Building an air powered projectile launcher. This thing packs a punch!

Air Cannon? Potato gun? Rocker launcher? After several days of research I decided I wanted to build an air powered launcher so I could launch "throw bags" up over tree branches. A lot of inspiration came from guys who do tree work. This would allow me to deploy my ham radio antennas while operating portable or participating in Parks on the Air.
In this video I walk you though what my goals were, how I built the launcher and my plans for improvement.
If you like this video and would like to see more of my adventures, please support me by hitting that like button, subscribing to my page and commenting on the video.

[@W4OPS]

Help me out by leaving a simple comment. It helps boost my video in the KZbin algorithms!! Thanks for the support!!

[@dennissparks4511]

I have watched several videos on the subject and am very impressed with yours. One question. Again please the name of the bean bag? Think that some modifications it would launch a tennis ball?

[@W4OPS]

@@dennissparks4511 it's a Weaver throw weight. As long as there was not an air gap around the ball. If you got the right size of pvc pipe, I think it would work.

[@joeseleb3509]

Look up Chicago powerline fishing on KZbin.

[@oscarcollinsiv]

We did this in school to shoot tennis balls. The best cannon was just as this is but the air tank side was the largest diameter PVC they could find. The volume of air increased the distance 3x+ with the same pressure

[@brianmartin7964]

@@dennissparks4511 tennis balls roll in the air and will affect your over all heights. the weaver throw bags are only like 15.00 or 23.00 with the cord.

[@giomalico7770]

This is a great invention! It can save people shutting the cord on the opposite side of a river.

[@billrayner9619]

One of the most direct and simple air cannons I have seen. Thank You!

[@Zhisaoka]

NICE! But please remember to always load it BEFORE you pump the cannon up. So you don't lose a hand or eye.

[@W4OPS]

That is an excellent safety tip!!

[@gumloon]

Excellent design. Practical..Some of the best toys I ever had I made myself.Some things you just can't buy.Thanks for sharing.

[@rockyriddell8671]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@bodhiench]

For safety, load the launcher before adding air pressure. Last thing you want is to have the gun go off accidentally while loading it. Also, use a stick to push the projectile down rather than tapping it on something to avoid any chance of cracking on the pipe.

[@TrygveSjothun]

Simple and affective. Nice work!

[@christopheriles1469]

Great job, simple and very effective! Really enjoyed your video.

[@SumNumber]

You could go to schedule 80 and mount a pressure gauge on the air chamber and get more power. This is your typical potato gun or on a bigger scale used for pumkin-chunkin . Nice idea on the rope. Thanks for the share. :O)

[@theplague5742]

Very well done. Thank you.

[@ericspencer2242]

Simple equation: P1V1=P2V2 P1= pressure in CO2 cartridge(psi); V1 = volume of CO2 cartridge(cu-in); P2 = Pressure in pressure chamber(psi); V2 = volume of pressure chamber (cu-in). Nice project.

[@OutlandFL]

Arborists use those "throwbags" as you also said. See SRT climbing on KZbins. I like your air cannon-potato gun which I could suggest you charge using only air pressure from a compressed air cylinder charged from a gas or electric air compressor which would be a heck of a lot cheaper than using CO2 cartridges. But some use an airgun like that to shoot the weight into the trees or you can use the techniques they use to pitch the weight up by hand which takes practice.. I know... or even use a piece of PVC and attach rubber tubing or bands to pitch the weight up high like a slingshot which is very practical. The throw-line of course doesn't have to be expensive but fence alignment line or string is strong and at any length and cheap at Home Depot which is what you have looks like. One more thing, you can keep your line clean and off the ground if you use a 5 gal bucket or container like arborists (tree cutters) use but that may be overkill in your case but a bucket is perfect. Check this out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHjSeWx4btFsjsUsi=NzFrAp3h7dAzL4LS

[@terryshackelford712]

Good job, what a fun build.

[@anthonyrichard7319]

glad nothing went south........great build sir

[@Beowulfsurvival]

Very cool, I’m gonna build one for my antennas now

[@slcoareschannel1943]

GREAT JOB!!

