Building a High Velocity Vortex Cannon

In this video I build a high power vortex cannon fueled by propane. Check out my sponsor Brilliant for a really fun way to learn! www.Brilliant.org/NightHawk
I've done a written tutorial on this project on Instructables which you can view here: www.instructables.com/id/High...
You can check out my original video on this subject here: • How to Make a High Pow...
Thanks to all my Patrons for helping me make these videos! A special thanks to my top Patrons: Syniurge, Matthew Leitzke, TheBackyardScientist, Enzo Breda Lee, John Johnson, & Thibaud Peverelli! / nighthawkprojects
Thanks for watching!

[@xisailuo]

Very clever, using the parrot to get us to stick around for the sponsor bit!

[@ErikDaGreat]

HE TRICKED US

[@quecksilber457]

No its not because i was not able to hear anything of what he said, because all my attention was on the parrot. He was just awesome. :) Only now that i did read your comment, i know he talked about a sponsor lol.

[@BobbyDukeArts]

Dang dude, those were some kick butt shots. Gave me goosepimples :) Great video

[@Yonatan24]

D'ya WON'T his canon?

[@The_world_is_not_worthy_of_Him]

Best ad for fiberglass tape ever.

[@stephenrocks7004]

I made and developed a vortex cannon 35 years ago. And have done mod’s every now and then. Inside your gas chamber I placed a. a steel can w/ the back end open and the forward end with 6 can opener sized holes at the front. This makes a better combustion chamber! I screwed the chamber to the outside with 12 concentrically placed sheet metal screws .

[@Freizeitflugsphaere]

You are one of the very few cool youtubers who got successful without loosing a lot of quality on the content! Love your channel! Great oportunity to learn better English as an Austrian guy!

[@TrollFaceTheMan]

Your cinematography just continues to improve all the time. Very nice job!

[@Stroheim333]

The CGI just continue to improve all the time. That's it.

[@tom_something]

What an awesome coincidence. Just the other day styropyro had a video playing around with lasers, and one thing he did was use a spinning mirror to project a "cone" of light through smoke, giving an interesting cross section. And I was _just_ thinking as I was watching it, that it would be interesting to see a cross section of a vortex ring to see the way the air moves. Great!

[@Pyroman1ac]

I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@DomingosMultichannel]

styroarmy!

[@jmmahony]

Would a traffic cone work? They're available in some hardware stores, and the taper angle looks about right.

[@mcheddadi]

that awesome shot with the green lazer. you should put it on a motor so it spins on it's axis and makes whole vortex rings instead of cross sections.

[@dinkin123]

mcheddadi I was just thinking you could put in a drill chuck for that exact purpose. The results would be pretty fun, especially if you played with various speeds.

[@GiacoWhatever]

Fantastic job!!!

[@oddjobbobb]

When you were describing using fiberglass and resin I was thinking about the mold you must have made. Then you switched to the landscape trim material and I thought how difficult it would be to get the trim to attach to the mold and then get it to hold its shape. But as soon as I saw the coil with the tape I knew what you were going to do. Clever. I am deeply envious. You saw the answer just asking the question. I couldn’t see it until I saw the answer. Clever clever. Very nice.

[@larfanformersalat0220]

i appreciate that you read all comments, thank you

[@michaelevans6456]

I love your bird. I have a green cheek conure, but since I moved to the city, I've been forced to leaver her at my parents' house :( I miss her terribly. Thank you for the bird footage. It warms my heart.

[@SwordMaster2404]

This is what quality content looks like. Keep it coming!

[@uncreativename5736]

12:33 holy moly, those are some strong parrot beaks

[@joshmyer9]

One safety note not covered in the construction: if you use galvanized nails, the zinc coating will burn off and it can make you sick (zinc shakes). This amount of exposure isn’t a big deal for fully-grown people, but if your kid is helping make this, maybe don’t use galvanized nails (and/or ensure kiddo doesn’t huff the fumes). And yeah, this is totally the kind of thing I’d do with my kid if we didn’t live in the city. Super fun video! It’d be neat to try capturing stills of the vortex with an audio trigger. The wakes look pretty amazing, too.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Thank you! You're right, I forgot to consider that. Usually I wouldn't worry about the small amount of zinc on a nail, but you heat at least a few dozen of them for this project so it would be smart to use caution.

[@joshmyer9]

NightHawkInLight Yeah, for an adult, it’s almost certainly not an issue. But a lot of nails done by a 40 pound person whose face is pretty close to the torch might fare less well. (My kid goes to a school where kindergarteners use chop saws, under appropriate supervision, and 8 year olds learn to weld… I can see little people taking this one on. And the zinc thing isn’t super common knowledge, unlike “red hot nails will burn you” etc.)

[@davidscott5903]

Josh Myer That is a cool school! I thought all schools like that were a thing of the past. When I was in high school my shop teacher let us buy kits and make crossbows(still have it). He even brought in his rifle to school to show me what a cheek rest was. He also taught an extra curricular morning knife making course. He was the absolute coolest teacher, and I learned so much from him, everything from safety to metallurgy.

