Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:15 pm
If you try the railroad spike idea, make sure you have it seated in the center of the potato, and the spike isn't touching the barrel at all. I don't think its likely, but if the railroad spike got a bit sideways and caught inside the barrel, that could be a problem. Having said that, I launch spuds with big nails through them into trees all the time. If you get the angle right, they'll stick in trees.
Milk jug caps make perfect sabots for 1.5" barrels.
Take a cardboard paper towel tube. Fold a paper towel lengthwise until its about 2" tall and then wrap it around the base of the tube (for wadding) and put some tape on it to keep it there. Then, tape the bottom of the tube shut, and fill it with anything you have handy. Rocks, flower, jello, your little sister's barbie dolls, etc... and launch.
I'm going to try making slugs out of plaster of paris. I'll just pour the plaster into a 4-6" long piece of barrel-size pipe and let it dry overnight. Should be a cheap, effective projectile. Using a mold like that you can make slugs out of ice, jello, etc...
Peace,
Pete Zaria.