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

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  • Опубліковано 1 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 478

  • @danielellis4749
    @danielellis4749 Рік тому +80

    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 10 місяців тому +25

    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  10 місяців тому +3

      Get at it!

    • @jayrowe6473
      @jayrowe6473 9 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.

    • @joe-g5h3b
      @joe-g5h3b 2 місяці тому

      The kids do it here in the Philippines and they use acetone. It's loud!

  • @woodfamily5229
    @woodfamily5229 3 місяці тому +4

    My friend,Shawn, and I called this a lemon launcher back in the 90s when we made one as teenagers. My boy is now 15 and I really want to make one with him. Thank you for this. Also, we used spray paint instead of hairspray.

  • @BigCheeseIt58
    @BigCheeseIt58 3 місяці тому +5

    Obviously the master plumber I would want to work on my house. Good humor, great workmanship!

  • @catherinethompson4071
    @catherinethompson4071 2 роки тому +3

    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.

  • @lhf7279
    @lhf7279 Рік 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!

  • @earlanderson601
    @earlanderson601 2 місяці тому +1

    This yam Cannon is simply badass there's no other way to describe it. I am 64 years old and have heard of the potato gun many many times over but I've never seen one you guys are awesome

  • @MollydogRadar
    @MollydogRadar 2 роки тому +20

    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.

  • @fishinfool63
    @fishinfool63 Рік тому +16

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

  • @juniorb1853
    @juniorb1853 3 місяці тому +1

    My 19 year old son, texted me in the middle of the night and says “ayo pops can we make a potato cannon? My class pledge leader needs it.” He just joined a fraternity and now seems like High School all over again:) making his projects, lol! You guys was the video that popped up on UA-cam so I didn’t need to go searching. I love it! I took a screenshot of the materials y’all used. Thank you for your help! God bless 🙏

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  3 місяці тому

      Love it!

    • @NukePossumSpringsBand
      @NukePossumSpringsBand Місяць тому

      Lmfao be careful, you know the pledge leader is gonna be blasting the pledges with that thing 😂

  • @RockHarris-f5i
    @RockHarris-f5i 7 місяців 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😊

  • @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.

  • @stephenvanrompaey832
    @stephenvanrompaey832 Місяць тому

    Nice job! Best looking Yam Cannon I have seen. I used to make a tennis ball Cannon out of 4 soda cans and electrical tape and rubbing alcohol for fuel.

  • @gabelewis4227
    @gabelewis4227 8 місяців 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

  • @jamieschrage2470
    @jamieschrage2470 10 місяців тому +3

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

  • @MichaelWallenslager
    @MichaelWallenslager 9 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!!

  • @silasaqui8833
    @silasaqui8833 2 місяці тому +1

    That potato gun just blew me away, had to watch this video over and over again! Awesome build!

  • @Crypt0keeper
    @Crypt0keeper Рік тому

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

  • @simplepyro7897
    @simplepyro7897 8 місяців тому +2

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

  • @jamesferguson1054
    @jamesferguson1054 2 місяці тому +1

    I’m off to visit my nephew and his 9 boys for a Christmas gathering, I think I will build one of these before I go. This I’m sure will be certainly be the hit of the party. Uncle Ron scores again.

  • @robertyeo5334
    @robertyeo5334 2 роки 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.

  • @CarlCherry
    @CarlCherry Рік тому +1

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

  • @richardstraley7752
    @richardstraley7752 Рік 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

  • @shanefink3653
    @shanefink3653 19 днів тому

    A buddy of mine a coworker just today brought something in.. he made it with four old beer cans with just a hole at the bottom ..it worked but not really ...yours is awesome

  • @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?

  • @TheThirdRutherford
    @TheThirdRutherford 7 місяців тому +3

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

  • @RunRideFeast
    @RunRideFeast 2 місяці тому +1

    Looks like you guys had a lot of fun playing with it. I want one. I can send things to my neighbor lol. I want one.

  • @Mr848Evo
    @Mr848Evo 7 місяців тому +1

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

  • @unforgivn82
    @unforgivn82 Рік 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  Рік тому

      The excitement is brewing.....

    • @aprilwaters5751
      @aprilwaters5751 10 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.

  • @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!

  • @danbehl761
    @danbehl761 5 місяців 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!

