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Revision as of 06:20, 31 May 2008 by BC Pneumatics (talk | contribs) (Combustion Launchers)

The Spudding Handbook

Welcome to The Spudding Handbook! This wiki format handbook contains all of the information you will ever need to build spudguns, and much more besides. The purpose of this handbook is to explain the principles of spudguns and how they are built and operated. All of thin information contained in this handbook is free and available to anybody who wishes to view it.

Look around and enjoy your stay. --BC Pneumatics 02:13, 31 May 2008 (EDT)

What is a Spudgun?

An Advanced Combustion Cannon

Main article: What is a spudgun?

There are many different names for spudguns. They are called potato cannons, spud launchers, potato guns, spud cannons, and a host of others. Whatever you decide to call it, all of the aforementioned describe the same type of device: a device used to accelerate a potato down the barrel, and shoot it some distance. While it may offend some purists, the humble little potato is quickly losing favor to other ammunitions such as golf balls, tennis balls, and other cheap, uniform projectiles.

Types of Spudguns

Pneumatic Launchers


A Pneumatic launcher uses the energy stored in compressed gas, most often times air that has been compressed by a bicycle pump or an air compressor. CO2 is also used semi-regularly, and compressed gases such as nitrogen and hydrogen have been used in the past. The air resides within the launcher's chamber, and is held back by a valve. When the valve is opened and the air is allowed to decompress, the ammunition is pushed in front of it down the barrel.

Combustion Launchers


A Combustion launcher gets the energy it needs to launch a projectile from the combustion of volatile gases that are added to the chamber just prior to ignition. Commonly and more traditionally combustion launchers are fueled by an aerosol product that uses flammable gases for pressurization. Starting fluid and body sprays are popular choices for fuel. The fumes are most commonly ignited by a BBQ igniter or a stun gun. The combustion of the fuel releases energy and creates a spike in pressure that propels the ammunition.

Important & Related Links

Glossary/Index

Cannon construction

Useful construction links

Launcher configuration

Computer Applications

International Potato Launching Association

Safety

Legal issues

History (A Brief History of Spud Guns)

SpudFiles forum guidelines

External links