Maybe your already familiar with the common terms used by Potato Launcher fans, maybe not. Here is a list for you of common terminology used by Spud gun hobbyists you can reference. These are loose translations!
We are always adding to this "Spudder" glossary, so check back often.
- Air Gun:
- An air gun, also can be called a potato launcher, spudgun, air rifle, is typically made from PVC piping. Pressurized air is stored in a "tank" of sorts, which when released exits the barrel pushing the projectile out.
- Active Imagination:
- A typical DIY mentality. Can't leave well enough alone and must fix it, make it better, bigger, and more powerful. Always thinking and creative.
- Ballistics:
- The science of the motion of projectiles. "Internal Ballistics" is the motion of the projectile while it is still in the barrel, "External Ballistics" is the motion of the projectile after it has left the barrel
- Barrel:
- A tube or pipe where the projectile (bullet) comes out of. The end (exit) is called the muzzle, the other side (toward you) is called the breech end.
- Butane:
- A very common fuel for combustion potato launchers. Butane, is a gas at room termperature and readily available. Can be found for lighter refilling.
- DIY:
- DIY stands for "Do It Yourself"! The best kind of mindset to have! A DIY type person is typically very capable, has great abilities, learns quickly, and can stand on his/her own two feet without relying on others for coddling. The type of person that could be thrown in a time machine by a disgruntled scientist who wishes to be rid of you (maybe a stretch, but let's go along) and could do almost magical things and amaze people with their knowledge.
- Potato Launcher:
- Either a combustion type or Pneumatic type "gun" that is used much like a firearm, but shoots a potato as the "bullet" or projectile. Potato launchers come in many configurations and designs, and can shoot many types of projectile. Pressure to launch the projectile is either from a flammable gas, or pressurized air. Most commonly made from PVC piping. Aluminum, copper, iron, steel, and exotic materials have also been used. Material used must be pressure rated.