 2003, 09:32:40 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Octavius
14 yr old? http://spudtech.com/detail.asp?id=26

Who hasn't heard of or built a potato gun?

Along with a a large collection of other information, I first learned of "potato guns" on this BBS.

Oh... and no, I have never built one either.