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Bitzan
10-10-2022, 03:45 PM
Some of you know that I have two teenage sons who play in local rock bands. Our pyro endeavors often support their outdoor shows. New challenge for next year is building a cannon as seen in AC/DC "For those about to rock" video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QlYU9jkUfI). Shocker here but I do not have the budget that AC/DC has. So... has anybody built a cannon prop that can provide some guidance?

My basic approach is to use a pre-loaded flashpot like this https://www.theatrefx.com/moreinfo-lemaitre-preloaded-flashpot-23mm.html usinga GERB holder inside a "mock" cannon barrel. Now the question is... what do I need to make the cannon barrel out of to be safe. The pre-load shell should contain the flashpot, however it doesn't seem wise to put it inside a cannon barrel made of nothing more than unlined cardboard tube. I realize we don't use PVC for mortar tubes but since the preload is essentially its own tube could I use PVC pipe for fake barrel?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
PyroJoeNEPA
10-11-2022, 09:24 AM
A tube from a carpet roll will be plenty stout enough to do this. You can paint the inside with varnish or shellac to weatherproof it--or, if you want it rock hard, see if you can source Sodium Silicate [waterglass] locally. It is used by many that use cardboart tubes on a regular basis for mortars. I would steer away from the PVC!
Bitzan
10-11-2022, 04:57 PM
A tube from a carpet roll will be plenty stout enough to do this. You can paint the inside with varnish or shellac to weatherproof it--or, if you want it rock hard, see if you can source Sodium Silicate [waterglass] locally. It is used by many that use cardboart tubes on a regular basis for mortars. I would steer away from the PVC!

Never heard of Sodium Silicate - quick google has me very curious to try it. Sounds like complete overkill (100% my style) but I really want to see how it comes out. Thanks!
displayfireworks1
10-11-2022, 09:55 PM
Here is one of my videos from 11 years ago. It is a cannon simulator. At the time was sold by Tannerite. Note the tube remains intact.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9RuE3n9Ao8
Bitzan
10-12-2022, 03:53 PM
Here is one of my videos from 11 years ago. It is a cannon simulator. At the time was sold by Tannerite. Note the tube remains intact.
.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9RuE3n9Ao8

That is exactly what we are trying to accomplish. Now to build the prop and source the pyrotechnics!
Salutecake
10-15-2022, 08:09 AM
My 2 cents, Joe has a great idea with the carpet roll, I would have to look at using a piece of HDPE, what ever size your looking for, it looks like a cannon barrel, certainly durable enough to use, mount and transport for a long time, but depending on your needs that might be an overkill. Last, I don't know if you have bought from places you mentioned above, there are only a couple I believe, but they might require some certification before they will sell to. Also some times you can get some pretty good deals on older or leftover products, but you ould have to talk to them about that.