SpudFiles

Hello to everyone here. I've got a quick question about a spud gun that I have:


I have a spud gun that is built from schedule 40 pvc pipe, with a 1 spark ignition. It pretty much fires when it wants, sometimes on the 1st ignition, other times it takes 30 ignitions to fire, or it just doesn't fire at all.

Would propane help alleviate these issues? (i'm currently using right guard). I'd imagine its more flammable. I'm also concerned about whether or not the pvc pipe will be able to withstand the combustion of propane. I'm well aware that pvc shatters violently, and I'd rather that not happen with it spitting out combusting propane to boot.


So basically:
1) anything I can do to make it more consistent as far as firing
2) will it withstand propane combustion, if not, what can I do to strengthen it short of building a new spud gun (funds are limited at the moment, I'd rather not drop another $40 some bucks)

do you vent it after each shot? i though right guard didn't work any more?

Properly metered propane and a fan will increase success rate to 100%. If you're worried about PVC shrapneling, just use solid core SCH 40 ABS. You didn't specify as to whether the SCH 40 PVC you're using is pressure rated or not, but it should be fine unless it's cellular core. Cleanout caps are the thing to watch out for. Either don't include them on the design, or don't let anything you value get behind them when you pull the trigger.