FAQ's

PVC Schedule 40 and 80 pipe is marked as prescribed in ASTM D-1785 to indicate the manufacturer's
name or trademark, material designation code, the nominal pipe size, the Schedule size with the
pressure rating in PSI for water at 73ºF, the ASTM designation number D-1785 and the NSF seal for
potable water.
 

When constructing pneumatic spud guns it is important to know the pressure ratings of the pipe you are
using.  To maintain a safe environment always install a pop-off regulator that will release excess pressure
when the rated pressure in the gun has exceeded the maximum operating pressure.

Well, as most ballistic professionals will tell you, you have to have a propellant. That is the easy part, as
most propellants come in the form of aerosols such as Axe Body Spray, Right Guard deodorant, Aqua
Net hairspray, starter fluid, and the list goes on and on. What most people don’t know is that in order to
fire, the fuel also needs oxygen. A common assumption is that the more aerosol you spray in to the
chamber the farther the ammo will go. This is not the case. You also need the correct amount of oxygen
in the chamber at the correct ratio with any form of propellant other then compressed air. Think about it.
How does a gas power engine work? How does a gun, for that matter, fire? You need the correct amount
of oxygen coupled with gunpowder to fire the gun. Fire needs oxygen.

Try this, spray less aerosol propellant into the chamber. If that does not work, after spraying the aerosol
into the chamber, blow into the chamber for about three seconds before capping. This should maximize
your range and efficiency. Remember, you need the correct fuel to oxygen ratio when firing your
combustion cannon. If more power is what you are after, then try a bigger chamber that will allow for a
greater ratio.

If you are having trouble with the second or third time you fire your cannon, then you have a “gas problem”
Yes, that’s right, you have a “gas problem” that Tums or Rolaids cannot fix. Gas it what propels your
ammo through the air, and is created when the fuel and oxygen are ignited. Try blowing into the chamber
to clear the remaining gases trapped inside your cannon. You may want to think about a small fan that
runs on batteries that is mounted inside your chamber. However, I’ll save that for another time.

If you have tried all of these helpful hints and your gun still does not work, email us on the Contact Us
section of the site with specific details of what you are doing and what your gun’s symptoms are. We will
be glad to offer any insight to your specific issues. Who knows, we may even post your problem, and our
answer on our site.

Some Helpful Questions regarding your Sparker from "Spud Talk"

“You can find alternative methods to fire a potato, such as, hybrid cannons and piston cannons at www.spudfiles.com.“

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