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 restocking fee may 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.
Please call or email us to request a return Authorization number for all returns.
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