[@ve9mwbmike100]

Great Video , Really clear and like the safety point, never know with some projects, Thanks

[@RobitailleLangley]

You braced this pressure vessel against your femoral artery to fire it. Although this feels like a natural position, its the worse possible place to put that. The construction of a PVC pressure vessel should not be trusted with your life. I would advise using a U bend to place the pressure barrel under the barrel and adding a skeleton stock, or make a protective housing (Butt Pad) for the pressure vessel that is purposeful built for the protection of a blowout against your body. Its just not worth the risk....

[@daveycrockett9447]

Sorry- but do you have any experience with one of these??? and this is not a 12 gauge shotgun. I built the same exact one and there is zero/0 recoil!!!

[@davez2989]

@@daveycrockett9447 it's not about recoil more about if it has a failure and shatters... in my mind. your within spec rating wise but you are using co2 which can expand with heat

[@Dr.JustIsWrong]

Sch 40 pvc has a rated psi at 400 psi at 2" Filling, or much more likely, tapping it while loading, if still cold from filling, is when failure is most probable.

[@mk6315]

Maybe Sch40 ABS would be better?

[@AGGYTAKEOVER]

@@daveycrockett9447 he's right though compressed air can easily blow a hand off or a leg pvc can easily rupture under pressure let alone he said he glued it its a projectile the same as a shotgun not as powerful

[@kpmedia8977]

great job on this !!! saved to my favorites.

[@markpoole1306]

Good job there well done.

[@ahmedabdiesalaan9143]

Thank you a lot, this video helped me find the solutions I was looking for.👍

[@Toschomacher]

Maybe spring load the handle of the valve and make it a push-release trigger so it opens quicker. I know you do it pretty fast but a spring with the right stiffenes would do it even better and gain a bit more moment of blasting it. Obviously you are very good and will find a way to design it right.

[@gabrielboes3692]

Im doing this for a school project and it was very helpful!!

[@surenbhola107]

Awesome video tks

[@Veldtian1]

seriously seriously effective job my man!.

[@georgetimm8203]

That was great.. You crack me up....

[@tshaw326]

You could also use a dowel rod (Curtain Rod} to load your throw bag like a muzzle loader rifle. Still keep your air stem on the end. Good Video!

[@ArcanusLibero]

great project.

[@brettmcpherson-smith8256]

Love it.

[@darrellallen7931]

COOL BUILD

[@tahoma6889]

Braided fishing line. Hose clamp a Zebco reel on the tube. Open the bail, fire. Attach antenna rope (That yellow rope is overkill) to the far end, and reel it up and over and back to launch side. Attach wire, and pull it up. Even just the braided line should hold a wire in a temporary setup. 50 pound test should be enough for a lighter gauge wire. This way, a secondary rope is not needed. Just shoot from far end in the direction of operating position. I have a spool of American Fishing Wire (Look it up) that I use for antenna remote ops.

[@davidg5308]

Well done! Have any photos of the air valve install? Have to consider this one - looks simple and effective. Most bikies (like me) have a bike pump that has a psi indicator on it. A few pumps of the handle and you have the same thing. Fun project to try - thanks!

[@anneshehab1875]

Pressure in vessel 1 X volume of vessel 1 = pressure in vessel 2 X volume of vessel 2 is the equation you’re looking for.

[@d2sfavs]

thats pretty neat needed one of these years ago for my property but a dirty lawyer screwed us out of our mothers 20 year old deed.thanks for sharing

[@r.g.3636]

hi there...... great video...... ive been using a tree sling shot for 30 years.... i get em up to about 100 ft..... im making one of your genius shooters ASAP....!!!! THANK YOU

[@hugie2011]

I enjoy surf fishing. While watching your video, I started to think about how this may help me launch bait out further. The design appeals because it's so compact. Q: How many feet would you estimate your cannon could launch a 3 oz. lead sinker? Kudos, you're a talent -dude.

