Paintball Cannon
Info
Compressed Air Cannons:
All current cannons are primarily constructed of schedule 40 PVC pipe.
PVC pipe has various pressure rating thresholds depending on pipe size, but
nominally have a working pressure rating about 230 psi for 1.5" pipe. Air
pressure chambers for the compressed air cannons use this pvc pipe. It is
suggested that air pressure is limited to only 100 psi in the compressed air
cannons. This leaves plenty of room for error and safety
The compressed air can be pumped into the air chamber through the
schrader valve (tire valve). I have found that 100psi is the optimum
pressure to have with a 2" PVC barrel and air chamber of 3 foot lengths. The
best ratio to have for the barrel/chamber length is 1 to 1. This will
provide adequate air to propel the contents in the barrel.
All PVC parts must be glued together using PVC glue. All threaded pipe
connectors must use Teflon plumbers tape (and lots of it) The hardest part
in the construction is making an airtight pressure chamber. If the chamber
is not air tight, then the pressure will slowly leak out and leave you with
a "dud" when you need it most - on the paintball field! The best procedure
is to put it all together and pressurize it, then check for leaks with a
soap and water solution (a spray bottle works best).
Many different lengths and sizes of PVC can be used. I have experimented
with several and have had mixed results. Generally, the longer the barrel,
the more accurate the gun. You can make this according to the expected use
of your gun. If you plan to use it as a defensive weapon (i.e.: defending
the flag) then a larger model may be in order. For offensive maneuvers,
shorter, less bulky cannons are needed.
CO2 Cannons:
CO2 cannons are somewhat different in construction than the compressed
air models. CO2 is much higher pressure than the compressed air. The PVC
air tanks can not be used on CO2 cannons due to the danger of exploding the
tank. Therefore, a steel pipe fitting system is utilized to contain the
propellant for the cannon. The barrel and valve is the same for the CO2
cannons as they are for the compressed air cannons.
CO2 is either supplied using a 12 gram quick change adapter or an ASA
adapter that will allow the attachment of a constant air bottle or remote
setup. The CO2 cannons are a favorite for paintball game use. The
compressed cannons are more suited for recreational use.
Packing Wads:
A packing wad is a device placed in the barrel of a cannon before the
ammo/load is put in. The purpose of the packing wad is to create a tight
seal between the load and the force of air pushing the load out of the
barrel. If a packing wad is not used, much air will escape the barrel
without pushing out the contents first. This also depends on the load. If
you fire bunch of paintballs out of your cannon with out a packing wad, the
small gaps between the paintballs will leave a path for gas to escape
through, lowering your range and cannons effectiveness. Packing wads can be
made from many heap items laying around your house. The most effective is
the plastic cup packing wads, but they are a pain to make and carry, and you
will only get a few uses out of them before they blow apart. Other ideas
for packing wads are:
Each type of packing wad has its advantages. You may want to try them
all to see which ones you like best.
Cannon ammo:
Although Alternative Paintball only suggest you use your paintball cannon
to fire paintballs on a legal paintball field that allows their use, other
items can safely be used. Depending on cannon size, you may be able to fire
between 20 to 50 paintballs or more from your cannon in one shot. Other
ammo loads include, but are not limited to:
Obviously, some of the items which are able to be fired from a large bore
cannon are not suited to be used against person or property. Serious damage
or injury can and will result if used improperly. Use your head!
Loading your cannons:
Before you load your cannon, be sure that no pressure is in the holding
tank/expansion chamber. Place a packing wad in the barrel, then your
"ammo", then another packing wad to hold the contents in the barrel. Once
the cannon is loaded, then you may begin to pressurize the cannon. Make
sure the valve is closed and point the barrel away from person or property.
Fill the air tank or pressurize your co2 chamber.
Firing your cannon:
Once your cannon is loaded and pressurized, it is ready to use and
dangerous. Extreme care must be taken while carrying it in this manner.
If the valve handle is opened even slightly, the pressure will fire the
cannon. Even leaning it up against a try may set it of if the valve moves.
Observe all paintball gun safety rules. Wear your goggles. Carefully aim
your cannon and with one quick FAST stroke, open the valve. Best results
are if you use the palm of your hand and push it quickly. The faster you
open the valve, the better range you will be.
