How to Build the BEST Potato launcher - "Project Yam Cannon" - The perfect 4th of July project!

These homemade devices have many names. Potato Gun, Potato Launcher, Spud Gun, and many other names. We like to call ours a Yam Cannon! Here's your one-stop video for how to build one for yourself. We'll go over all the material you need and show you exactly how to assemble everything. We've also listed the complete supply list below. We bought everything we needed at our local hardware store and our local grocery store. We spent about $90 for everything. That includes two cans of hairspray and two bags of potatoes!
Make sure to comment down below and subscribe to the channel. We intend to randomly pick a person who's commented on this video and subscribed to the channel and mailing them the exact Yam Cannon we built in this video. (We just have to make sure it's legal for us to do that first. LOL)
Legal Disclaimer:
Make sure to check with your state and local laws before building, operating and shooting any devices similar to what's shown in the video. Some states and cities have banned potato guns. Others have titled them as a weapon. We are in no way suggesting you brake the law.
Material list:
1 - 1-1/2" PVC pipe 24" long
1 - 3/4" PVC pipe 24" long
1 - 1-1/2" PVC pipe 4-6" long
1 - 3" PVC pipe 4-6" long
1 - 3" PVC threaded clean-out plug
1 - 3" PVC Spigot FIP adapter
1 - 3"x3"x1-1/2" PVC Sanitary Tee
1 - 3"x1-1/2"" PVC bell reducer
1 - 1-1/2" PVC Street 90
1 - 1-1/2" PVC glue cap
2 - 3/4" PVC glue caps
1 - can Aqua Net hair spray
1 - sack of potatoes
1 - BBQ grill igniter replacement kit (We used one from Ace Hardware)
1 - 2" long stainless steel screw
For more great info, check out our other videos on this channel or visit our webpage at www.CallSmedley.com
#Potato #Potatogun #spud #spudgun #PVC #plumber #YamCannon #potatolauncher #4thofjuly #fireworks #firecracker

[@danielellis4749]

Potato cannoniers are special people in that they seek (and find) the joys of a 14 or 15 year old. Not enough people seek joy like this fun video shows.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

I'll never grow up.

[@gabelewis4227]

We're were making them things in 1997, hairspray has always been the best fuel, cool to see that you guys have it perfected

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks

[@VmanJeff]

We used to make these with pop cans and duct tape. Cut out each end of the can with a can opener, duct tape together. Make a special combustion chamber out of the first can by making triangle can opener cuts around from the pull top opening and then on the other end put one pinhole in the center. Square lighter fluid in and shake the cannon. Light with match and shoot! Our favorite projectiles were tennis balls. Now you got me itching to make one again! Hahahah

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Get at it!

[@jayrowe6473]

That's exactly how we did it back in the 60's and 70's. V-8 cans also worked but gave a higher pitched sound.

[@MollydogRadar]

I had my friend's spud gun for a while. I started using oxy/acetylene mix from my torch. That really sends the spud flying. But I toned it down to butane from a hand held torch. Much cleaner and no miss fires. Great job.

[@lhf7279]

I know I’m a little late commenting for getting a free potato cannon but Just discovered your channel when searching for tips to install a hot water heater expansion tank. Little did I know I would get an added bonus to learn how to make a potato cannon! Super cool and will have to make one for my grandkids!👍🏻Thank you!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks!

[@TheThirdRutherford]

The pipe work is easy. The metal work was a little tricky. A bench vise and hammer are needed for the bends. Great design!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks for the tip!

[@fishinfool63]

What a great project..I am 64 years old and love it

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

You ready to build one?!

[@robertyeo5334]

This was the best video I have seen so far on making a potato launcher. I am a retired plumber and thought this design would be the way to go. Retired, at 72 y/o in Taos N. M. Thanks for the info.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks!

[@JulioDelgado-mk6qs]

Ok Cynthia

[@catherinethompson4071]

Oh oh oh!! I love this. I’m going to try to make it for my 15 yo grandson for Christmas. He’ll love it. I’m 73. Pray. I want to do it safely.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Have fun!

