How to Build the BEST Potato launcher - "Project Yam Cannon" - The perfect 4th of July project!

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  • Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
  • These homemade devices have many names. Potato Gun, Potato Launcher, Spud Gun, and many other names. We like to call ours a Yam Cannon! Here's your one-stop video for how to build one for yourself. We'll go over all the material you need and show you exactly how to assemble everything. We've also listed the complete supply list below. We bought everything we needed at our local hardware store and our local grocery store. We spent about $90 for everything. That includes two cans of hairspray and two bags of potatoes!
    Make sure to comment down below and subscribe to the channel. We intend to randomly pick a person who's commented on this video and subscribed to the channel and mailing them the exact Yam Cannon we built in this video. (We just have to make sure it's legal for us to do that first. LOL)
    Legal Disclaimer:
    Make sure to check with your state and local laws before building, operating and shooting any devices similar to what's shown in the video. Some states and cities have banned potato guns. Others have titled them as a weapon. We are in no way suggesting you brake the law.
    Material list:
    1 - 1-1/2" PVC pipe 24" long
    1 - 3/4" PVC pipe 24" long
    1 - 1-1/2" PVC pipe 4-6" long
    1 - 3" PVC pipe 4-6" long
    1 - 3" PVC threaded clean-out plug
    1 - 3" PVC Spigot FIP adapter
    1 - 3"x3"x1-1/2" PVC Sanitary Tee
    1 - 3"x1-1/2"" PVC bell reducer
    1 - 1-1/2" PVC Street 90
    1 - 1-1/2" PVC glue cap
    2 - 3/4" PVC glue caps
    1 - can Aqua Net hair spray
    1 - sack of potatoes
    1 - BBQ grill igniter replacement kit (We used one from Ace Hardware)
    1 - 2" long stainless steel screw
    For more great info, check out our other videos on this channel or visit our webpage at www.CallSmedley.com
    #Potato #Potatogun #spud #spudgun #PVC #plumber #YamCannon #potatolauncher #4thofjuly #fireworks #firecracker

КОМЕНТАРІ • 405

  • @danielellis4749
    @danielellis4749 10 місяців тому +52

    Potato cannoniers are special people in that they seek (and find) the joys of a 14 or 15 year old. Not enough people seek joy like this fun video shows.

  • @VmanJeff
    @VmanJeff 6 місяців тому +14

    We used to make these with pop cans and duct tape. Cut out each end of the can with a can opener, duct tape together. Make a special combustion chamber out of the first can by making triangle can opener cuts around from the pull top opening and then on the other end put one pinhole in the center. Square lighter fluid in and shake the cannon. Light with match and shoot! Our favorite projectiles were tennis balls. Now you got me itching to make one again! Hahahah

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  6 місяців тому +3

      Get at it!

    • @jayrowe6473
      @jayrowe6473 5 місяців тому

      That's exactly how we did it back in the 60's and 70's. V-8 cans also worked but gave a higher pitched sound.

  • @gabelewis4227
    @gabelewis4227 4 місяці тому +9

    We're were making them things in 1997, hairspray has always been the best fuel, cool to see that you guys have it perfected

  • @fishinfool63
    @fishinfool63 Рік тому +8

    What a great project..I am 64 years old and love it

  • @MollydogRadar
    @MollydogRadar 2 роки тому +19

    I had my friend's spud gun for a while. I started using oxy/acetylene mix from my torch. That really sends the spud flying. But I toned it down to butane from a hand held torch. Much cleaner and no miss fires. Great job.

  • @lhf7279
    @lhf7279 11 місяців тому +11

    I know I’m a little late commenting for getting a free potato cannon but Just discovered your channel when searching for tips to install a hot water heater expansion tank. Little did I know I would get an added bonus to learn how to make a potato cannon! Super cool and will have to make one for my grandkids!👍🏻Thank you!

  • @simplepyro7897
    @simplepyro7897 4 місяці тому +2

    I loved the part when you had fun with the neighbors!
    It's always good to have such wonderful people near you :)

  • @robertyeo5334
    @robertyeo5334 Рік тому +6

    This was the best video I have seen so far on making a potato launcher. I am a retired plumber and thought this design would be the way to go. Retired, at 72 y/o in Taos N. M. Thanks for the info.

