Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars, and More Dynamite Devices

If you want to build simple or complex devices to launch stuff this is a book for you. The more complex kit is all sized in imperial measures but some things are universal like pringle cans. We have built a couple of the devices listed in here but don't underestimate the complexity and time it could take you to build the more complex stuff. Even the pringle tennis ball mortar is something that takes a while, and copious amounts of duck tape, to build. I think the results can be a little hit and miss for things fuelled by spray or lighter fuel but when it works well it is glorious, even if you can't find your tennis ball again. The book is well written with clear explanations of the physics, and the compromises needed when building devices to shoot things and decent diagrams. There are warnings in the right places about safety which are worth heeding. The big question is whether a pneumatic potato cannon or lighter fuel tennis ball mortar is legal under UK law. If you live in a big city then making loud bangs might draw some unwelcome attention so we obviously haven't made any of those devices in this country. Plenty of more permissive places exist though. :-)

Fun book. Perfect present for my brothers. Not quite dangerous enough for them, but I am sure they will find a way to modify the builds!

Excellent detailed descriptions of each project with interesting additional educational commentaries. A full parts list is included for each project. The only down side is that these projects are not made of scraps and household items unless you happen to be a plumber or builder. The expense of purchasing these materials might put a lot of people off attempting a build. On the plus side these projects all seem rather dangerous - in my case too dangerous to attempt with a 4 year old grandson - he will have to wait many years before his parents will countenance such dangerous activities as causing explosions to launch various missiles great distances. My mistake but nevertheless an interesting and worthwhile read.

I purchased the original copy and again I have not been disappointed. There are lots of tips for the DIY enthusiast, and you do need to adapt bits and search a little harder for some parts in the UK. If you hadn't gathered by now this is an American publication, though the safety aspects and the science behind the many different projects are generally universal. Take special note to the amount of area required and the environment we are in, especially as there is much more space available in the US in which to launch your project. There is something for everyone but I would suggest this is very much for the adult audience with enthusiastic support from you teenager!

Arrived quickly, as described

This book was bought for my 16 year old son, and ended up as the blueprint for an amazing themed barbeque evening !!

Rather disappointed with the range of projects, some of which need controversial products.......as a child's book it should really be about household items that can make make-believe weaponry. Nicely produced and easy to follow.

My son devoured this book the instant he opened it on Christmas day and spent the rest of the holidays finding bits of drain pipe and other oddments. Thank goodness he is back at university now, so any experimenting can happen there! Definitely an inspiring read for a budding engineer!

It is a good book but needs equipment to build the projects

Tennisballmörser? Kartoffelkanone? Feuerdrachen? Erinnert sie das an die Jugend ? ja! mich auch. Ich war neugierig, habe mir das Buch gekauft und würde nicht enttäuscht. Auch ich dachte, ich würde alles kennen, doch hier fand ich Anleitungen für die totale Perfektion. Die Anleitungen führen zum optimalen Ergebnis. :) Handwerkliches Können ist von Vorteil aber nicht unbedingt notwendig. Wer seine Jugend aufleben lassen will, darf hier zugreifen. Obacht im Deutschland sollte einige der Experimente absolut nur auf befriedigen privatem Grund durchgeführt werden, sonst könnte man in Konflikt mit dem Gesetz geraten, z.B. bei der Kartoffelkanone.

Gifted this book to my brother since we always loved to build things that ahoot stuff when we were kids! A lot of fun and relatively easy plans to build alone or together! Would recommend for anyone that likes to shoot/deatroy stuff.

Fantastic book - purchased for my grandson and was sure he'd immediately be building ballistic items with me. However, so far we've just read the book and strategized about what we'll do when we've gather the stuff we need and start to build - LOL My childhood was filled with enterprising building and exploration next to an uninhabited natural area next to a river and fire and little explosions weren't a risk. In contrast, today, making sure everyone and the environment are safely protected is essential, and a little trickier in our busy neighbourhood (but not impossible.) We will get busy with our projects but so far we've had a blast just reading and planning. I'd recommend this book!

Useful gift.