HOW TO - Make a carbid cannon

Cannon1
George writes - "The Fourth of July is quickly approaching. If you live in a state where fireworks are illegal you may find a legal alternative in carbide cannons. These cannons use calcium carbide and water to generate acetylene which is then ignited. This method is relatively safe in that if to much carbide is added there will be an excess of acetylene (relative to oxygen) causing a thump rather than a bang. Calcium carbide is commercially available under the name Bangsite at many hobby shops. " - Link.

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Posted by: michaeljanderson on June 2, 2006 at 12:19 PM

I've been looking into this a little more. Am I correct in finding that these cannons do not fire a projectile?

I was ready to build one until I read that. Or am I missing something?


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