How to Make a Potato Gun

Explosions Allow for Propulsion of Idaho Spuds

Have you ever wished you could throw a potato over 3 football fields and speeds of 50 miles per hour?  Of course not, but you might have wanted to have something capable of doing so.  No worries, they're actually very easy to create and shoot.

(Notice: I take no responsibilities for any legal ramifications or personal injuries stemming from this article)

First you will need to go to your local hardware supply store (and maybe beauty store) to get some supplies.

You will need:
A 2'' diameter PVC pipe
A 3" diameter PVC pipe with threads on one end in any shape you wish (I found a curved pipe works better)
A 2" to 3" PVC coupler
A 3" threaded PVC cap
A long stick that is about 1/2'' to 1 1/2'' in diameter
PVC cement
A grill ignitor (electric will last longer)
A spray can of polyurithne or hairspray

Okay, I hope you had fun at the store spending 50 bucks or so.  First you will have to decide the design of your cannon.  The inch measures are not set in stone, but the ones I put there I found to be the best.  You will need to cut the 3" shorter than the 2" pipe.  If you coat the inside of the 2" pipe with the polyurithne, it will allow for a smoother potato shoot.

Take the coupler and spread the inside edge of the 2'' end and the outside end of the 2'' pipe and connect the two.  Allow time to dry and repeat to the 3'' sections.

Now take the threaded cap and drill a hole for the grill ignitor to fit in with the button accessable from the outside and seal off with the pvc cement or otherwise.  Take the wires of the grill ignitor and strap them to a screw or something else metal so that the wires are not touching but very close.  Test the button until you see the spark of electric current arch between the wires.

Allow enough time for the glue to dry and harden.  I reccomend allowing 2-3 days to ensure the seals wont leak.  After this time you are ready to test your mad man creation.