  • @RockHarris-f5i
    @RockHarris-f5i 3 місяці тому +1

    This video totally gave me great memories of me being 9 years old making my first video. I used a lantern switch which worked just as good. LoL I believe it would shoot near 300 yards in Banks Lake Washington. Best memories I have ever made. Thank you guys for the great videos, love em😊

  • @patrickblair19
    @patrickblair19 Місяць тому +1

    I’m totally building one of these.

  • @EdwardStrouse-s9j
    @EdwardStrouse-s9j 13 днів тому +1

    Super cool and very innovative!

  • @catherinethompson4071
    @catherinethompson4071 Рік тому +2

    Oh oh oh!! I love this. I’m going to try to make it for my 15 yo grandson for Christmas. He’ll love it. I’m 73. Pray. I want to do it safely.

  • @Mr848Evo
    @Mr848Evo 3 місяці тому +1

    That’s awesome, bring back memories when I use to build one from a soda cans.

  • @sharonbrewer1956
    @sharonbrewer1956 Місяць тому +1

    I miss those

  • @Virgilsvortex
    @Virgilsvortex 2 роки тому +5

    I should have known... Plumbers do it best!!
    Been up since 4:00 a.m. this morning looking for a DIY launcher.
    FOUND IT
    LOL loving the power of aquanet.

  • @leshawkins
    @leshawkins Місяць тому +1

    Boy’s toys only get better as we age!!

  • @troybenson5264
    @troybenson5264 Місяць тому +1

    Thanks for the great video . I’ve always wanted one of these

  • @nicholastkaczyk6874
    @nicholastkaczyk6874 4 дні тому +1

    Very cool ,nice job

  • @sweaty-boi9k
    @sweaty-boi9k 2 місяці тому

    Thank you now my RC warship blue print is on a whole different level

  • @joshdion9085
    @joshdion9085 Місяць тому +1

    Im from British Columbia and would love to own that yam cannon. Teach me ur potato gun ways master

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  Місяць тому

      Based off this video, you can totally build one!

  • @MichaelWallenslager
    @MichaelWallenslager 5 місяців тому +1

    I love this Yam Cannon! I live in a very rural area and would have a blast with this thing. I've tried making them in the past and had zero luck. Thanks for posting the video!!

  • @TheThirdRutherford
    @TheThirdRutherford 3 місяці тому +2

    The pipe work is easy. The metal work was a little tricky. A bench vise and hammer are needed for the bends. Great design!

  • @Dusther210
    @Dusther210 Місяць тому +1

    Please keep posting content like this
    You just got yourself a sub
    Great video sir

  • @danbehl761
    @danbehl761 Місяць тому +1

    I cannot wait to try this! It looks like a fantastic addition to our 'arsenal' of contest games for this year's Oktoberfest party!

  • @jamieschrage2470
    @jamieschrage2470 6 місяців тому +2

    I WANT ONE!! GOOD VIDEO...EASY TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS..

  • @CarlCherry
    @CarlCherry 8 місяців тому +1

    Best Construction and results of the YAM Cannon. You ROCK.....

  • @PatrickKelly-lz3pv
    @PatrickKelly-lz3pv 4 місяці тому +4

    I wish i had a yam canon its always been a pipe dream of mine.

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  4 місяці тому

      Now you know how to build one!

    • @PatrickKelly-lz3pv
      @PatrickKelly-lz3pv 4 місяці тому +1

      @@SmedleyPlumbing I had a mental breakdown while trying to build it, now I am round the bend.

  • @weathertrainsrandomniss1083
    @weathertrainsrandomniss1083 Рік тому +4

    Awesome! Back in high school some 15 years ago we made walnut cannon. Green husks made a great seal! The black walnuts made stains on the top of the silo. Lol. Them where the days! Thanks for the trip down memory lane! Cheers from Wisconsin!

  • @Crypt0keeper
    @Crypt0keeper Рік тому

    I love the condisending tone on the more self explanatory instructions during the video. Great video

  • @richardstraley7752
    @richardstraley7752 10 місяців тому +1

    Used to make out of beer cans when I was a kid,my grand kids would love this,,from a fellow plumber love your site

  • @Failing_Projects
    @Failing_Projects 5 місяців тому +1

    Amazing! We are inspired to try to replicate for some campout fun!

  • @rndoldridge
    @rndoldridge 2 місяці тому +1

    i thought i was grown up but I have just gotta make one of these!