  • @johnnychingas7606
    @johnnychingas7606 5 днів тому

    Wow that's awesome id love to celebrate my 4th of July with your patato launcher 😊

  • @johnarnold7693
    @johnarnold7693 7 місяців 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  7 місяців 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 7 місяців тому +1

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

  • @tonyturner487
    @tonyturner487 4 дні тому

    I made one from spare parts off a job years ago. I used schedule 80 pvc with a 4” chamber & 2” barrel then used oxygen & acetylene to launch a lemon. I bet that lemon went 500 yards and the cannon flew out of my hands back into the shop 30 feet. Wicked

  • @tbagg99
    @tbagg99 Рік тому +2

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

  • @hadojin210
    @hadojin210 5 місяців тому +1

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

  • @leshawkins
    @leshawkins 5 місяців тому +2

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

  • @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

  • @illumineddie94
    @illumineddie94 4 місяці тому +1

    Super cool and very innovative!

  • @jbeezy8245
    @jbeezy8245 2 місяці тому

    Whaaaattttt, I definitely want a yam cannon! I need to experience this joy

  • @cop7259
    @cop7259 2 роки 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.

  • @LachelleJohnson-gr9yb
    @LachelleJohnson-gr9yb 8 місяців тому +1

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

  • @troybenson5264
    @troybenson5264 5 місяців тому +1

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

  • @daverichards1938
    @daverichards1938 Рік 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 !!!!😮

  • @330capt
    @330capt 5 місяців тому +1

    Love the design and build. thanks. what am I missing: how does the 1 1/2" "barrel" glue into the " 3" x 2" " reducer? curious....

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  5 місяців тому

      We misspoke when calling out the fittings. It's a 3x1-1/2" reducer.

    • @330capt
      @330capt 5 місяців тому +1

      @@SmedleyPlumbing Thanks... I figured so.... just wanted to make sure the 1 1/2" was big enough so as not to overpressure the unit. I JUST built one, as you've described (with a 1 1/2" barrel)... waiting for my grandson to arrive before we launch an attack on the neighbor's floating raft.....(hahahahaha). Great video!~ thanks. B

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  5 місяців тому

      @@330capt love it!

  • @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.

  • @Shugar_Airsoft
    @Shugar_Airsoft 9 місяців тому +1

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

  • @tonyponcia119
    @tonyponcia119 11 місяців тому +1

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

  • @bobbyfarmer8124
    @bobbyfarmer8124 Рік тому +1

    Great video. I built this, and it was awesome but only got 4 shots out of it. Now it won't ignite. Any tips on demucking the wire tips?

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  Рік тому

      Too much hair spray. It will dry out and work again.

  • @kokok3479
    @kokok3479 2 роки 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 !!!

  • @jackbogaard3192
    @jackbogaard3192 9 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  9 місяців тому

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

  • @lilmamalokita88
    @lilmamalokita88 11 місяців тому

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

  • @williamvorstelman2151
    @williamvorstelman2151 7 місяців тому +1

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

  • @troydalton2944
    @troydalton2944 2 роки тому +1

    Question on your spud gun. How much hair spray r u putting in each shot? 3 squirts or hold it for 3 sec or? Thanks and love the design. Headed to get parts when I get paid to make one.

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  2 роки тому

      It all depends on what works the best. Start small and work your way up. More isn't always better. It's all about the right mixture.

  • @JeffMaffett
    @JeffMaffett 9 місяців тому +1

    I have been looking at bait cannons . Think this will launch ice and a 3oz sinker with bait? Suggestions ?
    I dont want to have to use a tire pump.

  • @jenndanstanton840
    @jenndanstanton840 2 роки тому +4

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

  • @andydutton3293
    @andydutton3293 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @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...

  • @mrteausaable
    @mrteausaable 4 місяці тому +1

    Have you tested by how much sprays you can put on the pipe before it is too big explosion and blow the PVC pipes? I am kind of scare I might put too much sprays on the pipe and have a blow out.

  • @patrickblair19
    @patrickblair19 5 місяців тому +2

    I’m totally building one of these.

  • @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😊

  • @andrewbailey5036
    @andrewbailey5036 8 місяців 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

  • @nicholastkaczyk6874
    @nicholastkaczyk6874 4 місяці тому +1

    Very cool ,nice job

  • @edchobot7455
    @edchobot7455 7 місяців тому +1

    I like it! Pretty damn cool!

  • @doodmeisterd4619
    @doodmeisterd4619 Рік тому +1

    Dude that looked like so much fun 😂

  • @gmoneytube2184
    @gmoneytube2184 Рік тому +1

    Does the combustion chamber exsplosion go up into the wires and sparker and if it does is that fine?

  • @dominicmancini8330
    @dominicmancini8330 10 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

  • @vcolet2011
    @vcolet2011 Рік тому +1

    Did you glue the ignitor on ? I see the way you got it on but what stops it from moving

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  Рік тому

      There's a threaded ring on the back of the button.

  • @gmoneytube2184
    @gmoneytube2184 Рік тому +2

    Do you have to wait after you concert everything together?

