MINI- “BLASTER” - AIR HORN

This is a simple air horn with easy on-off control. I built mine to be powered by a portable compressor. It is great for celebrating the New Year, Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, World Series or any other event. Loud enough to make a statement, but quiet enough so it can be used indoors.

 Materials:

6” of 1.5” ABS pipe

9” of 1” PVC PIPE

1.5” ABS reducer (actually drain connector with 1” hole minus the threaded coupler)

Air gun with included fittings (Inexpensive item from tool or auto supply store)

Gasket sealant

plastic funnel

zip ties- for testing membranes

2” Gear clamp for final membrane installation

membrane material-green garbage bag 

Tools will be mentioned in each step, and of course, you will need a compressor. None of the pipe sizes are critical. Check out the supplied cross-section diagram if you use alternate material.

Choose an air gun fitting that will go through the ABS pipe. Drill a hole mid point through the ABS pipe so the fitting will fit tightly.(3/8” for mine) Install the fitting (you may have to cut it so it doesn’t protrude past the inner wall of the pipe) and seal with the gasket cement.

Use a half- round file to widen the hole in the reducer fitting so that the PVC pipe slips through but can slide without being too loose.

Push the PVC pipe through the 1” hole in the reducer so it will protrude 1/16” - 1/8” at the other end of the ABS pipe. Seal the joint with gasket cement. Attach this assembled ABS reducer to one end of the ABS pipe using gasket sealant to make it leakproof. Test fit the funnel in the 1” pipe at the reducer end. Cut off any excess length from the spout end that protrudes into the pipe. Install and seal. Let the gasket cement harden overnight.

.Cut a circle of the garbage bag, larger than the ABS pipe diameter, stretch it over the open end and fasten in place with a zip tie, but pull it tight before you clamp.Screw the air gun in place, hook up to a compressor and give it a blast of air. You might want to experiment with different materials until you get the sound you like, so patience is key here. Getting the membrane tight is imperative. 

 CAUTION: WEAR SAFETY GLASSES AND POINT THE HORN AWAY FROM YOU UNTIL YOU ARE SURE OF ITS OPERATION.

 To make it look more attractive, mask off the air inlet, sand the entire unit and spray with a nice colour then finally re-install the membrane using a gear clamp. Decorate the horn any way you want.

 I SUGGEST YOU DON’T POINT THIS AT ANYONE AT CLOSE RANGE TO AVOID EAR INJURY.