[@wolverinebear5357]

1/4 mile no joke as long as its packed in the tube no leakage past ur lure when you release the valve, I'd suggest making a miniture version. It would be pretty damn sweet

[@mattharvey8712]

Bravo .........spring for trigger......cheers

[@johnnycuebas8439]

Awesome video.....I am going to try to build one😊

[@TheRudydog1]

I like your simple launcher better than the one I recently built using a 24 volt sprinkler valve with a trigger switch and battery. I also have a Zebco fishing reel connected to the firing end with a projectile made out of a 3 inch length of pvc pipe and ends. It will shoot the fishing line over 150 feet straight up. The fishing line is connected to a larger line and pulled up. Sometimes the fishing line (10-12 pound) breaks. I pump it up with a compressor. The co2 cartridges sound much better (Thanks). I am building a horizontal loop antenna with two full wavelengths on 160M (1150 Feet of stranded #12) and 100-125 feet up on all four legs. 73 Dave

[@W4OPS]

That is a LOT of wire! I don't use the launcher very often. It's easier, more compact, and quicker to use a throw ball but I only need to get my wire up 50 ft or so. I have had the same issue with fishing string breaking and that's why I prefer that yellow cord.

[@weekleyrehab]

I have made many of these a good way to hel p protect your self is to wrap the air chamber with duct tape or cloth tape. It will provide a small amount of protection.

[@kleetus88]

your house is like my house, constant noise from bug smasher planes. it never ends, the droning of those engines.

[@keelieyohara7246]

I have an air antenna launcher. It's crazy fun!!

[@fakhrealam2008]

Awesome.

[@dennissparks4511]

Thanks for the quick response.

[@KingBob477]

thats sick. I have a massively overpowered potato cannon and this shoots pretty simalarly. anyways, that. was. awesome.

[@chandrasekharlimit4547]

You most definitely are smart enough to figure it out :) I feel as though if you can do the research to make this, if you were be able to be given the equation and a simple explanation I have no doubts you’d be able to figure it out :) - from your local grad student in astronomy and Astrophysics :)

[@JeffJones72]

I would attach a small diameter PVC pipe to the barrel underneath. Put a cap at both ends, the top end being removable. That would allow you to store a ramrod to help you load the bean bag. Also you could add a second tube that would allow you to store your CO2 canisters.

[@unitedwestanddividedwefall2073]

I LIKE THIS IDEA ! ! oh hubby, you need to make me 1.

[@distractedbuckle253]

Man I really enjoyed this

[@W4OPS]

Thanks. It was fun to make.

[@joeanthony9126]

Too cool. Better than school

[@WolfDad]

Awesome

[@bubbajeph]

Enjoyed your video! I made one with the butterfly valve, last night. The butterfly valve I bought is too stiff. I am buying the gas valve you have there. Gonna cut out the butterfly valve. My gas chamber is a 4" with a reducer to 2". There I drilled a hole for the air pump valve. I am anxious to shoot it. My barrel pvc pipe 1 1/4" with a fishing reel on the barrel. Best of luck. 73" KD4MAN

[@DonKamote]

LIKE THIS PROJECT

[@rrobinson1969ss]

Awesome air gun. I have one suggestion. Have a safety pin rigged to go thru the trigger handle to keep you from blowing it into your face while loading it... I watched you loading it with the release handle waving back and forth around your legs. You could put your eye out kid!! Haha...

[@HardwareUnknown]

We picked similar channel names, and similar designs for our air-powered PVC launchers. Yours is great, I really liked watching it launch the throw weight. I was curious how it would perform with the air gap caused by the rope hanging outside the barrel. Looks like it didn't have an issue with that! Nice build Mike.

[@noahburt2722]

Haha I watched your video first, fun to see your name pop up on the next one I watched.

[@HardwareUnknown]

@@noahburt2722 Small (online) world. I always like seeing somebody I watch comment on another video I searched for. Fun knowing I was that person this time! You're going to have quite an awesome launcher of your own, I'm sure, after checking out all these varied designs.

[@shermanhofacker4428]

I used schedule 80 for the pressure tank. Two 90 s and a couple short pieces of pipe to make it a U shape to reduce the length. And also put the shrader valve to the front. Laying the line on a piece of canvas helps with tangles.

[@im_moonmann]

How will I make one that goes 400 fps or whats psi mean?

