Practical applications for air cannons?

[fradzap]

Hi All,

I was wondering if there are any practical applications for air powered water balloon launching cannons? Actually, from what I've seen of them on this forum, Bazooka would be a more accurate name than cannon.

One use I thought of was to knock down some dead branches from a tall, old tree in our yard. ( or retrieving that tree-captured Frisbee )

Any others out there with thoughts on the subject? Your responses would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Much, Fradzap (Kirk)

[Silence]

I thought there was a topic like this, but searching didn't turn up anything. Maybe it's at another soaking forum.

I did, however, find Strictly Utilitarian. But it uses a water gun and is only one case.

[Hunt_and_Annoy]

Practical applications...how about a fairly harmless way of keeping pests out?

[joannaardway]

I've seen them used for launching long antenna wires up into trees (to improve reception), or launching ropes into them to climb/pull them down.

Most of the practical uses that have been found appear to be for doing stuff to trees - other than stopping intruders in your house. (But don't talk about that kind of stuff here... *shifty eyes*)





I'm kidding about the home defence - in case you don't know...

[fradzap]

That idea of home defense sounds good to me! ....... Imagine getting blown from the front porch to half-way out into the front lawn with a water baloon shot at close range to the mid-section. You'd probably think a time or two before trying to pull a job in that neighborhood again.

My wife & 21 Year old daughter think I'm nuts for wanting to build a water balloon bazooka. My older daughter (27) would be helping me to get it built in a hurry so she could try it out, if she still lived at home.

I'm sure that they will all be impressed when I prune the old dead limbs out of out of the big, tall trees out in our yard. I know the pre-teen boys that live in our neighborhood will be impressed.

I'm considering making something along the lines of the douchenator with sched. 80 PVC and painting it camoflage style. Something that looks quite leathal and that would be quite sturdy.

Thanks for your response, Fradzap

[Silence]

Nice plans! Mind you, you'll have to find a way to pump it up to levels that would make Schedule 80 PVC worth the weight and price trade-off. People normally don't pressurize much past 125 PSI (or less?) because of diminishing returns, for safety reasons, and because bike pumps and the like often can't reach higher pressures. Also, if you want power, it's just as efficient to create a larger pressure chamber (for a greater volume of air) or to create a longer barrel (so there's more time to accelerate the projectile). And finally, remember to use a fast-opening valve like a modified sprinkler valve (I can link to a guide). Good luck!