  • @tbagg99
    @tbagg99 Рік тому +2

    dude that is beast mode id love to have one of these would be a hit with my friends

  • @TheArtisanRBenjamin
    @TheArtisanRBenjamin Рік тому +2

    I just shared this video with my teenage son....
    He didn't know....now he does. Thank you for the well thought out build. Guess what we are going to do next?

  • @tonyponcia119
    @tonyponcia119 7 місяців тому +1

    Haha. That’s badass! I need to build one for my girls.

  • @johnarnold7693
    @johnarnold7693 3 місяці тому

    We was always using compressed air filled buy a air compressor, it worked, but this is going to much easier. can't wait to build one and upgrade the ones I have. Thanks 😊

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  3 місяці тому +1

      Compressed air works too. It's just that most people don't have access to an air compressor in a long enough hose to get out to a safe location.

    • @johnarnold7693
      @johnarnold7693 3 місяці тому +1

      I know, I have a small compressor and a inverter in my truck, works for me.

  • @LachelleJohnson-gr9yb
    @LachelleJohnson-gr9yb 4 місяці тому +1

    This is fantastic! Would be great fun for a 4th of July Party!

  • @MegaBrianhunt
    @MegaBrianhunt 5 місяців тому +1

    This is fantastic I love that potato cannon Yam Canon send me one

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  5 місяців тому

      This one has already been given away. So get to building one fore yourself!

  • @dale4755
    @dale4755 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for showing what seems to be the safest build and shoot. Of a tater cannon to date. I would love to get one, for some good clean fun. Sincerely Dale

  • @daverichards1938
    @daverichards1938 9 місяців тому +1

    That was a great made me lol , I would really love one for my kids they would get a kick out of that !!!!😮

  • @williamvorstelman2151
    @williamvorstelman2151 3 місяці тому +1

    What a great video, I have to share it with Australia.

  • @andrewbailey5036
    @andrewbailey5036 4 місяці тому +1

    I made the same one frum this video I never usd it yet I wanted to make one every since I kid will now I'm 36 years old and I made one for my first time ever 😅 hop all go wall but this video has ben very helpful thanks for sharing this video on here

  • @kokok3479
    @kokok3479 Рік тому +1

    😅🤣😂🤣😅🤣😂 if you sent me one of those, I'll stop building ARs. That is, by far, a fun grown man's toy 😅🤣😂 AWESOME !!!

  • @marcosredondo3528
    @marcosredondo3528 Рік тому +1

    i like sending things flying so.. potato launching it is!

  • @deanharris4539
    @deanharris4539 Рік тому +1

    That’s a great yam cannon

  • @earthstewardude
    @earthstewardude 4 місяці тому +1

    What a SWEET Potato launcher!

  • @edchobot7455
    @edchobot7455 3 місяці тому +1

    I like it! Pretty damn cool!

  • @unforgivn82
    @unforgivn82 9 місяців тому +2

    Ok so disclaimer here.....if you use this design and then substitute the potato for something a bit harder like an old croket ball...it can do some serious dmg. Be careful what you use as ammo this thing can legit hurt someone. Took it squirrel hunting and it worked. Loads of fun love your channel.

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  9 місяців тому

      The excitement is brewing.....

    • @aprilwaters5751
      @aprilwaters5751 6 місяців тому

      My son just started experiencing with something kinda like this, and he would just love one of these. I know it's a year later, but I just came across this. If you could send us one, we would just be so grateful. Loved the potatoes coming out of it & making it 150 yards. Wow. Just wow. I subscribed. And love your shows. Thank you so much.

  • @jackbogaard3192
    @jackbogaard3192 5 місяців тому +1

    In all life I have never seen anything like that , it’s amazing looks like a lot of fun, I was brought up on a trap line here just south of Whitehorse Yukon Canada, I would love to have a yam cannon all day long, thank you for putting this great video together, many warm hugs Jack, address is Jack Bogaard 601 Drury street Whitehorse Yukon Y1A 1T6

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  5 місяців тому

      We've already given this one away. So get to building!

  • @lilmamalokita88
    @lilmamalokita88 7 місяців тому

    I so want a potato gun! Ur yam cannon is made perfectly

  • @shaunoslin1773
    @shaunoslin1773 Рік тому +1

    That was bad ass I so want one guys I need it.

