How to: Build a Potato Gun

My son loves building these. He finds that the best ignitor is a police type taser. You can buy them for 9.95 each online and they produce one heck of an ignition over the 2 inch gap he sets up. You need to use heavily insulated wire to remote mount the taser though (we used high quality sprinkler system wire, which isn't too far short of spark plug wire).

I found that potatoes were dang expensive, so he now shoot miniature tennis balls (I think they are pet toys), which perfectly fit in the 2 inch barrel. They are flourescent colors which makes them easy to find.

I think someone needs to learn the correct way to apply PVC Cement to piping. The method shown in this video will result in weak joints and leaks, if water is applied to the piping. The YMCA of Albany is dealing with this problem at the new pool location. A little review training of how to make a leak proof joint for the pipe fitters and site inspectors could have saved weeks & weeks of tear out and rework. Expensive way to learn.