If you've ever launched a spud 700+ feet through the air and thought, “This could be better,” then you’re going to love this.
I recently dropped a new video on the Mr. Armageddon Builds YouTube Channel showcasing two of my latest potato cannon builds—one basic and one beastly.
The response has been amazing, and I wanted to go deeper here on the blog. This post includes a few behind-the-scenes pics, build tips, and a link to my detailed online course for anyone crazy enough to build one of these backyard monsters themselves.
🎥 The Video
In the video, I walk through:
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The Advanced Cannon Build – complete with a propane injection system, spark ignition, rear breach loading, fan-assisted venting, and modular barrels.
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The Classic Cannon – a simpler, nostalgic muzzle-loader using traditional hairspray combustion, but also using the modular barrel design of its big brother.
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Propellant Tests – from hairspray and carb cleaner to isopropyl alcohol and starter fluid, we experimented to find the cleanest and most powerful burn.
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Live Firing & Distance Tests – spoiler alert: the advanced cannon launched spuds over 700 feet!
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Bonus Destruction – of course we blew up some produce at the end.
🔧 What Makes It "Advanced"?
This isn't your granddad’s PVC potato gun. The advanced model features:
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Propane Injection System: A metered and regulated setup using a Bernzomatic tank for cleaner, repeatable shots.
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Fan-Controlled Combustion Chamber: Mixes the air/fuel for better ignition, and vents exhaust for faster reloads.
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Rear-Loading Barrel (Breach Loader): Swaps out barrels using cam locks—launch marbles, golf balls, or even toilet paper rolls. The cam locks are used for irrigation work, and are a dream for quickly changing out barrels, or in the case of the Advanced cannon, loading from the rear and eliminating the need to shove a potato down the entire length of your barrel.
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3D Printed Components: Including the pistol grip (housing an electronic igniter) and adjustable barrel riser for added stability. I designed the grip to be similar to a stock AR-15 grip, but made it fit the curvature of a 4in PVC pipe and also made it a bit wider to accommodate the Electric Igniter which is housed inside.
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Transparent Combustion Chamber: Because who doesn’t want to see that fireball in real-time?
🔥 Propellant Testing Insights
We tested various propellants for clean burns, pressure generation, and ease of use:
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Winner: Isopropyl alcohol (91%) – clean, powerful, and quick to evaporate.
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Classic Performer: Cheap alcohol-based hairspray like AquaNet.
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Also Effective: Carb cleaner and starter fluid (with proper safety precautions).
📏 Real-World Results
The Advanced Cannon delivered:
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Shot 1: 649 ft
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Shot 2: 679 ft
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Shot 3: 702 ft
For a combustion-based cannon, that’s incredible. I’ve built pneumatic ones that go farther, but this setup brings the fire—literally.
🧠 Want to Build One?
If you're interested in building your own advanced (or basic) spud cannon, I’ve created a step-by-step course that includes:
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Complete parts list with purchase links
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Printable plans
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Barrel/chamber ratio calculators
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Safety tips and troubleshooting
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A free downloadable eBook to get started
Thanks to everyone who's supported the project so far. If you have feedback or want to share your own potato cannon builds, drop a comment on the YouTube video or message me directly. Big things are coming soon (possibly involving air cannons and watermelons).
Stay curious. Stay safe. And keep building cool stuff.
—Zane (Mr. Armageddon Builds)
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