BPC-01 Basic Penumatic Cannon

BPC-01 | ESVC-01 | PSR-01 | Breech | Paintball Tank

Basic Pneumatic Cannon

The BPC-01

This is a basic pneumatic cannon, an excellent starting point for the novice of PVC mechanics.

Potato Cannon Plans

This cannon uses a simple twist-open ball valve that gets the job done, no need to mess with electronics. I built this cannon for my dear friend Connor, in fact these air guns are what brought us together, the man is incredible. He used this cannon in a play he directed, The Cenci. This cannon performs well and is rugged.

Construction

MATERIALS

  • 1" Pipe (short sections for use as nipples)
  • 1 1/2" Pipe
  • 1 1/2" Coupling
  • 1 1/2"x1" Reducing Bushing
  • 2" Pipe
  • 2" Street Elbows (Male and Female connections)
  • 2" Endcap
  • 2"x1" Reducing Bushing
  • 1" to Male Thread x2
  • Tire Valve
  • 1" Ball Valve
  • Large block of wood and tie strap for spacer

ALL PIPE IS SCH 40!

DO NOT USE DWV PIPE!

 

spudgun design

ASSEMBLY

This cannon is very simple to build. The 2" Chamber should be cut around 4 feet, but can be as short as 3 feet and still perform well. It is a matter of preference. The barrel should also be around 4 feet. Drill a hole for the tire valve and attach it to the endcap, before it is glued in place. When all pieces are arranged, prime and glue. Let them sit overnight or you risk destroying the seal of the glue.

Adaptations of this cannon abound on the Internet. One cannon is 10 feet long and shoots 3" wide bean cans of concrete!