Compressed Air Cannon
by EnglishClassAirCannon in Outside > Launchers
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Compressed Air Cannon
This Instructable will guide you through the steps to build a basic air powered cannon to launch things such as water balloons or t-shirts. Measurements for the air tank and barrel lengths, found in steps 2 and 3, are the dimensions that we found to work well, but are meant only as guidelines.
Notice: Please be safe when following this Instructable. Use tools safely; do not to over-pressurize the air tank and never aim or fire projectiles at anyone or anything. We are not responsible for any injury or damages you cause as a result of using or building this air cannon.
Notice: Please be safe when following this Instructable. Use tools safely; do not to over-pressurize the air tank and never aim or fire projectiles at anyone or anything. We are not responsible for any injury or damages you cause as a result of using or building this air cannon.
Materials & Tools
Materials Needed:
5’ section of 3” PVC schedule 40 pipe----$5.93
1 3” PVC End Cap----$3.63
2 3”-1.5” PVC Reducers----$2.64 each
2 1.5” PVC-DWV Trap Adapter – Spigot Connection----$0.83
1 1.5” Ball Valve – Threaded----$9.71
1 Metal Tire Fill Valve (Bolt-in Type) ----$2.99
Materials You Might Have:
PVC Cleaner----$2.58
PVC Glue----$2.44
Teflon Tape (Seal Tape) ----$.058
Tools Needed:
Saw----$3.49
Drill----$14.99
Drill Bit to Fit Tire Fill Valve----$2.38
Tape Measure----$4.77
File----$3.17
Bicycle Pump or Air Compressor
Electrical Tape (optional)
Clamps (optional)
* Note: Prices listed were found at our local Menards and are listed to be used as an estimate only.
5’ section of 3” PVC schedule 40 pipe----$5.93
1 3” PVC End Cap----$3.63
2 3”-1.5” PVC Reducers----$2.64 each
2 1.5” PVC-DWV Trap Adapter – Spigot Connection----$0.83
1 1.5” Ball Valve – Threaded----$9.71
1 Metal Tire Fill Valve (Bolt-in Type) ----$2.99
Materials You Might Have:
PVC Cleaner----$2.58
PVC Glue----$2.44
Teflon Tape (Seal Tape) ----$.058
Tools Needed:
Saw----$3.49
Drill----$14.99
Drill Bit to Fit Tire Fill Valve----$2.38
Tape Measure----$4.77
File----$3.17
Bicycle Pump or Air Compressor
Electrical Tape (optional)
Clamps (optional)
* Note: Prices listed were found at our local Menards and are listed to be used as an estimate only.
Making the Air Tank
A.)
Measure and mark a 6” section of PVC pipe for the air tank.
* Note: It is helpful to measure in multiple places around the pipe and use a strip of electrical tape to mark a straight line.
B.)
Cut the air tank section off using the saw.
C.)
File the cut edge of the air tank with the file until all sharp edges are removed.
Measure and mark a 6” section of PVC pipe for the air tank.
* Note: It is helpful to measure in multiple places around the pipe and use a strip of electrical tape to mark a straight line.
B.)
Cut the air tank section off using the saw.
C.)
File the cut edge of the air tank with the file until all sharp edges are removed.
Making the Barrel
A.)
Measure and mark a 24” section of PVC pipe for the barrel of the cannon.
* Note: It is helpful to measure in multiple places around the pipe and use a strip of electrical tape to mark a straight line.
B.)
Cut the barrel section of the cannon using the saw.
C.)
File the cut edges of the barrel with the file until all sharp edges are removed.
Measure and mark a 24” section of PVC pipe for the barrel of the cannon.
* Note: It is helpful to measure in multiple places around the pipe and use a strip of electrical tape to mark a straight line.
B.)
Cut the barrel section of the cannon using the saw.
C.)
File the cut edges of the barrel with the file until all sharp edges are removed.
Installing the Fill Valve
A.)
Drill a hole in the center of the air tank for the tire fill valve with the drill.
* Note: Drilling the hole in the center of the air tank ensures that the end cap will not
cover any of the hole.
B.)
Following the directions for installation of your tire fill valve, found on the valve packaging, place the fill valve into the
air tank.
Drill a hole in the center of the air tank for the tire fill valve with the drill.
* Note: Drilling the hole in the center of the air tank ensures that the end cap will not
cover any of the hole.
B.)
Following the directions for installation of your tire fill valve, found on the valve packaging, place the fill valve into the
air tank.
Capping the Tank
A.)
Following the directions for your PVC cleaner and glue, attach the PVC end cap on to
the back side of the air tank.
B.)
Following the directions for your PVC cleaner and glue, attach one of the PVC reducers
to the other end of air tank.
