Robert Goddard himself wouldn't have been able to do a better job using polyethylene foam and a 2-liter. This is a brilliant alternative to the potato launcher, but It would interest me to explore using compressed air as an alternative propellant, because grill igniters are too temperamental and costly. Anyhow, you have some phenomenal ideas here. Your dialogue is concise and the imagery is clear and bright. Best of all, this is informative entertainment. Good luck, and I will continue to check back to watch for your new content. Many uploaders could learn a lot from your video format.
If you follow these instructions and use the pipe I use in the video there will be no danger of the pipe bursting. Read the video description for parts and cost.
I have been meaning to make this for a year now. I finally made it and it works great! I tried different fuels like WD-40, EVEN STARTER FLUID( ether was not a good idea but it made one hell of a flaming rocket)
You know I never realized it, but you're right. The gas does not leave the can until there is no more liquid in the way. It must be the alcohol primarily that fuels the cannon, which is also a fine fuel, and one I have used frequently on its own from a spray bottle. I use it in both by mini cannon video, as well as the airsoft land mine video.
Yeah you could, I don't know if it would save any time though. After launching you need to blow in the pipe a little to bring in fresh air, so it doesn't really take anything extra to spray then too.
The rocket is actually throwing mass long after it leaves the launcher. Because the ignition source for the fuel is at the bottom of the pipe the fuel/air mix burns from the bottom up, pushing the yet unburnt fuel into the rocket body where it burns from the open end up to the top until the fuel is expended.
So I saw this last night and me and my seven year old made it today during our "guy time". Only a few mishaps while making it but the boy learned a lot and we had a lot of fun together. And as an added bonus, he was the most popular kid in the neighborhood this afternoon. ;-) Thanks for the video.
It's not the peak pressure that is the problem necessarily, it is the rate of pressure increase. Even a lower pressure than what the pipe is rated for can burst it if increased sharply enough because of how brittle PVC is.
The amount of fuel matters. If there's too much or too little it won't ignite. It takes some practice to find the right amount every time. Be sure the cannon has plenty of fresh air blown into it after each attempt.
The pipe i used is pressure rated, the cap is not. There's not enough pressure generated by this launcher to damage the weakest of pipe so long as the correct fuel is used, I would simply never recommend that anyone take even a slim risk.
Loose or somewhat tight is fine. It should be alright as long as you're able to get the rocket on the launcher. To cause problems it would have to be so tight you wouldn't be able to get it on anyway. Even so, the worst that would happen is the nose cone would blow off.
It will lift more than the weight of the rocket, but the heavier the projectile the shorter it will travel, and you risk having the rocket body pop if it's easier for the cannon to burst through rather than lifting it off. That wouldn't be especially dangerous so long as the rocket is made out of this soft foam, but it could ruin your hard work.
No, starting fluid is dangerous to use in PVC. It causes too fast of a pressure spike, as well as weakening the PVC wall over time. If you want a fuel that leaves no residue, propane is much safer.
Sure. Google ball valve potato gun and you should find plenty of designs that could have a rocket loaded over the barrel. There are air cannon videos on my channel, but they are too powerful and would blow the nose off the rocket. A ball valve gun would work well.
I bet your garage is full of all of your designs. You have given me a lot of ideas for what I have been wanting to build, now I just have to find the time. Thanks!
Nighthawkinlight is one of the best explainers of how to make these things that i have seen on youtube. neither too much time spent on unimportant aspects, nor too little to understand perfectly what he has done
I built this following your instructions about a month ago. We finally got to test it out this past weekend. I posted a video on my channel. Thanks for the awesome DIY science projects!
Some are worse than others. Propane and butane, which are the fuels that commonly pressurize hairspray cans, burn much slower than the ether in starting fluid. Those slower fuels are generally considered safe to use in properly made, pressure rated PVC cannons.
Thank you so much..... Last year I tested how the size of the fin effects the distance the rocket travels......I won first place in the science project .
I have always wanted to do stuff like this but never could do anything because I did not have the skill to do it but the stuff you do and how you show how to do it has got me wanting to give it a go again
You sir, are a complete joy to watch! I appreciate all the vids that you have shared and look forward to making a few of these rocket launchers for my kids. Thanks!
