Extreme Marshmallow Cannon

User-Contributed Project

User-Contributed Project

This project guide is not managed by MAKE staff.

These are complete directions on how to put together the Extreme Marshmallow Cannon. Some steps will require 2 people.

  • Author: Joe Hudy
  • Time required: 5-8 Hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Add Note x
  • x 3

This project will take about 8 hours. It doesn't need to be done all in one sitting. Enjoy and take your time.

Tools
Relevant parts
Relevant parts (continued)
first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 1 — Extreme Marshmallow Cannon  ¶ 

  • Parts

  • Make sure you have everything you need.

  • Cut pieces are not pictured. You will cut these yourself.

  • PVC pipe joints need to be twisted when gluing them together. It makes a better seal. However, there are a few spots where twisting can't be done.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Cut PVC as directed.

  • 4 - 1 1/2" x 2 1/4"

  • 1 - 1 1/2" x 6 1/2"

  • 1 - 1 1/2" x 10"

  • 1 - 1 1/2" x 3 7/8"

  • 1 - 1" x 2 1/2"

  • 1 - 1" x 2"

  • 3 - 3/4" x 1 1/2"

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2

Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • Lay out pieces to make sure you have everything.

  • Dry-fitting the entire project is a great idea. Some pieces may need to be sawed down to fit correctly. Lining up the handle can be tricky.

  • Draw guide marks. These will help you know when you've pushed the pipe in far enough, and keep it level.

  • Picture 2 shows an example of guide marks.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • We will be starting with the bottom and working upwards.

  • Remember: PVC glue dries VERY fast.

  • You will spread PVC glue around the short pieces and inside the shaped pieces.

  • Push and twist together. Make VERY sure that they are all level. If they are not level the rest of the pieces will not fit.

    • Quickly after/while inserting the pieces we laid it flat on the table and pushed it flat. This makes sure the whole base is level.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2

Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Using the same method -

  • 1 1/2" x 12" one on each side.

  • 1 1/2" x 6 1/2" in the center.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Layout (Picture 1)

  • Glue the two pieces shown. (Pictures 2 and 3)

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2

Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Layout

  • Glue a piece 1 1/2" x 10" into the two T pieces. Set aside.

  • Glue together part of the handle. (Picture 1)

  • Glue the two together.

first image

Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Glue the whole piece into the center piece.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 9  ¶ 

  • Layout

  • Glue together as shown in picture 2.

  • Glue whole piece into main piece.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 10  ¶ 

  • Layout

  • Glue bushing & small piece into top of X piece. (Picture 2)

  • Glue the next handle. (Picture 3)

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 11  ¶ 

  • Glue small piece into small elbow. (Picture 1)

  • Glue elbow into end of handle. (Picture 2)

  • Glue T piece into both small pieces. (Picture 3)

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 12  ¶ 

  • Glue small piece into end of T (Picture 1).

  • Layout

    • Glue pieces as shown (Picture 2).

    • Use PVC tape for all screw fittings.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 13  ¶ 

  • Other end.

  • Glue piece into PVC.

  • Screw pieces in as shown. (Pictures 2 & 3)

    • Remember to use PVC tape.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2

Add Note Edit Step 14  ¶ 

  • Continue with end assembly.

first image
thumb image 1
thumb image 2
thumb image 3

Add Note Edit Step 15  ¶ 

  • Before and after paint

  • Put a 12" piece of PVC into the top. This is where the marshmallows will be loaded and fired.

  • You will need to solder wires from the sprinkler valve, switches and extra wire to battery pack. Hide battery in Altoids can.

  • One switch is your safety, the other is the firing switch.

  • Load marshmallow. Pump with bike pump to 30 PSI. Flip your safety off and fire. The marshmallows will go far, so make sure you have a safe area to shoot them.

  • WARNING: Only pump the air cannon to 30PSI. Any more could result in damage to cannon or yourself.

For more information, check out the Rocketry category page.

Did you successfully follow this guide?

This guide has been completed 3 times.

Comments Add Note Comments are onturn off

Guide Add Note

Can you expand on how you wire the switch to the battery and sprinkler valve?

thankyou

krstnmullet, · Reply

yes i can :) . all you have to do is take 2 9volt battery clip's and positive to negitive and then you van just connect the led's of the valve witch ever way you want.

Joe Hudy,

Great thanks!

krstnmullet, · Reply

How long did you make the 2 side pieces? they look way longer than 12"

krstnmullet, · Reply

@krstnmullet they are 12 inches.

Joe Hudy,