When you are building a spud launcher for the first time you may seem overwhelmed by what items to use for your project. If you follow the tips outlined in this article you will be on your way to spud launcher happiness.

Your spud launcher needs a barrel to shoot out of so you will need to decide between PVC or ABS plastics as the material of choice for your barrel. Most people prefer PVC for their first spud launcher due to its ease of use in finding and the inexpensiveness of it. Whichever material you choose make sure it is long enough otherwise your spud launcher will not achieve its full potential.

Once you have your barrel identified now is the time to select the type of fuel for your spud launcher you can use either propane or aerosol spray. The reason you want to use these is they are already atomized so it makes the combustion process easier. If you used gasoline you would need a device to atomize the fuel otherwise it would just burn inside your spud launcher and not create the controlled explosion needed to drive the potato out of your barrel.Another issue with different fuel sources is their costs. Aerosol spray can be found in pretty much any household so it makes it the choice fuel for the budding spud launcher builder.

Now that you have a fuel source for your spud launcher you are going to need a way to light it up. This is where an ignition system comes into play for your spud launcher project. You need to introduce a spark to the fuel mix when you want to fire the gun. What many first time builders do is take a spark plug from a lawn mower or something similar and connect a wire to deliver energy to the spark plug. Then connect it to a batter with a switch so you can fire the spark plug with a flip of a switch. Before connecting the ignition system to your spud launcher you should test it first. Nothing is more frustrating than troubleshooting your gun in the field so doing this proactive work now will make your life easier.

If you are able to see the spark on the ignition system test then you can mount it to the spud launcher. Now that the moment of truth is arriving you will need to select the finest potato for the job. Making sure to use a firm potato will give you the greatest range when firing your spud launcher . Don’t jam the potato too tightly inside the gun or it will not fire properly if at all and may back fire. The potato should slide in easily. Now you are ready to fire your spud launcher,have fun with it and do not be afraid to experiment with different fuel to air ratios and positioning of the barrel.

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Filed under: Potato Guns • Spud Launcher

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