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Water Balloon Pneumatic Cannon.

Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 6:02 pm
by Shoal
I've been thinking about building a cannon that launches water balloons among other things. I'm not too familiar with the construction of pneumatic cannons, but for the basics, I'm planning on a 3 inch barrel, and the 1 inch sprinkler valve from BCArms for the valve type. I'm not planning on shooting anyone with this, because the balloons have the potential to cause harm flying at high speed.

Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 6:08 pm
by Spuddin
i hope you get this built and working soon, i would like to see it in action. i tried this but the balloons kept breaking in the barrel, maybe they needed to be patched with cloth of some kind to keep the balloon from contacting the barrel. you will get alot of replys saying "search this site" etc. but all the info is here. hurry and build it.. :D ugh, im starting to sound like "them".

Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 6:19 pm
by XxtriviumxX
I'm not planning on shooting anyone with this, because the balloons have the potential to cause harm flying at high speed.
There are much more harmful projectiles than ballons on this site. :lol:

If you are going to be shooting ballons, you will need to put them in some kind of shell or frame, maybe two pieces of foam will work, which will break away from each other as they exit the barrel.

Get creative :D

Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:18 pm
by tmacd995
I would use a piston valve if you feel up to it or maybe two sprinkler valves. I built a cannon with a one inch modded valve and a 3 inch barrel and it was a waste of 70 dollars.
The flow is just too restricted with a one inch valve.
Good luck

Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:22 pm
by STHORNE
try finding a 1.5" sprinkler valve. I've seen a couple in my days and bigger ports would increase performance (since you are using a larger barrel).

that, or you could just use a piston system...

Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 1:53 pm
by jonnyboy
Spuddin wrote:i hope you get this built and working soon, i would like to see it in action. i tried this but the balloons kept breaking in the barrel, maybe they needed to be patched with cloth of some kind to keep the balloon from contacting the barrel. you will get alot of replys saying "search this site" etc. but all the info is here. hurry and build it.. :D ugh, im starting to sound like "them".
I have shot water balloons out of mine. Make a cardboard disk to set them on so the pressure exerted on the balloon will be the same.

Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 10:00 pm
by koolaidman
Guys, i dont think he needs to worry about flow restriction if hes shooting water balloons. If anything, that is a good thing, id even almost suggest a ball valve... not really tho. Id say stick with the 1" sprinkler, and use a long barrel.

Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 10:14 pm
by no-limit
This one I have to see.

Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 10:18 pm
by koolaidman
Also, a guy on this site posted exactly that gun you descibed. Here it is http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/water-b ... 13364.html. Just please! do not use dwv like he did.

Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 10:25 pm
by no-limit
No such file, that's a good one.

Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 4:01 am
by Biopyro
http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/water-b ... 13364.html

I always wantede something like this, but I can't help but think the friction along the barrel would burst the balloon as it leaves the barrel?

Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 5:20 am
by biged
I launch water balloons all the time. I Sabot the water balloons in Dixie cups. The balloon is launched and the cup lands 15-20 feet away. I can reuse the cups 10+ over.

Each balloon is about the size of a tennis ball, which is what I also launch.
I use a 1 gallon pump sprayer to fill the balloons in the field.

///ed///

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:55 pm
by Biopyro
I just found this site. It seems like it's exactly what you need!