[@RockHarris-f5i]

This video totally gave me great memories of me being 9 years old making my first video. I used a lantern switch which worked just as good. LoL I believe it would shoot near 300 yards in Banks Lake Washington. Best memories I have ever made. Thank you guys for the great videos, love em😊

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Love it!

[@simplepyro7897]

I loved the part when you had fun with the neighbors! It's always good to have such wonderful people near you :)

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yes it was!

[@Virgilsvortex]

I should have known... Plumbers do it best!! Been up since 4:00 a.m. this morning looking for a DIY launcher. FOUND IT LOL loving the power of aquanet.

[@JulioDelgado-mk6qs]

Is this your s Cynthia Marie Aguilar

[@MichaelWallenslager]

I love this Yam Cannon! I live in a very rural area and would have a blast with this thing. I've tried making them in the past and had zero luck. Thanks for posting the video!!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Time to build one!

[@weathertrainsrandomniss1083]

Awesome! Back in high school some 15 years ago we made walnut cannon. Green husks made a great seal! The black walnuts made stains on the top of the silo. Lol. Them where the days! Thanks for the trip down memory lane! Cheers from Wisconsin!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks!

[@patrickblair19]

I’m totally building one of these.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

They are a 'blast'!

[@sharonbrewer1956]

I miss those

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Why miss them when you can just make one?!

[@Mr848Evo]

That’s awesome, bring back memories when I use to build one from a soda cans.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yep!

[@rndoldridge]

i thought i was grown up but I have just gotta make one of these!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Do it!

[@richardstraley7752]

Used to make out of beer cans when I was a kid,my grand kids would love this,,from a fellow plumber love your site

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks!

[@jamieschrage2470]

I WANT ONE!! GOOD VIDEO...EASY TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS..

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Get to building! They're so fun!

[@TheArtisanRBenjamin]

I just shared this video with my teenage son.... He didn't know....now he does. Thank you for the well thought out build. Guess what we are going to do next?

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Heck yeah!

[@mr.sketch1919]

Barbecue grill Igniter 3 inch threaded cap 3 inch spigot fitting

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Very nice!

[@CarlCherry]

Best Construction and results of the YAM Cannon. You ROCK.....

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks!

[@Dusther210]

Please keep posting content like this You just got yourself a sub Great video sir

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Crypt0keeper]

I love the condisending tone on the more self explanatory instructions during the video. Great video

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thank you?

[@unforgivn82]

Ok so disclaimer here.....if you use this design and then substitute the potato for something a bit harder like an old croket ball...it can do some serious dmg. Be careful what you use as ammo this thing can legit hurt someone. Took it squirrel hunting and it worked. Loads of fun love your channel.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

The excitement is brewing.....

[@aprilwaters5751]

My son just started experiencing with something kinda like this, and he would just love one of these. I know it's a year later, but I just came across this. If you could send us one, we would just be so grateful. Loved the potatoes coming out of it & making it 150 yards. Wow. Just wow. I subscribed. And love your shows. Thank you so much.

[@dale4755]

Thanks for showing what seems to be the safest build and shoot. Of a tater cannon to date. I would love to get one, for some good clean fun. Sincerely Dale

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks!

[@Completely_Screwed_Airsoft]

Amazing! We are inspired to try to replicate for some campout fun!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

They are a blast!

[@tbagg99]

dude that is beast mode id love to have one of these would be a hit with my friends

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Just don't hit your friends with it! Lol

[@jackbogaard3192]

In all life I have never seen anything like that , it’s amazing looks like a lot of fun, I was brought up on a trap line here just south of Whitehorse Yukon Canada, I would love to have a yam cannon all day long, thank you for putting this great video together, many warm hugs Jack, address is Jack Bogaard 601 Drury street Whitehorse Yukon Y1A 1T6

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

We've already given this one away. So get to building!

[@PumpkinRBXgaming]

Thank you now my RC warship blue print is on a whole different level

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Get it!

[@johnarnold7693]

We was always using compressed air filled buy a air compressor, it worked, but this is going to much easier. can't wait to build one and upgrade the ones I have. Thanks 😊

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Compressed air works too. It's just that most people don't have access to an air compressor in a long enough hose to get out to a safe location.