[@oliverrapp93]

I really dont think this level of exposure is an issue. and even if you did get zinc oxide lllness its short lived and not permanently dangerous with infrequent exposure

[@joshmyer9]

My point wasn't about adults, it was about smaller kids, who will have their face right in the smoke, weigh less, breathe faster, and have smaller lungs, all of which makes things a lot more impactful. For adults, yeah, whatev. But it's worth adding a note about this, because most people have no idea that zinc fumes are toxic, and the onset of symptoms takes a little while.

[@danko6582]

I like how you avoid doing builds that few can copy, but design things that are easy to source and build.

[@jamescampbell4205]

I love that bird, wow it's so pretty!

[@Alexander_Sannikov]

This is the only channel where i don't skip ads because that parrot is adorable.

[@gfym]

Fantastic as always

[@DukeOfMarshall]

While you may not have chlorine to worry about with the PE plastic, there is some carbon monoxide produced when the plastic smokes or combusts like that. I work with HDPE in a very similar manner. I'm not sure of the amounts that are produced, but I'm sure it's a small amount and I make sure I'm not breathing in the smoke anyways and doing it outdoors. Still, just something to keep in mind though.

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Yes you should avoid intentionally inhaling any smoke, certainly.

[@Speglritz]

I really appreciate the effort you put into these videos, the production quality is great

[@jacksabbath6493]

You could use the atomizer and tank from an electronic cigarette to make a more compact fog generator, decreasing the size of the cannon to a more hand-held design.

[@tappan48]

I've used traffic cones, sports supply cones. Great results.

[@guipop2614]

It would be really interesting to see a video in which you optimise the different elements of this cannon ! Great video btw

[@1.4142]

What if you fired two cannons at each other? Btw, the laser line module looks awesome!

[@Leonardokite]

Just watch your short on this and came here to find the full-length video. Very nice!

[@matthewdavidmiller8280]

Dude... your cone is f@@@@ing awesome. Well done brother ha ah ah! I love the artistry and ingenuity in service of science and engineering.

[@tannerbobanner9453]

The way the laser isolates just one layer of the smoke is incredible! I never thought of using it that way! It could allow for a lot of cool ways to see smoke patterns! Great video :)

[@jartest9205]

i really love birds like your feathered friend. Really enjoyed your video. That laser and smoke looked awesome.

[@aerostorm9]

I love your parrot! So cute!

[@DomingosMultichannel]

i find your way of dealing with the community so admirable. Its awesome to see what this means to you. What a sweet bird you have ^^ And as always great educating video!

[@theblackacre2560]

Always happy when you post a new video. Thanks man!

[@kaidenkennedy1509]

Which was harder building this or stacking all those cups?

[@thedrewid1334]

that bird is out for blood on that ball lol. but for real it is so cute

[@Voulltapher]

Wouldn't be a NightHawInLight video without the purple stuff.

[@WildfoxFabrication]

its primer

[@therealfluffy-7548]

Woah that’s cool Also, love ur bird

[@joonasfi]

Have you heard about the word?

[@therealfluffy-7548]

Joonas Loppi nup, wot happened

[@chillinator]

Everybody's heard about the bird ....

[@therealfluffy-7548]

chillinator apart from me coz I live under a rock...

[@arjovenzia]

FluffBalls {TheRealFluffy}, the bird is the word

[@Peri-M]

i love your bird it would be cool to see him in all your outros.

[@Zebrahead6000]

The bird is in all of his recent outros.

[@carolynmmitchell2240]

Gabriel G bird needs his own channel and house

[@dbayboyds409]

Dude your videography has improved so much! Such a visual treat! Very professional!

[@DoItProjects]

Fascinating! Making and using this thing is awesome in itself, but your photography and techniques for capturing its abilities makes this video absolutely amazing!

[@bowz0r]

that bird is gorgeous

[@YosemiteWilliam]

The way the vortex seems to shake is mesmerizing

[@TrollFaceTheMan]

Very clever idea, and I didn't know HDPE could be fused like that. Very useful to know.

[@auxilator1939]

I know its small but my profile pic is my rendition of your propane bottle launcher, keep that shit up man your channel rocks

[@benners622]

Awesome job as always NightHawkInLight

[@planecrazy2]

I loved seeing a slice of the airflow with the lazer!

[@Ender_Wiggin]

32" Molded Plastic Megaphone they use them for cheerleading

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Great idea!

[@Splat-ig3hc]

Traffic cones might work well too.

[@Fritzinat0r]

Great video! Keep up the great work!

[@tropicaltanktv]

I really enjoy your videos. All the work and thought you put into making these really shows through in the end result. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@feelingfeni4798]

Fogger addition is cool! Maybe add some kind of gas instead of fog and some kind of ignition device at the end. Maybe the vortex would be on fire.

[@grayeagleswolves]

That was an awesome Video thank you for filming

[@corktail7900]

that ending is so wholesome

[@davidscott5903]

Very nice build!

[@Talledo12]

Greetings from Lima, Peru! I just hit like button cause you take your time to record beautifully and because your videos are high quality content.

