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Frequently Asked Questions
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Click here to read what AAC Customers are saying
about our cannons.
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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: 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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