Build Your Own T-Shirt Cannon

September 16, 2011 5:00 PM

Stock Up

Nothing adds value to an item like firing it from a cannon. To make sports fans scramble for a shirt, use the items from the materials list above to build an air tank, barrel and trigger.

Assemble Pipe

Solvent-weld the pipe and pipe fittings together to make the barrel and air-tank assemblies, using purple PVC primer and cement to make the connections. The idea is to reduce the 3-inch (air tank) and 2-inch (barrel) pipes to fit the 1-inch solenoid valve openings. Use iron pipe nipples to connect the solenoid valve to the PVC fittings on the air tank and barrel. Apply pipe-thread sealant to prevent leaks.

Complete Connections

Drill a 15?64 -inch hole centered on the flat part of the 3-inch end cap. Tap the hole. Insert the tank valve and screw the cap to the pipe. Use a compressor or foot pump to fill the tank to 40 psi. Check pressure and test for leaks with a tire gauge. Build a circuit to control the launch by connecting three 9-volt batteries in series with a toggle switch, a pushbutton trigger and the solenoid.

Aim and Fire

Tightly roll a T-shirt, slip it into the muzzle and push it to the bottom of the barrel with a broomstick. Put on safety glasses. Connect to the air tank and pressurize to 40 psi. Set the toggle switch to on. Aim and fire. Reload, refill and repeat. Warnings: PVC weakens in cold weather. Don't overpressurize the tank. Don't fire at a target less than 30 feet away. This is an off-label use for PVC and water sprinkler equipment?so proceed at your own risk.

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/how-to/tips/build-your-own-t-shirt-cannon?src=rss

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