If you have kids (good excuse), it is a blast to make an Air Cannon out of 2" PVC (schedule 40) pipe. No need to buy a ball valve or such, just use a rubber handball that doubles as the projectile and quick release ball valve. We use one with 40"(1 1/2" dia. PVC on our prototype, but 2" works also) of pipe on the pressure side, and 20" on the barrel side. with a MALE threaded adaptor on the barrel side, and a female threaded adaptor on the pressure side, you can wedge the rubber handball partly into the barrel end, then screw it down onto the pressure end, then with a tap for air pressure at the bottom, just goose it until it reaches approx. 40 psi and POW!! it launches consistantly straight up I would estimate approx. 250'. Total cost, less than 25.00. compressor not included 😛
There is a group that shows up at hunting camp with a spud cannon and use Right Guard deodorant spray as the accelerate. It will also blast a golf ball thru a wood fence.
Another group showed up with a home made cannon that shoots bowling balls.
Some toys need major adult supervision.
😉
I can see how a person could get carried away with this air cannon thing. Our first one threw a wicked curve ball, and with one nozzle, none of us actually saw the ball in flight nor heard it land, the boys were asking if it went into orbit!
Our cannon will also "smoke"out the end if there is enough moisture in the compressed air.
