Author Topic: Light the fuse, it goes bang, but it is NOT a cannon! (Read 1187 times)

Cat Whisperer · « **on:** April 24, 2005, 04:09:27 PM »

I got this from my step-dad. He used it many years ago and he described how it worked.

It is not a cannon. What is it?

It has an unusual muzzle:

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It has a powder chamber (about 3" deep too).

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And it has a most unusual touch-hole - about 1/4" in diameter for most of the depth and less than 1/8" in diameter where it leads into the powder chamber.

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I've only seen one or two others in my life and run across one or two old-timers that knew it's purpose.

It is a tool.

HotGuns · « **Reply #1 on:** April 24, 2005, 04:32:22 PM »

Looks like an old tube cleaning device.

For bolier tubes.

Am I close ?

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #2 on:** April 24, 2005, 04:34:57 PM »

Quote from: HotGuns

Looks like an old tube cleaning device.

For bolier tubes.

Am I close ?

No. But the serations at the muzzle do grip something.

C2ND · « **Reply #3 on:** April 24, 2005, 04:45:49 PM »

Log splitter!

HotGuns · « **Reply #4 on:** April 24, 2005, 05:00:41 PM »

The serrations look like a hose fitting of some sort...

HotGuns · « **Reply #5 on:** April 24, 2005, 05:02:23 PM »

Does it fire rockets or perhaps a rope to another ship ?

Lyle · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2005, 05:12:19 PM »

Wood splitter..have one that looks like yours..mine was last used in the mid 30's. Fellow who gave it to me said tie a log chain to it or you'll kill someone in the next county if it gets away.
Lyle

ShadowMover · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2005, 05:41:14 PM »

It looks a little big for a log splitter. I've never used one, but I've seen them, and they were smaller and more easily hammered into a log. That thing looks like it could be hammered into a frozen lake and blast a fishing hole. Maybe it would shoot a post hole for making fences? Just a guess. If it was going to be used in wood, you would have to bore a hole first.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #8 on:** April 25, 2005, 12:04:37 PM »

My step-dad said, after you fill the powder chamber with powder, drive it into the log (3 feet in diameter or so) and move it around so the other end was up against a tree. Then light the fuse and get behind a big tree because it was going to fly. I think I like the idea of wrapping a chain around it.

Good guesses! Thanks.

Lyle · « **Reply #9 on:** April 25, 2005, 03:34:24 PM »

Mine has a small hole thru it and three loops of coat hanger wire thru it..the log chain hooks to the loops. The log chain is just a drag if it breaks loose. You don't have to drill a hole..just hammer it in to where the rings get a good grip on the log. It is best to be behind something .hi hi

Lyle

ShadowMover · « **Reply #10 on:** April 25, 2005, 05:13:31 PM »

I'll bet it makes one heck of a bang. How long a log will it split?

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #11 on:** April 26, 2005, 01:22:46 AM »

Quote from: ShadowMover

I'll bet it makes one heck of a bang. How long a log will it split?

I've never tried mine. But my step-dad said is was only for the big logs (meaning 3' or more).