  • @andydutton3293
    @andydutton3293 Рік тому +1

    Brining in the New Year with a BOOM!! Would live to have one

  • @mrmikelipp
    @mrmikelipp 2 роки тому +1

    I definitely want one lol. Whether I get it free or make it myself, I'll have one

  • @jenndanstanton840
    @jenndanstanton840 2 роки тому +4

    That was awesome! I wanna make 1 for our upcoming family reunion at the end of the month.

  • @JohnLucido-y8l
    @JohnLucido-y8l 7 місяців тому +1

    Heck yeah I want one

  • @Dj_Flo_Styles
    @Dj_Flo_Styles 3 місяці тому +1

    I want to build one so bad 😂💪🏼

  • @ronaldrobinson9301
    @ronaldrobinson9301 Рік тому +1

    Awesome yam Cannon

  • @briandilgersr.3403
    @briandilgersr.3403 Рік тому +1

    Watched your awsome video. Will try and make a launcher for myself. Not very handy with tools or plumbing, but will give it the o'l college try.

  • @brooklyn1606
    @brooklyn1606 6 місяців тому +1

    me and my grandpa are going to build one

  • @Krissilynn0
    @Krissilynn0 2 роки тому +1

    Very well done! Plumbers do it best!

  • @doodmeisterd4619
    @doodmeisterd4619 Рік тому +1

    Dude that looked like so much fun 😂

  • @kylehill1314
    @kylehill1314 4 місяці тому +1

    im making one for fishing hahaha

  • @dominicmancini8330
    @dominicmancini8330 6 місяців тому +1

    Excellent build I like hoe u put separate pipe for the ignition switch.im no good at making this stuff.but Mt son would love this n show his cousins but I wanna say I built it that.good job

  • @aBFDeal
    @aBFDeal Рік тому +1

    Could use one of these

  • @christinalivelycovey2840
    @christinalivelycovey2840 6 місяців тому +1

    Awsome! I need this 😊

  • @darlapurvis1439
    @darlapurvis1439 2 роки тому +1

    Going to Lowe’s & getting started 😜

  • @cop7259
    @cop7259 Рік тому +1

    Loved the video. Just built a potato gun using hair spray with my grandkids. It mostly worked on each try but was hit or miss on a few tries. After watching this video I think we tried to use way too much spray and will need to re-position my igniter to get a more consistent result. Thank you for the great tips and for this video.

  • @TRIANGLE941
    @TRIANGLE941 7 місяців тому +1

    I am making an artillary battery with this information (shoots potatoes, of course)

  • @craftyninja2295
    @craftyninja2295 4 місяці тому +1

    Awesomeness

  • @donaldfee9101
    @donaldfee9101 5 місяців тому +1

    love it we use
    welding oxegen. can not flood

  • @CalebHacker-cw7vg
    @CalebHacker-cw7vg 9 місяців тому +1

    hi I love potato launcher

  • @KMeyer93
    @KMeyer93 25 днів тому +1

    Wire in a coil creates inductance inwhich adds resistance = weaker spark. Just cut the wires to appropriate length

  • @ilitewa
    @ilitewa Рік тому +2

    Wow, cool cannon! can't wait to get the cannon!

  • @RickKneice
    @RickKneice 9 місяців тому

    I'd love to have a yam cannon

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  9 місяців тому +1

      We've already given this one away. Thankfully you can build one from the instructions in the video.

  • @Joe-b1h
    @Joe-b1h 8 місяців тому +1

    this is awesome!!!

  • @mySunz
    @mySunz Рік тому +2

    That was amazing..i need to build one to launch our amateur radio antennas high over the trees to run our yearly field day event in fort Washington state park over a weekend..this would make it so much easier..please send me one please😊

  • @mr.sketch1919
    @mr.sketch1919 4 місяці тому +2

    Barbecue grill Igniter 3 inch threaded cap 3 inch spigot fitting

  • @kennethbaigent5367
    @kennethbaigent5367 7 місяців тому +1

    Outstanding

  • @brettsoanes2505
    @brettsoanes2505 Рік тому +1

    I'm about to build one🎉

  • @jonlewellen6254
    @jonlewellen6254 Рік тому +1

    That is the coolest yam cannon I have ever seen. If you have an extra one, you can send it my way.❤

  • @howardcampbell3808
    @howardcampbell3808 5 місяців тому +1

    That was cool

  • @robwolffenbuttel5030
    @robwolffenbuttel5030 6 місяців тому +1

    Would love to have one for fishing.Arthritis makes throwing in a painfull problem

  • @BarryJowers
    @BarryJowers 22 дні тому +1

    Got a hurricane hitting right now got nothing else to do so I'm making one of these

  • @vcolet2011
    @vcolet2011 Рік тому +1

    This is freaking great I totally love this.....would it stop an intruder in your house for a few secs to get control of him? Love it.....