[@johnarnold7693]

I know, I have a small compressor and a inverter in my truck, works for me.

[@williamvorstelman2151]

What a great video, I have to share it with Australia.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Please do!

[@LachelleJohnson-gr9yb]

This is fantastic! Would be great fun for a 4th of July Party!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

They are!

[@briandilgersr.3403]

Watched your awsome video. Will try and make a launcher for myself. Not very handy with tools or plumbing, but will give it the o'l college try.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

You can do it! We believe in you!🤠

[@mySunz]

That was amazing..i need to build one to launch our amateur radio antennas high over the trees to run our yearly field day event in fort Washington state park over a weekend..this would make it so much easier..please send me one please😊

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Go for it! This one has already been given away.

[@Dj_Flo_Styles]

I want to build one so bad 😂💪🏼

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Do it!

[@donaldfee9101]

love it we use welding oxegen. can not flood

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Great idea!

[@PatrickKelly-lz3pv]

I wish i had a yam canon its always been a pipe dream of mine.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Now you know how to build one!

[@PatrickKelly-lz3pv]

@@SmedleyPlumbing I had a mental breakdown while trying to build it, now I am round the bend.

[@mrmikelipp]

I definitely want one lol. Whether I get it free or make it myself, I'll have one

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Get on it! So fun!

[@tonyponcia119]

Haha. That’s badass! I need to build one for my girls.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Get to it!

[@kokok3479]

😅🤣😂🤣😅🤣😂 if you sent me one of those, I'll stop building ARs. That is, by far, a fun grown man's toy 😅🤣😂 AWESOME !!!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

We think so too!

[@dominicmancini8330]

Excellent build I like hoe u put separate pipe for the ignition switch.im no good at making this stuff.but Mt son would love this n show his cousins but I wanna say I built it that.good job

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks 👍

[@daverichards1938]

That was a great made me lol , I would really love one for my kids they would get a kick out of that !!!!😮

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Time to get to building!

[@MegaBrianhunt]

This is fantastic I love that potato cannon Yam Canon send me one

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

This one has already been given away. So get to building one fore yourself!

[@andrewbailey5036]

I made the same one frum this video I never usd it yet I wanted to make one every since I kid will now I'm 36 years old and I made one for my first time ever 😅 hop all go wall but this video has ben very helpful thanks for sharing this video on here

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

That is awesome!

[@aBFDeal]

Could use one of these

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Time to make one!

[@jenndanstanton840]

That was awesome! I wanna make 1 for our upcoming family reunion at the end of the month.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Do it!

[@JulioDelgado-mk6qs]

Do what

[@donniecox6503]

That's cool but wouldn't it be better to use a reducer bushing on the end you load ? That way you would only be adding a 2 inch plug rather than three inch cap it may keep some of your fuel from escaping during the process making it a bit more efficient.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Try that with yours! Let us know how it works!

[@cop7259]

Loved the video. Just built a potato gun using hair spray with my grandkids. It mostly worked on each try but was hit or miss on a few tries. After watching this video I think we tried to use way too much spray and will need to re-position my igniter to get a more consistent result. Thank you for the great tips and for this video.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks!

[@JulioDelgado-mk6qs]

Pathetic

[@robwolffenbuttel5030]

Would love to have one for fishing.Arthritis makes throwing in a painfull problem

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

That's a great idea!

[@marcosredondo3528]

i like sending things flying so.. potato launching it is!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks

[@andydutton3293]

Brining in the New Year with a BOOM!! Would live to have one

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Just remember, what goes up must come down.

[@earthstewardude]

What a SWEET Potato launcher!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Indeed!

[@alexadamson9959]

I wonder if you could launch a Molotov out of them. If so, this is going straight into my list of thing I need in a zombie apocalypse. (And yes, I know a firearm is more effective, but I live in England.)

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Probably!

[@lilmamalokita88]

I so want a potato gun! Ur yam cannon is made perfectly

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Time to build one!

[@Rclowrider1]

The only thing I need is how to put the barbeque igniter in the PVC pipe like put it in the t shape

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

That will be different for every ignitor you buy.

