What size PVC pipe fits a tennis ball?

2.5 inch diameter schedule 40 is a tight fit for tennis balls, but does the job well. A note here about the barrel. Schedule 40 PVC is fairly available, and Tennis balls fit quite tightly into schedule 40 barrels.

How does a tennis ball cannon work?

An electric motor powered hopper is used to channel balls into the landing area. During this process the wheels squeeze the balls and put them under intense pressure, thus forcing them into a circular tube which leads to a small opening. This soft, rubbery circular area is called a detent.

What is a ball launcher made of?

The Cotton Ball Launcher Toilet paper rolls, rubber bands, and duct tape make up the majority of the materials list, and most people can complete the project in a few hours.

How much PSI does it take to launch a tennis ball?

To pressurize your Tennis Ball Mortar use a bike pump or air compressor, and pump the pressure vessel to 40 psi.

What is inside tennis ball machine?

An electric motor inside the hopper keeps the balls moving. ©2008 HowStuffWorks.com. The motor turns a rotor inside the hopper. As the rotor turns, it rolls the balls through a hole one at a time. Each ball falls into the plastic tube that runs through the canister.

How do you light a mortar gun with a tennis ball?

Squirt about 1-2 teaspoons of lighter fluid down the barrel of the mortar, making sure to aim for the bottom can. Spray a little extra through the hole in the bottom, to help aid in lighting, or, if using hairspray, you can spray hairspray down the mouth of the barrel for a few seconds. Drop the tennis ball down the barrel.

What is inside a tennis ball that can propel it?

These mortars propel tennis balls when gas inside expands rapidly, making them not only entertaining but also educational as well. Best of all, the main ingredients are empty aluminum potato chip cans.

How do you use lighter fluid in a mortar gun?

Use a stick to hold it firmly in place in the bottom can then cover the firing hole with a rag to make sure that lighter fluid doesn’t leak out the firing hole. Shake the mortar for 30 seconds to help the gas from the lighter fluid expand throughout the length of the mortar.

How does a gas tennis ball work?

The metal bottoms of the top two cans are cut to form baffles, which will focus the force of the expanding hot gas created by the burnt vaporized naptha, onto the center of the tennis ball.