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  Рік тому

      We waited about 30 minutes or so while we put the stop screw in and while we built the plunger.

  • @alanrahlf9603
    @alanrahlf9603 Рік тому +1

    Are the fittings you used only meant for DWV and not pressure use? Just curious, not sure if the fittings could actually explode or not.

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  Рік тому

      Anything could happen. But yes these are dwv fittings.

    • @southboundsuarez9832
      @southboundsuarez9832 Рік тому

      No they should be pressure fittings not dwv! Best bet is to use schedule 80, however most folks use schedule 40. If I were going to use dwv pipe, I would go with Sdr 35

  • @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.

  • @robwolffenbuttel5030
    @robwolffenbuttel5030 10 місяців тому +1

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

  • @shaunoslin1773
    @shaunoslin1773 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @SeamusRyan-q6u
    @SeamusRyan-q6u 9 місяців тому +1

    How far does this go, im a freshman in high school and for a contest, i need it to go 100yrds+is there one more powerful than this or is this th mot powerful

  • @Krissilynn0
    @Krissilynn0 2 роки тому +1

    Very well done! Plumbers do it best!

  • @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.)

  • @KMeyer93
    @KMeyer93 4 місяці тому +1

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

  • @MegaBrianhunt
    @MegaBrianhunt 9 місяців тому +1

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

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  9 місяців тому

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

  • @Da-bi2bp
    @Da-bi2bp 3 місяці тому +1

    I think the potato cannon or yam Cannon is the funnest thing since the wheel

  • @StevenDowdy
    @StevenDowdy 2 місяці тому

    Brother I love the handle I made one myself but can not get it to fire. It shot 1 or 2 but that’s it. My nephew especially loved it and was so disappointed that it shot one time. I’m hoping to get a bonus from work and be able to re-buy all the parts necessary.

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  2 місяці тому

      Make sure to not spray directly into the ignitor

  • @deanharris4539
    @deanharris4539 Рік тому +1

    That’s a great yam cannon

  • @69CamaroSS
    @69CamaroSS 10 місяців тому +1

    I have ALWAYS wanted to build one that shoots billiard balls….but have wondered if PVC would survive the pressure it would generate. 🤔🤷‍♂️

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  10 місяців тому

      Not so sure I want to try that one out! 😳

    • @Joe-mz6dc
      @Joe-mz6dc 6 місяців тому

      This is my cue to tell you guys to pool your resources. You can come up with a good design and pocket the profits. It'll break the bank. I felt the need to table my idea.

  • @darlapurvis1439
    @darlapurvis1439 2 роки тому +1

    Going to Lowe’s & getting started 😜

  • @donaldfee9101
    @donaldfee9101 9 місяців тому +1

    love it we use
    welding oxegen. can not flood

  • @jason6325
    @jason6325 Місяць тому +1

    Very cool

  • @ronaldrobinson9301
    @ronaldrobinson9301 Рік тому +1

    Awesome yam Cannon

  • @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.❤

  • @tjbikeco.2166
    @tjbikeco.2166 11 місяців тому +1

    How does the 1 1/2 pipe fit in the 3x2 bell reducer? The math isn't mathing

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  11 місяців тому

      Yeah I misspoke in the video. It's a 3x1-1/2 Bell reducer.

  • @sweaty-boi9k
    @sweaty-boi9k 6 місяців тому

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

  • @CharlesWade-w5b
    @CharlesWade-w5b Місяць тому

    Love to share with my family and friends 😁

  • @Dj_Flo_Styles
    @Dj_Flo_Styles 7 місяців тому +1

    I want to build one so bad 😂💪🏼

  • @danielrizzi1153
    @danielrizzi1153 2 дні тому

    BRO-TATOE!!!! I need that!!!!

  • @marcosredondo3528
    @marcosredondo3528 Рік тому +1

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

  • @Joe-b1h
    @Joe-b1h Рік тому +1

    this is awesome!!!

  • @peterstoops5683
    @peterstoops5683 Рік тому +1

    Won't the wires be burnt or damaged by the explosion?

    • @SmedleyPlumbing
      @SmedleyPlumbing  Рік тому

      Yes eventually the igniter will have to be replaced due to wear and tear

  • @donniecox6503
    @donniecox6503 6 місяців 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  6 місяців тому

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

  • @earthstewardude
    @earthstewardude 8 місяців тому +1

    What a SWEET Potato launcher!

  • @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...

  • @brettsoanes2505
    @brettsoanes2505 Рік тому +1

    I'm about to build one🎉

  • @aBFDeal
    @aBFDeal Рік тому +1

    Could use one of these