While this cannon design can withstand just about anything, it is a dangerous practice to use anything other than an alcohol based spray or propane in PVC cannons. The pressure spike from other fuels is too sharp and can shatter brittle PVC.
Hi just wondering if you could add a video to this with a parachute attached to it and show how this could be done thanks for all the great ideas and projects
My adult son and I had a blast making this rocket, just wondering if you explored adding a parachute ? it really punches the nose cone when it comes back down. Thanks for a very fun project.
Great video. I made a mini handheld rocket launcher and with parachutes. Today i made a larger gun and shot a golf ball into orbit. Im sticking with the rockets.
That large BBQ igniter could be used as a modification to your mini cannon. Also maybe it could serve as a better trigger. You could also probably add iron sights leveled in the front and back. Just some thoughts, thanks.
That is awesome!!!!! Thanks for the tutorial !!!!! I will make one using starting fluid. That is what My brother uses for His potato guns which can shoot a potato 800 feet or so.
This is so cool, I think I'll do this myself. I might also make some modifications and try different fuels, sizes, materials, etc. I'll let you know how it goes. :)
i made a few potato launchers. really all u need to do is create a spark to ignite the hairspray. Any bbq igniter should work fine. Sometime it may only come with one metal prong on the end. You need to find a piece of metal of metal like a paperclip and place it very close to the metal tip so that a spark can bridge between them. Hope this helps.
Robert Goddard himself wouldn't have been able to do a better job using polyethylene foam and a 2-liter. This is a brilliant alternative to the potato launcher, but It would interest me to explore using compressed air as an alternative propellant, because grill igniters are too temperamental and costly. Anyhow, you have some phenomenal ideas here. Your dialogue is concise and the imagery is clear and bright. Best of all, this is informative entertainment. Good luck, and I will continue to check back to watch for your new content. Many uploaders could learn a lot from your video format.
If you follow these instructions and use the pipe I use in the video there will be no danger of the pipe bursting. Read the video description for parts and cost.
I have been meaning to make this for a year now. I finally made it and it works great!
I tried different fuels like WD-40, EVEN STARTER FLUID( ether was not a good idea but it made one hell of a flaming rocket)
Propane works quiet well with no burning of the rocket.
You know I never realized it, but you're right. The gas does not leave the can until there is no more liquid in the way. It must be the alcohol primarily that fuels the cannon, which is also a fine fuel, and one I have used frequently on its own from a spray bottle. I use it in both by mini cannon video, as well as the airsoft land mine video.
that is so cool i going to make one and show my cousin.
Yeah you could, I don't know if it would save any time though. After launching you need to blow in the pipe a little to bring in fresh air, so it doesn't really take anything extra to spray then too.
Do you belive this would work with a scale reproduction, like a 600 ml bottle?
Sure, I've seen it done with lots of different sizes!
It worked! Thanks a lot! :D
The rocket is actually throwing mass long after it leaves the launcher. Because the ignition source for the fuel is at the bottom of the pipe the fuel/air mix burns from the bottom up, pushing the yet unburnt fuel into the rocket body where it burns from the open end up to the top until the fuel is expended.
Wat can we use to replace the barbecue lighter pls reply nighthawkinlight. I'm a big fan.Great videos I'm from India
Gaganator Beast same here !
sweet
dude
pls visit my UA-cam channel
Michael Scott you don't have any rights to speak abt us
Yes, I have seen his videos. I may add subtitles some day. I'll remember your request.
Cool that's awsome
So I saw this last night and me and my seven year old made it today during our "guy time". Only a few mishaps while making it but the boy learned a lot and we had a lot of fun together. And as an added bonus, he was the most popular kid in the neighborhood this afternoon. ;-) Thanks for the video.
I built this and used starter fluid and spray deodorant and the rocket and the launcher caught on fire. It went really far though
I bought it from Home Depot. Every brand and type will work the same. What about the one you have do you think is not working?
