So we had this bright idea...

[girlygirl]

I'm a single chic with a 9 year old and we're interested in building a potato rocket/spud gun. I'm fairly handy with a hacksaw and other implements of construction but not very knowledgeable in the power part of the deal. Does anyone have plans they would reccomend for our first try? Something simple and fool proof to start with... Thanks!

[killagorrila99]

Here you go:
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3573&

Im always interested in begginers guns.
Always a joy helping single mums, my dad abbonded me and my mum when i was born so I know how you feel.

Cheers

[schmanman]

welcome to the forums! a basic combustion would probably be best simplicity wise and for ease of construction.

[SpudStuff]

[killagorrila99]

I wouldnt recomend combustion for a first gun unless you use Pressure rated pipe. I had one explode on my a few years back. Shrapnell+ 9 year olds dont mix.

[ProfessorAmadeus]

Yea thats is a good idea. Make a simple pnuematic gun using a ball valve and remember that you have to use all NSF-Pw parts and pressure rated pipe. If you are in a different country other than the US you will have to ask some one for further explanation.

Its nice to finnaly have a girl on the forums..........

[SpudStuff]

there is only one on spudtech!

[girlygirl]

Wow you guys are quick! This rocks... I can definatly get this to work, or at least build it and cross my fingers 8) I live in the french fry capital of the world, or so it seems anyways. After the potato harvest is over you can pick up the leftovers by the pickup loads. Talk about moohaha! lol

Thanks again!
Karen -- the first chic on spudfiles

[Atlantis]

You could always build a mini, basically a normal spudgun, made out of pill bottles and pen tubes.

[WOW!!]

best bet you be a basic combustion, that is what i made.

[frankrede]

Ah ha, a femal gunner, thats new.
Its awesome.
I would build a simple pneumatic.
Ball vave, 2 in chamber that is 2 foot long. 1 inch barrel, 3 foot long.
You live in Idaho?

[BC Pneumatics]

It is amazing that women don't get the responce of "Use the search godanmit!" when they ask for plans...

Maybe we should treat all new members like this?

(Just another of my worthless thoughts...)

[iamthewalrus]

I wouldnt recomend combustion for a first gun unless you use Pressure rated pipe. I had one explode on my a few years back. Shrapnell+ 9 year olds dont mix.

Umm, pneumatic cannons have much more pressure in them then combustions do, my pneumatic uses 100-125psi, where as my combustions only generates around 50-60psi. You should never use non-rated pipe for any cannon and with that said a simple combustions would probably by easier and cheaper to make for someone on their first cannon. just my $.02.

[)DEMON(]

I don't see why people don't start off with metal cannons.

First, you can unscrew all fittings and pipe (this is usefull if you want to scrap your cannon and make another or upgrade it).Secondly, you don't have to worry about pressure when you are making a simple cannon out of metal. Thridly, you can put pvc on to a metal cannon with easy because the threaded fittings of pvc are the same size as the metal ones.

A simple ball valve metal cannon (or pvc) should be fine. Make sure you use 1inch fittings and pipe so when you want to upgrade you can replace the ball valve with a sprinkler valve.

[iamthewalrus]

some ppl dont have the funds or the desire to spend the money on a metal cannon, PCV is much cheaper then metal i would assume. so if u start on PVC and dont like spudding u only spend a little money, and if u start on PVC and do like spudding u can move up to metal. just my .02spudbux