[@souravzzz]

I like that you continue to iterate on your projects and keep coming up with ideas to make them better as well as cheaper or easier to build.

[@HeirloomReviews]

another great video my friend : )

[@TommyCallaway]

Great work man

[@styxmountaincaller3439]

Love the video

[@tinker2561]

Such a well produced project and video. Awesome level of detail man =)

[@wormworm9388]

The laser line module on the fog looks very similar to an MRI scan. Good work!

[@johnnyminecraft8255]

_Hank Hill's Ultimate Weapon_

[@dj1encore]

Very good photography thank you

[@rangerbravo]

Great job. Awesome video.

[@moebest]

Wow! Good idea with the green laser! And beautifully shot too!

[@basyoni95]

you had me at the intro shots. nicely done man

[@alexanderthomas2660]

Great footage as usual!

[@GrowingAnswers]

Been wanting to make one of these for a long time. Love your bird btw. I used to have one myself.

[@electronicsNmore]

I can always count on you to make a highly interesting project. :-)

[@kengamble8595]

That could make some awesome special effects for a Sci fi show, especially if you had more than one ! 😉😊 Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍

[@johndoppleguard]

Awe lil kenny. Them testis drop yet?

[@mikelfrazier]

We used to take a driveshaft out of a car or truck and drill a 1/2” hole in it. We would take acetylene and oxygen from a cutting torch and fill the drive shaft with the mixture. At first we just did practice trails and discovered how much we could safely put in it. We would take a baseball and place in the driveshaft about halfway and then light it. The baseball would easily travel a couple of hundred yards easily. You could significantly bend the metal on the side of a building 200 yards away! This was by accident and the people were nice about it, once they learned what we were doing. They thought it was neat. Don’t know if it was a law against it back then, but nowadays it would probably get you put in jail, especially when you damaged a building. We had lots of fun doing this and we mounted it on a big shop vice that could be moved around. If you aimed the ball at the inside of the shop wall it would go through it with no problems. Careful should you try this as I wouldn’t recommend during this day and age.

[@FlyingHigh5415615642]

Another great video!

[@Patchnote2.0]

Your videos are so damn visually appealing and well structured. I find myself engaged throughout!

[@markvos2692]

The laser cross-section is super cool! Props for using your own projects in more than one video to show us how they can be used. Loved it as I always do!

[@spokev]

They say there's no devil, Jim, but there is. Right out of hell, I saw it! -COMMODORE MATT DECKER

[@RVSMNK]

Great Video, Thanks dude

[@thom1218]

Ah... the delicious aroma of burning plastic smoke - no health concerns here! ;)

[@Nighthawkinlight]

This type of plastic really just smells like a blown out candle when it burns since it's so similar to wax.

[@thom1218]

Cyanide tastes like almonds... but no one would recommend it's safe because of that. I'm really a fan of your videos - you do good work. But at least recommend some ventilation before asking folks to go at that stuff with a blow torch.

[@PacificAtitude]

Great video

[@akihitolucilius2881]

Would hardened paper be a viable option? Build a giant paper cone layer by layer, applying diluted white wood glue at each step?

[@Nighthawkinlight]

Thought about it. Probably it would work, but a lot of work for a not very durable result.

[@MakingRandom]

Love your work mate. If you wanted to, you could combine this with your propane pop gun

[@civilcreed8213]

Great thing to build when bored during summer

[@nkydky1]

You have an awesome on screen voice. Simple directions for the device too. Great video

[@EnjoyerofYoutube]

My god. How are your videos so mesmerizing EVERY TIME!?

[@kon_azor7256]

Need the slow mo guys there with their cameras. That would look so cool in extra slow mo

[@spaceman825]

All of your vids are very clever. Glad I sub'd.

[@luigiaustriaca3008]

Looks interesstening!

[@Fpsdood]

love your videos man, seriously some of the best stuff

[@sgibbons77]

Why can we only give one thumbs up to this video? I want to give it 1,000! Great project, and great video - thank you sir!

[@ARandomTroll]

great video. why don't you make a hydrogen/oxygen powered cannon? also i'm still waiting for alkali metals part 3. you culd try making calcium and magnesium as well.

[@kbogiatzakis]

vortex is good, smoke machine is good, laser is good. But combination is awesome!

[@Jameson1776]

Very nice work Night Hawk in Light but how long did I take you to stack the cups ? I’m thinking that’s the reason for such a long time between posts. Jk

[@funfunnytoys8654]

*WOOOW INCREDIBLE INCENTIVES*

[@caterpillow]

I love the bird!

[@aidanwansbrough7495]

Awesome!!

[@thehorizonsniper824]

OMG dude your bird is so adorable. 😍😍😍

[@cookiesw9270]

Scale it down to rifle or pistol size and use a vaporicer to make it easy carry

[@harrywompa]

that's cool :) Also, nice birb

[@Pauls-Welt]

Another great idea and video. Thanks for entertaining us and again greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@percival23]

I loved the "Aliens" laser scan"

[@omermagen824]

We need a second channel dedicated to the bird!

[@zer0b0t]

My friend used to make fiberglass with varnish