*contemplates construction of shoulder mounted rocket launcher*
we have the same idea
Any aerosol will work so long as it used propane or butane to pressurize the can.
do it with a parachute hehehe.. after the missile's been fired i should have chutes to slow them down on falling.. it may keep it from breaking
hahaaaaaaaaaaaàaaal beeeeeeeèe
It's not the peak pressure that is the problem necessarily, it is the rate of pressure increase. Even a lower pressure than what the pipe is rated for can burst it if increased sharply enough because of how brittle PVC is.
angle the launcher and you've got an airsoft mortar
+XenomorphDude11 Or build an rpg/at4 style launcher and use it to take down vehicles or buildings.
thats what i was thinking too :D
If the pipe has any pressure rating at all on it it will be adequate. Usually the standard for 3" PVC is 260 psi I believe.
I saw his face!!!
:)
The amount of fuel matters. If there's too much or too little it won't ignite. It takes some practice to find the right amount every time. Be sure the cannon has plenty of fresh air blown into it after each attempt.
219 people didn't win the science fair.
* applause *
Try changing the screws of your terminals to ones that are made of a different grade of steel, or better yet, brass.
Wanna know why America is the best country
Because our cellphone country code is 1
Get rekt
canadas code is also 1
Michael Ding its north americas cell phone code
My nephew will just love this. Looking forward to making one with him. Thanks for sharing this easy and fun project.
If there's only one wire then there is a contact on the igniter that a second wire can be attached to.
The pipe i used is pressure rated, the cap is not. There's not enough pressure generated by this launcher to damage the weakest of pipe so long as the correct fuel is used, I would simply never recommend that anyone take even a slim risk.
Loose or somewhat tight is fine. It should be alright as long as you're able to get the rocket on the launcher. To cause problems it would have to be so tight you wouldn't be able to get it on anyway. Even so, the worst that would happen is the nose cone would blow off.
Yes
It will lift more than the weight of the rocket, but the heavier the projectile the shorter it will travel, and you risk having the rocket body pop if it's easier for the cannon to burst through rather than lifting it off. That wouldn't be especially dangerous so long as the rocket is made out of this soft foam, but it could ruin your hard work.
No, starting fluid is dangerous to use in PVC. It causes too fast of a pressure spike, as well as weakening the PVC wall over time. If you want a fuel that leaves no residue, propane is much safer.
You are the" Rocket Man". I have watched all of your You-Tube Videos. You are one smart dude!!! Thanks for all you videos..
Sure. Google ball valve potato gun and you should find plenty of designs that could have a rocket loaded over the barrel. There are air cannon videos on my channel, but they are too powerful and would blow the nose off the rocket. A ball valve gun would work well.
Genius.Just pure Genius , I love how its very easy to make and is not composed of too many parts.
I bet your garage is full of all of your designs. You have given me a lot of ideas for what I have been wanting to build, now I just have to find the time. Thanks!
Nighthawkinlight is one of the best explainers of how to make these things that i have seen on youtube.
neither too much time spent on unimportant aspects, nor too little to understand perfectly what he has done
I built this following your instructions about a month ago. We finally got to test it out this past weekend. I posted a video on my channel. Thanks for the awesome DIY science projects!
Thats the best use for hairspray I have seen. lots of fun for the kiddos! Thanks!
Not because of just this video, but in case of zombie apocalypse or any apocalypse, we should be friends!
your awesome!
Some are worse than others. Propane and butane, which are the fuels that commonly pressurize hairspray cans, burn much slower than the ether in starting fluid. Those slower fuels are generally considered safe to use in properly made, pressure rated PVC cannons.
Chances are you're using too much or too little fuel. It takes finding just the perfect amount for it to burn properly with the air.
Why does Bender smoke cigars?
I gotta make one of these. My kids would love it!
Thank you so much..... Last year I tested how the size of the fin effects the distance the rocket travels......I won first place in the science project .
You think so?
I have always wanted to do stuff like this but never could do anything because I did not have the skill to do it but the stuff you do and how you show how to do it has got me wanting to give it a go again
I bet my Nephews would love this. Thanks!
This video reminds of the old soup can tennis ball cannons I used to make when I was a kid back in the late 70's.