Following the directions for your PVC cleaner and glue, attach the PVC end cap on to
the back side of the air tank.
B.)
Following the directions for your PVC cleaner and glue, attach one of the PVC reducers
to the other end of air tank.
Attaching the Ball Valve
A.)
Following the directions for your PVC cleaner and glue, attach one of the PVC male
threaded adapters to the reducer on the air tank.
* Note: Make sure that the threaded side is showing.
B.)
Apply the Teflon tape to the threaded section of the air tank.
* Note: To apply Teflon tape- Start at the tip of the threaded fitting and wrap clockwise, partially overlapping each layer, until you reach the base of the threading.
C.)
Screw on the PVC ball valve.
D.)
Apply Teflon tape to the other PVC male threaded adapter.
* Note: To apply Teflon tape- Start at the tip of the threaded fitting and wrap clockwise, partially overlapping each layer, until you reach the base of the threading.
E.)
Screw the PVC male threaded adapter to the available side of the ball valve.
Following the directions for your PVC cleaner and glue, attach one of the PVC male
threaded adapters to the reducer on the air tank.
* Note: Make sure that the threaded side is showing.
B.)
Apply the Teflon tape to the threaded section of the air tank.
* Note: To apply Teflon tape- Start at the tip of the threaded fitting and wrap clockwise, partially overlapping each layer, until you reach the base of the threading.
C.)
Screw on the PVC ball valve.
D.)
Apply Teflon tape to the other PVC male threaded adapter.
* Note: To apply Teflon tape- Start at the tip of the threaded fitting and wrap clockwise, partially overlapping each layer, until you reach the base of the threading.
E.)
Screw the PVC male threaded adapter to the available side of the ball valve.
Attaching the Barrel
A.)
Following the directions for your PVC cleaner and glue, attach the remaining PVC
reducer to the available end of the PVC male threaded adapter.
B.)
Following the directions for your PVC cleaner and glue, attach the barrel to the
available spot on the last PVC reducer.
Following the directions for your PVC cleaner and glue, attach the remaining PVC
reducer to the available end of the PVC male threaded adapter.
B.)
Following the directions for your PVC cleaner and glue, attach the barrel to the
available spot on the last PVC reducer.
Firing the Cannon
At this point, you have fully constructed your air cannon. Before firing, allow the glue to
fully harden and set. Most glues takes several hours, so check your glue
before charging your air tank.
Loading:
Take the bottom 1.5-2 inches of a pringles can and place it in the barrel with the flat side up. This acts as wadding for what ever you may be shooting. This is only really needed for objects that are not a snug fit in the barrel, how ever we almost always use one for best results. After placing the wadding, slide in what ever your projectile is. We enjoy shooting tennis balls and water balloons. We have also used the cannon as a candy, shirt, and confetti launcher.
* Note: Explanation of wadding - Wadding is something that is placed under or around a projectile that is smaller than the barrel size. This creates a seal so that air cannot pass around the projectile with out moving it.
Charging:
Attach a bicyle pump or air compressor and pump air in until you reach your desired pressure. We recommend 50-80 psi. After about 80 psi the distance does not change much. Before trying to pressurize the air tank, make sure that your valve is closed.
Firing:
We recommend setting the back end on the ground and aiming the cannon at an angle of about 40 degrees for max distance. After aiming, turn the handle on the valve quickly and watch your projectile fly.
Please do not use this air cannon in an unsafe manner. We are not responsible for any injury or damages you cause as a result of using or building this air cannon.
fully harden and set. Most glues takes several hours, so check your glue
before charging your air tank.
Loading:
Take the bottom 1.5-2 inches of a pringles can and place it in the barrel with the flat side up. This acts as wadding for what ever you may be shooting. This is only really needed for objects that are not a snug fit in the barrel, how ever we almost always use one for best results. After placing the wadding, slide in what ever your projectile is. We enjoy shooting tennis balls and water balloons. We have also used the cannon as a candy, shirt, and confetti launcher.
* Note: Explanation of wadding - Wadding is something that is placed under or around a projectile that is smaller than the barrel size. This creates a seal so that air cannot pass around the projectile with out moving it.
Charging:
Attach a bicyle pump or air compressor and pump air in until you reach your desired pressure. We recommend 50-80 psi. After about 80 psi the distance does not change much. Before trying to pressurize the air tank, make sure that your valve is closed.
Firing:
We recommend setting the back end on the ground and aiming the cannon at an angle of about 40 degrees for max distance. After aiming, turn the handle on the valve quickly and watch your projectile fly.
Please do not use this air cannon in an unsafe manner. We are not responsible for any injury or damages you cause as a result of using or building this air cannon.