Series 1 Model 2 Alcohol Cannon

Boom! The classic potato gun harnesses the combustion of flammable vapor. Show us your combustion spud gun and discuss fuels, ratios, safety, ignition systems, tools, and more.
joshg
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Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:23 pm

This is from my first series of cannons. This cannon I originally
called Cloud 9, became known as the "Long Tom" due to its
obscene range. Since I wanted long range the rifling was turned down
to about a half turn per 26". Due to its length it is somewhat
hard to get around. I no longer have this cannon (I gave it to
my younger brother) so I can't provide more detailed pics...
sry...
<img src="http://www.ordnancepx.com/pub/S1M2/onside.jpg">
<img src="http://www.ordnancepx.com/pub/S1M2/onend.jpg">
<img src="http://www.ordnancepx.com/pub/S1M2/closeup.jpg">
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homedepotpro
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Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:40 pm

are you building a trebuchet
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frankrede
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Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:44 pm

Nice Handle!
looks really comfortable to shoot.
Current project: Afghanistan deployment
joshg
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Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:52 pm

Yes to the Treb question. I actually finished it.

and yeah... the handle I originally built out of foam and hot glue. I adjusted the handle until it got comfortable for me.
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mark.f
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Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:00 am

What type of alcohol did you use to fuel it? Or did you just say it was an alcohol cannon due to the genre of people drawn to shooting it? :P

I used to use 91% isopropyl alcohol in one of my smaller combustions. Worked great if you measured out about 3 cc and heated the chamber with a hair dryer before shooting.
Novacastrian
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Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:16 am

How did you rifle the barrel?
joshg
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Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:17 am

The Alcohol is a 99% mixture which has an extremely fast and clean burn. I can find it usually at the Wal-mart or Meijers (if you have on of those) its right around the normal Isopropyl alcohol. There is also several First Aid sites etc... that sell 99% online. It is well worth it.

This barrel was done at the aircraft hanger, stepping down a metal lathe to go real real slow. This allod for the gouge arm to be inserted and rifled correctly.
Victortheman123
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Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:40 pm

that handle is pretty sweet
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