Potato cannons for n00bs

[Sgtpepper]

First, I congratulate you for taking your fist steps in the wonderful world of potato cannons.

This is where n00bs can come to ask questions and learn the basics.

If you're not a n00b viewing this thread, help the n00bs out if there are any unanswered questions.

[Sgtpepper]

Okay, n00bs. I'm just gonna talk about some basics, some very basic basics. Really, really basic.

Okay, there are three types of potato cannons: Pneumatic (air), Combustion (fuel), and Hybrid (compressed fuel). Hybrids are difficult cannons so they shouldn't be talked about in this thread. Both pneumatic and combustion cannons are fairly easy to build off the bat. Most potato cannons are made up of PVC or ABS pipping, metal plumbing parts work also.

Pneumatics: These cannons fire a projectile by means of a quick release of compressed air. My first cannon was pneumatic and it's still kickin' strong after three years of hot summers, freezing winters, and general outside abuse. All pneumatic cannons need a pressure chamber, a valve, and a barrel. The pressure chamber is filled with a compressed gas (usually air, sometimes Co2). Once the chamber is pressurized the valve is open quickly releasing the air into the barrel and forcing the projectile out with it. A basic blueprint will be posted in the "basic plans" thread.

Combustion: Combustion cannons use a combustible fuel to force air out the barrel. At there very basic, these cannons are less complicated and slightly easier for a n00b to build (bear in mind, these are also much more dangerous although if a little common sense is exercised, they are perfectly safe). A combustion cannon requires a combustion chamber, an ignition source, and a barrel. The chamber is filled with fuel and closed securely, then an igniter (usually a BBQ sparker, but I have seen things like stun guns) lights the fuel and the resulting explosion force air out the barrel, pushing the projectile along. Some difficulties to these cannons are hooking up the igniter and getting a good fuel mix. These cannons require some messing around with fuels and mixes to get the best shot. Note: these cannons cannot be fired without a projectile, unlike pneumatics, also, they are significantly louder (silencers can be made).

These were just some basics, if you're really smart you can make your own by now. I don't expect that of someone so more posts will be coming.