[@Rclowrider1]

@@SmedleyPlumbingdo Yk where I can put the ground wire on the mettle thing and when u spry the hair spry dose the sparker have to be out side the metal box thing like it should on the video where u have to fold the pice dose the sparker have to be in side it or out side it

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@@Rclowrider1 you should be able to attach the ground wire right to the metal bracket. And then anyway you can get the metal bracket to flex into position and hopefully allow the bracket to shield the sparker from direct spray you should be good.

[@darlapurvis1439]

Going to Lowe’s & getting started 😜

[@kylehill1314]

im making one for fishing hahaha

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Get it!

[@jonlewellen6254]

That is the coolest yam cannon I have ever seen. If you have an extra one, you can send it my way.❤

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

No extras. Lol

[@AlbertHenson-pk1vk]

Awesome !! Man toy. It a knew way making mash potatoes.

[@mikeramsey9747]

If you could convert it to an air pressure chamber then use maybe a sprinkler control valve to release the air pressure it could be use to launch line up into trees for stringing ham radio antenna wire.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Possibilities are endless!

[@g.marshallfranklinjr.3831]

I did exactly that to get a squirrel house in the tree.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@@g.marshallfranklinjr.3831 Heck yes!

[@earthstewardude]

Mine has the french fry slicer on the end.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Phenomenal idea!

[@vcolet2011]

This is freaking great I totally love this.....would it stop an intruder in your house for a few secs to get control of him? Love it.....

[@vcolet2011]

I gotta get one of these

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Excuse me sir, can you stand still while I load my yam cannon?

[@vcolet2011]

@@SmedleyPlumbing it would be already loaded...

[@edchobot7455]

I like it! Pretty damn cool!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

They are!

[@TRIANGLE941]

I am making an artillary battery with this information (shoots potatoes, of course)

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Love it!

[@330capt]

Love the design and build. thanks. what am I missing: how does the 1 1/2" "barrel" glue into the " 3" x 2" " reducer? curious....

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

We misspoke when calling out the fittings. It's a 3x1-1/2" reducer.

[@330capt]

@@SmedleyPlumbing Thanks... I figured so.... just wanted to make sure the 1 1/2" was big enough so as not to overpressure the unit. I JUST built one, as you've described (with a 1 1/2" barrel)... waiting for my grandson to arrive before we launch an attack on the neighbor's floating raft.....(hahahahaha). Great video!~ thanks. B

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@@330capt love it!

[@darkclaw7459]

This is so awesome, but still not sure I am ready and able to build one! If you haven’t picked someone please keep me in mind. John

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Winner has already been picked.

[@deanharris4539]

That’s a great yam cannon

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Indeed it is!

[@doodmeisterd4619]

Dude that looked like so much fun 😂

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

It was!

[@earlfears]

I am so building this with the girlfriends 8 & 9 year olds 😃

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Do it!

[@socalrefrigeration548]

Looks really fun. Think I might build one and use red potatoes with packing.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Do it!

[@Krissilynn0]

Very well done! Plumbers do it best!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

We feel the same way!

[@JeffMaffett]

I have been looking at bait cannons . Think this will launch ice and a 3oz sinker with bait? Suggestions ? I dont want to have to use a tire pump.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Should work very well.

[@69CamaroSS]

I have ALWAYS wanted to build one that shoots billiard balls….but have wondered if PVC would survive the pressure it would generate. 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Not so sure I want to try that one out! 😳

[@Joe-mz6dc]

This is my cue to tell you guys to pool your resources. You can come up with a good design and pocket the profits. It'll break the bank. I felt the need to table my idea.

[@RickKneice]

I'm 47 years old and have never seen one of these beasts before please send one

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

We've already given this one away. Thankfully you can build one from the instructions in the video.

[@DanielMartinez-wi3pn]

Making a Lowes run...asap!!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Do it!

[@ronaldrobinson9301]

Awesome yam Cannon

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Indeed it is!

[@johngeary4862]

it is great will it work as a bait cannon? John Geary 12200 pomelo Dr Desert Hot Springs Ca 92240

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

You're a brave soul posting your address for the whole word to see.