This is a cooler application of a combustion reaction, of many different organic molecules present in hairspray
The bottle does not fit tightly enough around the pipe.
Four words. You. Are. A. GENIUS!!!
You sir, are a complete joy to watch! I appreciate all the vids that you have shared and look forward to making a few of these rocket launchers for my kids. Thanks!
Why are you such a boss at making cool things!
One of them.
This is so Cool me and my Father have been thinking of Father son projects and this is So cool and simple! Good job!
Nice. I like this because it's so simple, easy and cheap. Could make this with a kid easily.
Any store that does sell BBQ's in your area should still have them, otherwise you may need to order one online.
My son and me will try this, looks awesome!
now this is awesome. I'll be making this with my boy on the weekend
The latter option
So cool I'm only 14 and have a collection of the stuff you make and its awesome and usefull
Great video! I have some cub scouts that I think will love this.
i used a normal igniter for a lighter it worked out just awesome
Great job! First instructional video worth watching!
thanks i needed this for my class project and got max score
Dear MR. Hawk, well, that was fun, can't wait to make one.
Cheers, pierere (New Mexico)
Really my eyes are just sensitive to light even on cloudy days.
Awesome Spin on the Rocket.. Much Simple.. Too Much Awesome..
This is pretty cool, when I can afford it, i'll buy the parts and make this for some all day fun.
I bet his local hardware store loves him lol nice work
LOVE your videos!! Going to try to make this with my nephews!!
While this cannon design can withstand just about anything, it is a dangerous practice to use anything other than an alcohol based spray or propane in PVC cannons. The pressure spike from other fuels is too sharp and can shatter brittle PVC.
this is exactly what I need with my kids! :)
Finally and good use for hairspray
this video is good for some science project
i like it
You sir could be the next survivor man
Hi just wondering if you could add a video to this with a parachute attached to it and show how this could be done thanks for all the great ideas and projects
Whoa, this is awesome! I'm just surprised that the foam pad didn't catch on fire when the hairspray was ignited.
My adult son and I had a blast making this rocket, just wondering if you explored adding a parachute ? it really punches the nose cone when it comes back down. Thanks for a very fun project.
I really love your Tutorials! Greetings from Germany ;)
Dude I love these vids if only my parents let me make these !!!
Great video. I made a mini handheld rocket launcher and with parachutes. Today i made a larger gun and shot a golf ball into orbit. Im sticking with the rockets.
thank you I am going to use this as a science project with my daughter we are so excited to try this
That large BBQ igniter could be used as a modification to your mini cannon. Also maybe it could serve as a better trigger. You could also probably add iron sights leveled in the front and back. Just some thoughts, thanks.
Dude, your channel is awesome.
Looks like a fun project to do!
dude you are really cool at this
That is awesome!!!!! Thanks for the tutorial !!!!! I will make one using starting fluid. That is what My brother uses for His potato guns which can shoot a potato 800 feet or so.
haha I lit my rocket with my finger... I love your videos!
10+. Thanks for a great project idea that my kids and I can enjoy. I'll experiment w/ other fuel types and let you know what I find.
Wow I need to start building stuff like this...looks fun.
This is so cool, I think I'll do this myself. I might also make some modifications and try different fuels, sizes, materials, etc. I'll let you know how it goes. :)
Can you make make a modification into a 4-rocket rocket launcher? Would it just be 4 of these taped together?
Your genius dude very sick those videos!
Make a parachute so when it falls back down it deploys and preserves the top of the rocket. Nice videos btw. I maintain that you should join the SS.
Inside electronic lighters(the long obes or the small one click ones) there is a black igniter with one wire ,the shiny tip is ground
GOOD JOB NIGHTHAWK!!!!!!!! try making a bow and arrow set out of noodle, PVC pipe, cord, and tape next!
Neither. It just wouldn't light. You need both fuel and air for a fire. Too much fuel and it just won't burn.
i made a few potato launchers. really all u need to do is create a spark to ignite the hairspray. Any bbq igniter should work fine. Sometime it may only come with one metal prong on the end. You need to find a piece of metal of metal like a paperclip and place it very close to the metal tip so that a spark can bridge between them. Hope this helps.