Perfect Fuel

[demilus]

I'm currently making a combustion cannon (pretty basic, its my first combustion aside from a mini with a pill bottle, which got taken away on a campout, but thats another story). Ive made a bunch of pneumatics and have finally gotten around to spending the money on a combustion. I was wondering what the best fuel you've used is. Ive been using Static Guard in my buddies combustion and it works pretty well. I thought of starter fluid, but i think it is a petroleum product (I'm under the impression that pvc is soluble in petroleum and would be worn away by the starter fluid). Any of your favorites would be great.
Thanks in advance

[mark.f]

Starter fluid is actually safe.

If you're short on cash, starting fluid is a great fuel. If you're willing to go the extra distance, (take that in both ways), propane or MAPP metering is the best way to fuel a combustion.

Fuel metering combined with a mixing fan is the best power combination for combustion. But if you don't want to spend the dough on propane, a simple aerosol propellant can be enhanced by the use of a chamber fan.

Don't tell me that chamber fans are expensive either! A Wal-Mart camping personal fan costs about 2.5 dollars and can be mounted inside you chamber with threaded rod and some nuts. Like on <a HREF="http://members.lycos.co.uk/markfh11q/vi ... t=9">my</A> cannon.

[demilus]

Thanks for the suggestion (i'm planning on making a metered propane, but don't have the money right now), but im looking more for a spray of some kind. I'm looking for one that is reasonably priced, doesnt gunk up the iside, and makes a lot of power.

[mark.f]

Then you will want starting fluid.

But it all depends on the size.

If you're chamber is small, you will have a hard time getting the right mix. When I had my old cannon, I held the nozzle about 12" from the breech and sprayed about 1/4 second into the chamber.

I you have a larger cannon, (like a 4x16" chamber, or something of that nature), it's extremely simple to use.

Are you planning on putting a fan in? That's probably the best thing you can do for your cannon.

[demilus]

No, I'm trying to make a "back to basics" simple cannon, so no fans. I'll definately try the starter fluid though. Thanks lots