Potato gun

A potato gun or Potato cannon is a type of cannon that uses combustion or air pressure to fire a projectile. They are called potato guns because potatoes are a commonly used projectile.

There are two main types of potato guns. Combustion guns use a flammable fuel and igniter to move an object. Another type uses compressed air. Potato guns are usually built of PVC or ABS (a type of plastic) piping. If using air to power your potato cannon you need around 50 to 70 psi to shoot a potato.

Parts

• A source of compressed air (such as air compressor)
• Barrel:
• Air reservoir - This is where compressed air is held before being released. It serves the same job as the combustion chamber in the other version.
• Release - a type of valve. It is placed between the air reservoir and the barrel. This could be called a trigger.

Operation

1. the operator will put a projectile into the barrel. A ramrod is often used to push it all the way down to the end of the barrel. The projectile must fit tightly into the barrel so that the pressure of the air is strong enough to move it.
2. The air reservoir is filled by connecting it to a compressed air source. The release be closed at this time.
3. the cannon is aimed and the release is pulled. This causes the compressed air to rush into the barrel. The high pressure forces the projectile out of the end of the barrel.

A air powered potato cannon is much stronger than a combustion cannon. A combustion potato gun will launch projectiles at a pressure of about 10-20 psi. Air powered guns often use pressures over 100 psi.

Potato Gun Media

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  A typical factory-made toy die-cast spud gun. The cap attached to the muzzle converts it into a water pistol.

Other websites

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