    • @vcolet2011
      @vcolet2011 Рік тому +1

      I gotta get one of these

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  Рік тому +4

      Excuse me sir, can you stand still while I load my yam cannon?

    • @vcolet2011
      @vcolet2011 Рік тому

      @@SmedleyPlumbing it would be already loaded...

  • @socalrefrigeration548
    @socalrefrigeration548 2 роки тому +1

    Looks really fun. Think I might build one and use red potatoes with packing.

  • @smittypgh
    @smittypgh 6 днів тому +1

    I know this video was 2 years ago but you should still send me one 😂

  • @RickKneice
    @RickKneice 9 місяців тому

    I'm 47 years old and have never seen one of these beasts before please send one

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  9 місяців тому

      We've already given this one away. Thankfully you can build one from the instructions in the video.

  • @shawnmoore814
    @shawnmoore814 4 місяці тому +1

    Amazing❣

  • @earthstewardude
    @earthstewardude 4 місяці тому +1

    Mine has the french fry slicer on the end.

  • @Shawn-Heaney
    @Shawn-Heaney 2 роки тому +2

    I'm not mechanically inclined but damn I got a lot of potatoes and more free time than I'd like to admit. This yam canon is effin awesome! I'd appreciate entry into the giveaway. Think of it as charity... Imagine the reduction of my carb intake. You can help me go from couch potato to spud Rambo!

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  2 роки тому +1

      That's hilarious!

    • @Shawn-Heaney
      @Shawn-Heaney 2 роки тому

      I made one last year, but the igniter, like my mother in law, got covered in too much hairspray. It works about as well as a penis pump... According to my friend. He said that those pumps don't work. It definitely wasn't me who tried that thing! It was my friend! He tried it and said they don't work. And don't bother asking his name. He moved to Canada so you can't get a hold of him. Don't bother even trying. Anywho, about that potato gun...

    • @Shawn-Heaney
      @Shawn-Heaney 2 роки тому +1

      It was me...

  • @0787george
    @0787george 18 днів тому +2

    I’ve been looking one of those all my life I’m 63 now and still haven’t got one. No way could I afford all those parts

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  18 днів тому

      I think it cost about $100 if I remember correctly

  • @alexadamson9959
    @alexadamson9959 Рік тому +2

    I wonder if you could launch a Molotov out of them. If so, this is going straight into my list of thing I need in a zombie apocalypse.
    (And yes, I know a firearm is more effective, but I live in England.)

  • @AlbertHenson-pk1vk
    @AlbertHenson-pk1vk Рік тому +1

    Awesome ! Man toy !!

  • @genekasatkin1030
    @genekasatkin1030 2 роки тому

    Plumbers are for Potatoes, not for Full Metal Jackets. This should be most lethal weapon anywhere, period. Thanks for fan video!

  • @toddschwentker6402
    @toddschwentker6402 2 роки тому

    I need one of these!

  • @zombieapocalypsecherokee9224
    @zombieapocalypsecherokee9224 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you 😁👍

  • @mikeramsey9747
    @mikeramsey9747 Рік тому +1

    If you could convert it to an air pressure chamber then use maybe a sprinkler control valve to release the air pressure it could be use to launch line up into trees for stringing ham radio antenna wire.

  • @christopherchew4321
    @christopherchew4321 2 роки тому +1

    I like it

  • @donniecox6503
    @donniecox6503 2 місяці тому +1

    That's cool but wouldn't it be better to use a reducer bushing on the end you load ? That way you would only be adding a 2 inch plug rather than three inch cap it may keep some of your fuel from escaping during the process making it a bit more efficient.

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  2 місяці тому

      Try that with yours! Let us know how it works!

  • @andrewbailey5036
    @andrewbailey5036 8 місяців тому +1

    I need one