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:
American Air Cannons
3639 Midway Dr. B-200
San Diego, CA 92110
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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. Please fill out authorization form
below to make a return.
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