How to Build a Lighter Fluid Cannon

There is nothing like the huge BANG of a mortar going off and then losing the shot in the sky and then finding it again hundreds of feet in the sky and watching it come plummeting back to earth again many feet from you. I have always found a great joy in explosions and fire. A while ago I found a recipe for a wimpy tennis ball mortar in a book and beefed it up. I hope that you have as much fun shooting off your mortar as I have with mine.

Supplies

• 3 Pringles® cans
• 1 tennis ball
• 1-2 rolls of duct tape
• Tin snips or anything strong enough to cut through the bottom of a Pringles can.
• Long handled lighter that makes a spark (it no longer has to be able to light as long as it sparks)
• Lighter fluid (not charcoal lighter)
• Drill or other object that will go through many layers of duct tape
• Toilet Paper
• Teaspoon Measurer

Assembly

1. Cut off the metal part of on of the cans and make a hole an inch or two wide in the bottom of a second can.
2. Line up the cans on top of each other. The can with the hole completely cut out goes on top and the one with the baffle (or smaller hole) goes in the middle with the one whose bottom is whole on the bottom.
3. Wrap the bottom can in at least 15 layers of duct tape the middle can in 5-10 and the top can only needs a couple layers.
4. Punch or drill a hole in the bottom can an inch or two from the bottom

Operation

1. Wrap the bottom and sides of the tennis ball with enough toilet paper so that the ball will not roll out when you put it in. The toilet paper helps keeps the explosive gases behind the ball.
2. Put the tennis ball into the mortar as far as the baffle (the hole on the bottom of the second can).
3. Pour 2-3 teaspoons of lighter fluid into the mortar through the small hole you put in the bottom.
4. Stick the lighter in the hole and then shake the mortar up for 10 seconds.
5. Cover your ears, pull the lighter and watch the tennis ball soar.

Troubleshoot

If the mortar does not fire or only shoots a couple of feet you might want to try

1. Blow about three breaths of air into the hole in the side of the mortar (the extra oxygen gives it a better bang)
2. Put three evenly spaced nails or tacks into the side of the mortar at the bottom of the first can. Sometimes a little extra combustion area allows it to fire better
3. Experiment and see if something else will work

Safety Safety Safety

1. Always under all conditions, when firing the mortar, wear ear protection. If you do not the sharp retort of the shot can cause your ears to ring for weeks.
2. Before firing in ANY area check with the local regulations because of the explosive nature of the device it may be classified as a firearm and its use may be restricted or even prohibited.
3. ALWAYS check the mortar before every shot for bulges, stress lines or other signs of wear and tear. If you find ANY signs then either retire the mortar or greatly strengthen the weakened area.
4. NEVER use any other fuel than the one prescribed.
5. ALWAYS wear protective eye gear because the mortar is holding an explosion and even if there are no signs of wear or tear it could still send something flying at your face.
6. NEVER NEVER NEVER shoot the mortar while holding it in the air, or setting it on any surface that it could slide off of. Always prop it up on the ground so that it will hit the ground not you with the recoil.