American Air Cannons FAQ
Q: Can I pay with a money order or cashiers check instead of
a credit card?
A: Yes, we accepy Money orders and cashiers checks.
Please make them payable to:
Pacifica Marketing Group
3639 Midway Dr. B-200
San Diego, CA 92110
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Q: What is the name that appears on my statement for my
order
A: Pacifica Marketing Group is the name that will appear on
your Credit Card billing statement
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Q: Is combustion or pneumatic type better for me?
A: Definitely a pneumatic cannon. I prefer the pneumatic type as it is
safer, cleaner and more reliable. It is easy to build and operate and costs less in the long run
than a combustion cannon.
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Q: Are these things legal?
A: That depends on where you live. The Fed's say they are OK as the letter
below outlines.
I have heard of several instances where they were 'not legal' but that has usually been due to the
operator using a launcher in an unacceptable manner (shooting a hole in the neighbors house). Many
cities and munincipalities have local ordances pertaining to the use of spudguns inside city
limits. Ask someone that would know on the local level.
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ATF -- Yes, they are legal.
Department of the Treasury
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Washington, DC 20226
As defined in section 921(a) (3)
of Title 18, United States Code (USC) the term "firearm" means
--
(A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will
or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an
explosive;
(B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon;
(C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or
(D) any destructive device. Such term does not include an antique firearm.
As defined in 26 USC subsection 5845(f) (2) the term destructive device includes any type of weapon
by whatever name known which will, or which may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the
action of an explosive or other propellent, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore of more than
one-half inch in diameter, except a shotgun or shotgun shell which the Secretary or his delegate
finds is generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes; and (3) any
combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into a
destructive device as defined in subparagraphs (1) and (2) and from which a destructive device may
be readily assembled. The term 'destructive device' shall not include any device which is neither
designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon; any device, although originally designed for use as a
weapon, which is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar
device; surplus ordnance sold, loaned, or given by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to the
provisions of section 4684(2), 4685, or 4686 of title 10 of the USC; or any other device which the
Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, or is an
antique or is a rifle which the owner intends to use solely for sporting purposes.
It is unlawful for anyone to make or possess a destructive device
which is not registered in accordance with the provisions of the National Firearms
Act.
We have previously examined that certain muzzle loading devices known
as "potato guns." These potato guns are constructed from PVC plastic tubing. They use hair spray or
a similar aerosol substance for a propellant, and have some type of spark ignitor. We have
determined that these devices, as described, are not firearms provided that they are used solely
for launching potatoes for recreational purposes. However, any such devices which are used as
weapons or used to launch other forms of projectiles may be firearms and destructive devices as
defined.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Firearms Technology Branch, Room 6450
650 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20226
Sincerely yours,
(signature)
Curtis H. A. Bartlett Acting Chief, Firearms Technology Branch
The feds say they are O.K.....But please check with your local
authorities.
Some cities say NO to using them in the city limits.
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Q: Are they easy to build if I don't know anything about building
things?
A: The plans take you step by step through building the cannon. They come
complete with pictures, part numbers and a simple step by step tutorial that shows you the length
of each piece and where to glue them together. If you can glue two pieces of pipe together, you can
build one of these cannons. Click here for a free video sample.
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Q: I was able to get the sprinkler valve and trigger at Home Depot and Lowes,
but can't find some of the pipe and fittings. Where is the best place to find these parts once I
have purchased your plans?
A: We get the 3/4" vlaves and triggers at Home Depot. But we get our pipe
and fittings from Hydroscape (www.HydroScape.com). The pressure gauge and air fill
valve we get from Grainger (www.Grainger.com). All part numbers are listed in the
plans.
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Q: What glue do you reccomend??
A: I use P-68 Primer and "Christys Red Hot" glue from Home Depot or Lowes. I always
primer the parts I am gluing together first and then use the Christy's Red Hot glue on both
joints before connecting. Be sure to use an ample amount and twist the parts together to make
sure they are air tight.
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Q: Can you hook these cannons up to a continuous air source, like a
paintball system?
A: Yes, Lowes carries a small portable CO2 unit that hooks directly to
these cannons. See this page for more info.
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Q: The pipe I bought has SCH 40 printed on it...But it also says DWV....Is it
ok to use?
A: When selecting pipe for use in building a spudgun or other type of
novelty launching device, make sure the pipe has a pressure rating printed on the pipe. The typical
printing on a length of pressure rated pipe will look something like this: (2" PVC pipe)
"MANUFACTURES NAME" PVC 1120 SCH 40 ASTM D-1785 NSF-PW 280 PSI @
73F
The thing you want to look for is the NSF-PW 280 PSI (or whatever the psi
rating is on that size of pipe) It doesn't matter if it is SCH 40, 80, or 120....Look for the
pressure rating.
If the pipe has a pressure rating on it, it is ok to use. The reason that
it also says DWV is because all ratings for the pipe must be labeled. If a piece of pipe is rated
for 280 psi...It is obviously approved for use as drain pipe. There are all kinds of labels you
might find. One is "cellular core". If it has a cellular core label.....dont even think about using
that for a spudgun. It will eventually fail on you.
To make a long story short.....I don't care if the pipe is labeled
"Blessed by Mother Theresa"....If it has a PSI rating printed on the pipe, go ahead and use it. If
not, find some that is!!!!!
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Q: I built a spudgun with dual ignition but I can only get one spark...What
am i doing wrong?
A: Buy one of our Pneumatic launchers. It works everytime and you won't
burn yourself, make a mess and save money on flammable liquids, as our spud guns use free
air.
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Q: How do I build a potato launcher?
A: Check out the "Plans" page of this site.
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Q: I can't get my electric sprinkler valve to work.....How do I wire this
damn thing?!
A: Buy a set of plans from this site. It outlines in detail how to build a
terrific Spud Cannon for less than $40.
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Q: What size barrel should I choose?
A: Any size you want. Typically people use 1.5" or 2" pipe for the barrel,
this being that regular potatoes are of this size. It is important that the spud seal all around
the barrel surface. Make sure it is not too small however, especially if your chamber is large, or
the air may not be able to get out fast enough.
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Q: What should I use for fuel?
A: Use air. It's free. non toxic and the potato cannon will launch
everytime.
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Q: Do you have any plans that I can buy from you?
A: Yes. I have several designs in the "Plans" section.
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Q: Is PVC or ABS better?
A: They are both fine materials for building a launcher. Keep in mind that
ABS is not pressure rated. Your chances of it failing are MUCH higher. More often than not I have
heard of availability being an issue, but you should always be able to get PVC at a large hardware
store.
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Q: How long should I wait for the glue to cure?
A: AT LEAST 24 Hours!! Proper solvent welding is a must, and the joints
should be allowed to fully cure before loaded with the the stresses of igniting something
quickly.
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Q: How long does it take to get my cannon?
A: Each cannon is built by hand and tested on the per order basis.
The usual turnaround time including shipping is approx 2 weeks.
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Return Policy:
We will gladly replace any damaged or missing components. We will only replace merchandise if
the product has a defect. A 15% restocking fee will apply. Shipping and Handling fees are non
refundable.
You must obtain a return authorization number within 10 days of receipt of the order. Return
merchandise at your own expense. An unauthorized return is subject to a non refund or refusal to
restock.
All Cannon kits are non-refundable since we cannot quality control your assembly process. If you
have a kit that is not operating correctly, please contact Support@AmericanAirCannons.com for assistance.
Please email us to request a return Authorization number for all returns.
Support@AmericanAirCannons.com
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