[@hardasnails11b]

Stop an intruder? Lets find out…Waiting to find out!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yeah we can't post those results....... 😂

[@brooklyn1606]

me and my grandpa are going to build one

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Get to it! 💜

[@user-dg3we2ls9x]

Heck yeah I want one

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Get to building! They are fun!

[@RickKneice]

I'd love to have a yam cannon

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

We've already given this one away. Thankfully you can build one from the instructions in the video.

[@ChrisHVAC]

Show a little HVAC love or I'll have to make my own!! Happy 4th of July

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Enjoy!

[@genekasatkin1030]

Plumbers are for Potatoes, not for Full Metal Jackets. This should be most lethal weapon anywhere, period. Thanks for fan video!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

You bet!

[@user-gt8jr9ol7j]

I love it I subscribed shared and commented on it I tried to make my own but it didn’t work

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

This one's already been given away. So you'll have to try again!

[@user-gt8jr9ol7j]

@@SmedleyPlumbing oh ok well I guess I will try again and do exactly what you did I just gotta save money for it that stuff is pricey at Home Depot but I need to get one going I know my daughter will get a kick out of it

[@shaunoslin1773]

That was bad ass I so want one guys I need it.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Everyone needs a yam cannon!

[@josephhawkins-ur4iw]

I would have 4 to 5 foot barrel 2" diameter schedule 40 pipe chamber would be 4" 12 " long. An use sweet potatoes there tighter an will make a lots better performance.... oh yea carefull to not over load thoe. It's a real cannon....an fun to shoot.but hang on tight.😂😊

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Sounds like a BLAST!

[@Shawn-Heaney]

I'm not mechanically inclined but damn I got a lot of potatoes and more free time than I'd like to admit. This yam canon is effin awesome! I'd appreciate entry into the giveaway. Think of it as charity... Imagine the reduction of my carb intake. You can help me go from couch potato to spud Rambo!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

That's hilarious!

[@Shawn-Heaney]

I made one last year, but the igniter, like my mother in law, got covered in too much hairspray. It works about as well as a penis pump... According to my friend. He said that those pumps don't work. It definitely wasn't me who tried that thing! It was my friend! He tried it and said they don't work. And don't bother asking his name. He moved to Canada so you can't get a hold of him. Don't bother even trying. Anywho, about that potato gun...

[@Shawn-Heaney]

It was me...

[@theGimpfantry]

Men don't grow up... we just bigger! And I want a yam cannon, Ihave a son that would lose his mind...

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

They are pretty awesome!

[@tjbikeco.2166]

How does the 1 1/2 pipe fit in the 3x2 bell reducer? The math isn't mathing

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yeah I misspoke in the video. It's a 3x1-1/2 Bell reducer.

[@bobbyfarmer8124]

Great video. I built this, and it was awesome but only got 4 shots out of it. Now it won't ignite. Any tips on demucking the wire tips?

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Too much hair spray. It will dry out and work again.

[@ilitewa]

Wow, cool cannon! can't wait to get the cannon!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Make one and enjoy!

[@christinalivelycovey2840]

Awsome! I need this 😊

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

It's so good!

[@user-wg4hn3wd3o]

How far does this go, im a freshman in high school and for a contest, i need it to go 100yrds+is there one more powerful than this or is this th mot powerful

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

This absolutely shoots over 100 yards

[@blacklionengravings3943]

Still giving the potatoe gun away? I subscribed and liked wish I subscribed sooner. Awesome work by the way.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

It's already gone. But build your own and have some fun!

[@CalebHacker-cw7vg]

hi I love potato launcher

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Get to building!

[@jeepcj7dude]

Ether works as well :)

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

I bet it does!

[@brettsoanes2505]

I'm about to build one🎉

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Do it!

[@danalhendrickson1358]

Need one for placing ham radio antennas in trees!!!!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Build it!

[@DocHendrickson-nd2ub]

Indeed!

[@SoftBunnyMommy]

Was it between this or a video on pipebombs? /jk my uncle is a plumber and he DOES love to blow stuff up

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

We do like to have our fun!