Potato guns are very popular not just among kids but also some adults. If you don’t know how to build a potato gun, here is how you do it.
Required Tools and Materials
3 inch 1 1/2 inch reducer fitting
3 inch pipe end cap that can unscrew
4 feet of 1 1/2 inch pipe
16 gauge wire
2 feet of 3 inch pipe
Barbeque grill igniter
Hairspray
Potato
Pipe glue
Make sure the PVC pipes you get are of the right dimensions. Check the measurements before you start.
Step 2
Get an old grill. Take the grill igniter off.
Step 3
Get the reducer and the 3 inch pipe. Apply pipe glue to the pieces of the end cap together. Let the pieces dry.
Step 4
Glue and join the 1 ½ inch pipe onto the reducer. Next, drill a couple of screws in the rear of the three inch pipe. This should be three inches off the end cap.
Set the screws so they emanate from both the potato gun’s sides. When you build a potato gun, these have to be half an inch apart in the chamber.
Step 5
Connect the 16 gauge wires on the grill igniter. The wires should be on one end. You should also attach one on the screws.
Step 6
Look in the gun. Be certain when the igniter is clicked there is a spark between the screws. If there is none, the position has to be changed.
Step 7
Chop a potato so it can be fitted inside the barrel. Place it inside the barrel. Get the hairspray. Spray this in the bigger chamber. Fasten the lid tight.
Step 8
Click the igniter and the potato will fly off.
Tips
Do not push the potato too deeply inside the barrel. While the building principles are the same, you can try different oxygen and propellant mixtures.
Warnings
Do not aim or fire the potato gun on people and animals. Do not fire the gun on furniture or other people’s property. It is possible to use other materials besides the potato. But keep in mind that other objects may be more dangerous if fired at high speed. You should check the laws in your area. It may or may not be legal to use the potato gun.
Anyone who wants to build a potato gun should understand that this is powered by explosion. Make sure you use quality PVC pipes. If the pipe quality is poor, it may explode. It may lead to some serious injuries. Use the potato gun with caution.
