How to Make a Simple Air Cannon

Video Description

Make your very own air cannon in an afternoon using standard hardware store parts! This is one of the simplest air cannon builds out there; ANYONE can make it. It's ridiculously fun to play with, inexpensive, and much safer than using combustion power. This is a fantastic build for someone new to making, who wants to feel what it's like to harness the power of physics to your advantage. The entire build can be made for about $70-80 depending on taxes/where you get your parts (not including tools). If you already have some spare PVC lying around, it'll be even cheaper. *** NOTE ***: At 1:09 I say "allow the primer to dry". A viewer of mine pointed out this mistake (I phrased it improperly). By "dry" I meant the primer should stop flowing relatively quickly, then you can immediately cement it. DON'T sit the parts don't for several minutes and wait for them to actually fully dry, this can create a poor joint. Prime both parts, and once you're done priming the second one, the primer will be "dry" enough to be cemented. It's very quick, only several seconds. This is a clone of the first air cannon I ever made, which I built for Mark Rober's Creative Engineering class. If you're interested in a review of the course, check out my video here:  https://youtu.be/_ELiTSE9Nbs. I'll be releasing more of the projects I made/thought up during his class, so stay tuned for those! Stay safe, and have... a blast. =) Join me. *** DISCLAIMER ***: As mentioned in the video, PVC IS NOT DESIGNED TO HOLD PRESSURIZED AIR. When PVC fails, it fails catastrophically (ie. it explodes). This can cause serious injury or death. I do not claim that building a cannon like mine (even by following my directions exactly) will mean that you are safe using it. THERE IS NO WAY TO MAKE PVC 100% SAFE WHEN IT IS PRESSURIZED WITH AIR. Ambient temperature, glue joint quality, fill pressure, projectile type, acts of God, and numerous other factors can all contribute to a cannon's failure. I've done all I can to make you aware of potential safety issues via text and spoken warnings, as well as safety demonstrations in the video. Having said that, you can still be injured as you build your cannon and while you use it once it's completed. I'm assuming my own risks in building and using this cannon and you need to do so as well if you choose to make your own. Check your local laws before making an air cannon, as some cities, counties, and states do not allow them. --- Parts I used --- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through links in my descriptions and comments. This helps me finance future videos at no additional cost to you. If you choose to support me in this way, thank you. *All PVC parts MUST BE Schedule 40, ideally Schedule 80* (Class 200 parts can EXPLODE, causing injury) 2" PVC pipe (several feet): https://thd.co/3c25aaY 1" PVC pipe (six inches): https://thd.co/2NAyvA3 2x 2" PVC coupler: http://thd.co/3lx5iCx 2" PVC endcap: http://thd.co/3lzODhu 2x 2" to 1" PVC reducer bushing: https://thd.co/2NDMogS 2x 1" PVC slip-to-male threaded adapter: https://thd.co/3c41UvW Sprinkler valve: https://amzn.to/3jelI3C 1/4" NPT tap and 7/16" drill bit: https://amzn.to/2U3NyoO 1/4" NPT coupler, male: https://amzn.to/3dfbdZU 1/4" NPT coupler, female: https://amzn.to/3r9OuUX 1/4 NPT brass drain valve: https://amzn.to/3k2VnG9 PVC cement + primer: https://amzn.to/35Vyufy Epoxy: https://amzn.to/3gU33sb Teflon tape: https://amzn.to/3e9Lbrs Gauges: https://amzn.to/3vVtEJV Schrader valves: https://amzn.to/2U502w7 Solenoid valve (optional): https://amzn.to/3h5ledf Air blowgun (Harbor Freight, used in video): https://bit.ly/3vGUUwF Air blowgun (Amazon alternative): https://amzn.to/3e9o3JU --- Attributions --- Music (in order): Know Myself - Patrick Patrikios No Clarity - Stayloose Lights Go Down - Dan Henig Graphics: Clouds vector by upklyak from Freepik.com http://bit.ly/30WQILd