[@JohnHDavis-dm6sz]

Very good project. I built a similar Water Balloon cannon. I used a automatic (low voltage w/9v battery) sprinkler valve and a push button switch. The solenoid gives you a quicker valve opening. I plan to use your design for my through line launcher with the sprinkler valve mod. I'm not very tech savy with video, so maybe you can show a video of this mod. I have found this to be very useful. I like the Co2 design. I've use a 12v battery operated car tire pump so I can launch balloons from my boat. With balloons you need to pour about a cup of water in the barrel as a sabot first to get a air tight through without busting your balloon. With balloons about 60 PSI is the max without busting the balloons. Balloons need a 2" barrel. I'll be watching for your mods.

[@jonathangaliano2617]

I'm curious about this water balloon cannon lol. Any chance you have a video?

[@rickbattle5706]

Next time put a tarp on the ground and place the line on top of it to prevent the grass from slowing line down. Pretty cool. KB3NG

[@wombatrick6011]

Good job! First time making something and my friend wants a hot dog launcher lol.

[@JayJr2007]

Neat!

[@wombatau]

Safety sandals on 👍

[@davez2989]

Sprinkler valve is the way to go opens up way quick and faster. you can get ones that have a manual open.

[@georgehoppes6456]

I would be interested in a video showing your air cannon shooting plastic bags (walmart shopping bags) to stop intrusive drones.

[@williehall1850]

Really cool video I want to make one to shoot bait here in New Zealand! I would also like to use the gas canisters that you use co2 but can not find the adapter to use! Could you point me to where I can find the correct adapter to use to charge the air chamber please and thank you!

[@lafamillecarrington]

I made a paper rocket launcher in much the same way. I got told off (by my wife) for landing the rocket on people the other side of the park. I used my cycle track pump to get the pressure as that was free.

[@andymarshall3157]

Awesome launcher. Cn I make the front barrel shorter like half the length you have in the video?

[@thStarcorps-qw6dn]

I am planning to build such a gun and I would suggest to use a shorter but wider compression chamber and a built in pressure measuring thing. And maybe a simple pop up metal piece (frame with sight thingys in it) for aiming. The shorter chamber would make it look cooler (imo) and would have a better stand on the ground. But keep up the videos- great stuff, one can see you enjoy this very much 👍

[@litostabobucky4566]

You could just go to harbour freight and get one of those tanks that tire mechanics use to instantly inflate the tire to seat the bead. A little modification to the barrel diameter to accommodate whatever size weights you’re using. Just have a portable compressor to air up the tank for future casts. Been firing nerf darts with low caliber potato guns for years! (I’ll probably never grow up)you’d be surprised what velocity ping pong balls can achieve with a few squirts of AquaNet Hairspray or Alcohol. I prefer the hair spray because the residue drys and doesn’t gum up the ignition device. Enjoy your monster launches!!

[@patrickziegler4071]

Maybe load the beanbag b4 you charge it..? Pounding it on the ground while pressurized just feels like an accident in waiting.

[@stephenbuchholz3079]

Could you use a retractable reel from a fishing pole? That way you can reel it back in?

[@sharkman5735]

Maybe a shorter yet fatter air chamber.

[@buckeye5704]

Very cool! Somebody on the FB WFD Group linked your vid after using his for the event. I think I'm going a different route, but enjoyed the process. 73 de K1NKX

[@calebdrake3544]

Why not a paintball co2 tank with a regulator so you know how much air is in the tube?

[@country2coastadventures]

Where can I get the CO2 adapter? Cool vid man. I'm going to build this and launch bait into the ocean for fishing

[@elberttanner6189]

I would add a Tee for the schrader valve

[@DARANGULAFILM]

You may it helpful to dose the inside of the firing tube and the throw weight with spray-on dry silicone lube. I think 3M make and sell it over where you are. If you use a small sock for a wad, give that a shot of the lube spray as well. Don't pack the sock in hard or it will slow the launch.

[@nicot589]

You should try an electronically controlled sprinkler valve instead.of the ball valve it opens.in a fraction of a second and only use 12v it will inprove the your cannons performance drasticly

[@W4OPS]

That's the next level but something I would like like to try to build.

[@tedthompson2163]

Interesting. To what pressure would a second charge from the same once-used gas cylinder charge your gun's pressure tube? I was immediately curious about that, so please respond. Thanks.

[@W4OPS]

I'm not sure but I think you would be getting close to max what it could hold. I would not push this thing above 150psi for safety reasons.

