How to Make a PVC Potato Gun

DIY Potato Gun

The official spud cannon of doom.

Potato guns: the underrated boom sticks of the DIY world.

These devices are used to launch small projectiles – typically potatoes – for long distances using a combination of combustion and compressed air.

Our design above is made with sturdy 4” and 2” PVC tubing, and it comes with all the necessary parts. The build process is simple, fast, and highly affordable. So if you’ve never built one, this design is a great place to start.

And of course, a must-have for anyone interested in backyard ballistics.

Ideal for: epic potato launching.

Ready to build your own? Great! Just check out the DIY build guide and diagrams below to get started.

Instructions

A note before starting-

Please understand - the below diagrams are genuinely and carefully designed to help you navigate the build process. However, we don’t include specific recommendations for which tools, hardware, and products to use, and so on. These truly are “DIY” designs.

We do, however, have a few generic recommendations for working with PVC.

Please, make sure that any tools you use are designed for PVC. If you find yourself needing to cut or drill, please use PVC-appropriate bits and saws.
Gluing is a popular, fast, and effective method for attaching PVC pipe and tubing. Please ensure that any epoxy, cement, or glue you use is appropriate for both the materials and for your intended uses. And as always, please be safe!

Ready to build yours?

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Potato Gun Plans

Step 1: Building the Grip and Trigger of Our Potato Gun

First up: the trigger assembly and fore-grip.

First, use the above diagram to gather all the pieces needed for this section.

Then, connect and permanently affix each piece, as shown above.

Once you’re done, go ahead and set this section aside, until it’s time to connect to the other sections later on.

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Step 2: Glueing the Barrel of the Potato Gun

Next: the barrel.

Use the diagram above to connect the pieces shown.

And please, take the time to make sure that your barrel is completely free of any obstructions, including any small pieces of dried cement and/or glue.

Once you’re done, set this section aside.

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Step 3 : Making the Stock of a Potato Gun

Finally: the stock.

This module should look similar to the last ones. Again, connect and affix the pieces shown above appropriately, before moving on to assembling your entire gun.

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Step 4: The Union of All Parts of the Group

Almost done!

Now it’s time to put everything together. Your stock should slide neatly into your trigger assembly, which should in turn slide over your barrel.

Once everything is together, PLEASE make sure that all your pieces are permanently connected to each other, and that all your materials are solid and cured before putting your potato gun to use. We wouldn’t it to come apart the first time you fire it!

All done? Congratulations!

We hope you sling some truly great spuds!

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Start a DIY PVC Project

If you enjoyed creating this Potato Gun with PVC tubes, perhaps you'll be interested in our Air Rocket Launcher made with PVC tubes. 3D model, step-by-step guide and the list of parts included, and you can start designing for free! Remember, enjoy the process!

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4" PVC Tube - 15" Length
PVC - Thin PVC
Quantity
2
2" Tube - 3" Length
PVC - Standard PVC
Quantity
2
2" Tube - 25" Length
PVC - Standard PVC
Quantity
1
2" x 4" Reducer Slip PVC
PVC - Thin PVC
Quantity
3
2" x 1/2" Reducer Tee Female Threaded PVC
PVC - Standard PVC
Quantity
1
4" Coupler Slip PVC
PVC - Thin PVC
Quantity
2
1/2" x 1/4" Bushing Male Threaded PVC
PVC - Standard PVC
Quantity
1
Igniter Spark Plug with 1/4" Male Threaded Connection
Accessory - Mixed
Quantity
1
2" Cap Slip PVC
PVC - Standard PVC
Quantity
1
1-1/2" x 2" Bushing Male Slip PVC
PVC - Standard PVC
Quantity
1
1-1/2" x 2" Nipple
Plastic - Mixed
Quantity
1
1-1/2" Cap Threaded PVC
PVC - Standard PVC
Quantity
1
2" Coupler Slip PVC
PVC - Standard PVC
Quantity
1
4" Wye Slip PVC
PVC - Thin PVC
Quantity
1