potato gun story

Cannons powered by pneumatic pressure (compressed gas) using a valve or other release.
nibbler125
Private 4
Private 4
Posts: 80
Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:42 am

a few years ago I built my first potato gun it had a 1/2inch barrel leading down to a hose valve and then a 2 leter bottle with a bike tire valve. this gun was pretty cool one day I was messing around shooting berrys out of it. well i went to put some air in it and I have an air compersser so I start putting air into it (110psi) I put it at my side to put in the air and I look down and say to myself is it getting bigger or is it just me ?? then boooomm it blows up in my face knocks the wind outta me and made my ears buzz for 2 days. so after I realised what happened I noticed great pain in my side. so I lift up my shirt and notice a bruse the size of a football on my side. I should have gone to the hospital but I didnt. so here is a word of advice do not load plastic bottles with 110 psi beacuse if it goes boom it will rly mess you up. its a good thing I drink allot of milk orelse I could have gotten a broken rib
Attachments
before it blew up
before it blew up
brogdenlaxmiddie
Corporal
Corporal
Posts: 562
Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:19 pm

Well, I'm sorry that you had this happen to you but we've generally discussed the dangers of using plastic bottles with any pressure. Its ok for using them with BBMG's and things of that sort, but not with a consistent pressure. I wish you had seen these postings before you hurt yourself. Please use pressure rated PVC next time.
nibbler125
Private 4
Private 4
Posts: 80
Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:42 am

I didnt know spudfiles existed when I had the gun but potato guns is a learning experence some things are good some well arnt as good
User avatar
starman
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
United States of America
Posts: 3027
Joined: Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:45 am
Location: Simpsonville, SC

We learn things the easy way, we learn things the hard way. Just glad you suffered no permanent damage, other than maybe psychological... :wink:

110 psi in that thing is just asking for trouble. To others considering building a soda bottle gun....DON'T.
User avatar
Demon
Corporal 3
Corporal 3
Posts: 743
Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2008 8:46 am

Good job, i am always happy when people find new ideas!

but not if they think coke bottles could be air tank...
Now do we thrust me?
User avatar
mark.f
Sergeant Major 4
Sergeant Major 4
Eritrea
Posts: 3643
Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 11:18 am
Location: The Big Steezy
Has thanked: 58 times
Been thanked: 62 times
Contact:

Demon wrote: Now do we thrust me?
inb4 JSR.
User avatar
Fnord
First Sergeant 2
First Sergeant 2
Posts: 2239
Joined: Tue Feb 13, 2007 9:20 pm
Location: Pripyat
Been thanked: 1 time
Contact:

I've used them tons of times at 160 psi, but I wrapped them in a good thickness of duct tape to prevent this. The first gun I every made (5 years ago) was made like this.

(edit: Laugh out loud @ mark)
Image
User avatar
Biopyro
Corporal 2
Corporal 2
Posts: 654
Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 5:32 am
Location: UK

Just a few questions
What did the bottle have in it originally (was it carbonated)?
How many times (roughly) had you used it?
Do you have any photos of the aftermath, or any better ones of the original? (I think your split maybe started at the valve entry)
How did you attach it to your valve?
Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
Post Reply

Create an account or sign in to join the discussion

You need to be a member in order to post a reply

Create an account

Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute

Register

Sign in

  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post