Make an Orange Gun
An orange gun can be constructed using a few sections of PVC pipe, a barbecue grill lighter, hairspray and PVC glue. Making an orange gun can teach basic physics and demonstrate how guns actually work. Orange guns are fun for a weekend project, but they can also be dangerous. Always use caution and common sense when assembling or firing one.
Instructions
1. Glue the combustion chamber section to the 3-inch end cap. Avoid gluing in the threads. Glue the pipe reducer to the other end of the combustion chamber. Glue the barrel section of PVC to the other end of the pipe reducer.
2. Hammer a nail into both sides of the combustion chamber, leaving about an inch between the tips. Attach two alligator clips to the ends of the wires coming from the grill lighter. Connect the clips to the nails.
3. Load the orange into the barrel section of PVC. Ensure that there are no gaps around the orange, as this causes the force of the combustion to escape around the orange instead of forcing it out.
4. Spray the hairspray into the end cap for seven or eight seconds. Using too much hairspray can cause malfunction by displacing oxygen needed for combustion, and too little will not create a large enough reaction to propel the orange. Secure the end cap tightly.
5. Aim the orange gun down an empty expanse away from people. Click the lighter to ignite the hairspray. Three or four clicks should initiate the combustion, otherwise disconnect the alligator clips and add more hairspray.
Tips Warnings
Use other ammunition besides oranges; potatoes, walnuts or apples can all be fired by the orange gun. After cutting PVC pipe to make an orange gun, the ends will be left ragged and burred. Use sandpaper to remove these imperfections to ensure a close and secure fit between sections of pipe.
Never fire the orange gun at anyone. Never look down the barrel of the gun. Before reloading or disassembling the orange gun, ensure all fuel has been released from the combustion chamber. Let the glue dry for 24 hours before testing or firing the gun. Many accidents occur from firing the gun too soon, as glue that has not set can cause the gun to fly apart or explode. Be very careful.
Tags: make, orange, combustion chamber, alligator clips, around orange, barrel section, grill lighter, pipe reducer, sections pipe