[@hanelyp1]

Could use a safety relief valve. Or a regulator on the input for CO2 cartridges.

[@TheCelltek]

Looks like Darby, Ind.

[@brettmeldahl4456]

Oh...im gonna go get my box of compressor parts and vakves, etc out and hopefully tomorrow build your gun with my changes for sending seed all over my yard for the birds. All I think I will have to do is use a Styrofoam plug under the seed with a epoxied on piece of wood to keep from blowing holes in it and a a screw on cap at the business end with 1/2" fence wire...out goes the seed and I don't have to chase the plug. We shall see!

[@brettmeldahl4456]

Compressor guages are very inexpensive. Some have longer stems, some don't. A short stem can have a piece added. My point...get a small compressor guage with a 3/8" OD nipple, drill a hole in air chamber, thread on a nut, curved washer and proper o-ring/rubber gasket...slipp it through and do the same on the other side. A bit of the right silicone (that doesn't eat rubber) might help a bit. Now you know the air pressure at any time and can, through test fires, know what pressure goes to what height. AND...you coukd add a compressor safety valve as a Just-In-Case and a knob style compressor pressure valve in place of the valve stem with marks at learned levels and quick fill to what you want double check on the guage for safety and if all else fails you have a safety relief valve as well. REMEMBER: SAFETY THIRD...I MEAN FIRST.

[@carlpoore4691]

Fishing rod with a heavy weight

[@Carl-xe3qu]

You could buy a $5 PSI gauge to put on the tank

[@haywoodyoudome]

Wouldn't put that thing anywhere near my head or nuts with that kind of pressure but that's just me.

[@jarmstrong2843]

If my chemistry is correct and to figure out pressure & volume: P1V1 =P2V2 If you know the pressure of the CO2 cartridge and its volume and you know the volume of the chamber, just algebraically solve for P2 to get your pressure. P1 =Pressure of cartridge, V1=Volume of cartridge, P2=Pressure of Chamber, V2=Volume of Chamber : There for (P1 x V1)/V2 = P2

[@Derekwallacegrillinghangingout]

Where u find your valve stim at and what size ball valve is it ?

[@dankjankings7339]

Dont reduce your flow just use the same size pipe for chamber/valve.

[@BusaVader]

good video. put a gauge on the tank

[@mattharvey8712]

Ok update on antenna.....I have seen people bury the wire in ground.....cheers

[@USMC-Sniper-0137]

The larger your air chamber the more powerful it will be. VOLUME is a good thing. Just like the larger your sprinkler system piping is the better the volume of water pressure. The barrel is a very good size and should not be changed.

[@cloeyhelms2920]

I was just curious what adaptor you used to connect the co2 cartridge?

[@W4OPS]

It can be found at any bicycle shop. It's a little elbow. You can search bicycle co2 inflator on Amazon and you should come up with something like this. www.amazon.com/dp/B07351DLP9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_8FX9J86KBBX04WRYJKZD

[@hunterhayes8629]

Lol dudes a mad man! At least put a gauge on it.

[@fokneus]

Hi there I love your design but I have a few questions. Firstly I'm in New Zealand so our PVC terminology might be slightly different than yours. I'm looking to make one of your designs to use it as a bait cannon. Now your design around your brass valve. Both the brass nipples are threaded both sides right? Then your Expanded Pvc bit that connects to the nipples are both Threaded female couplers? Was that bought like that or did you have to make that part? It's the 1.5 inch bit that is connected to the brass valve. Do you know what that is called? Then your 2/3ft air chamber slots into that bit which you then glue right? Plus the "barrel" bit on the other side also glued in? Many questions sorry.

[@heribertobarajas1067]

Hey man how are you, where can I buy that co2 adapter

[@kellyboulware3269]

What is the max air psi should I put in this gun

[@nbulls28]

Can you post the link for the tire stem that you use?

[@JimSky]

Where did you get the bean bag? Nice job, OM.

[@W4OPS]

This is the one I use from Amazon. It takes a beating and holds up well. www.amazon.com/dp/B07VSVGVWT/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_KE7KDEAZ1H7XG0HJQMCV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@charlesenloe19]

I would suggest a pressure gauge.

[@gazzas123]

be careful as PVC can fail and will break into shards.