To me, this was the post that started it all. I couldn't believe this thing when I saw it, so instead of just talking about it, I actually went out and built one.
As I read through the cannon and mortar rules I got to thinking about the wall thickness on this mortar (only 1" with a 2" chamber). Is this thick enough to be safe, especially when firing a projectile weighing up to 16 or so pounds? Mine has (at least so far) proven to be safe, it's probably shot close to 30 pounds of powder and I keep both of the local bowling alleys and every garage sale free of old balls. Upon beginning to read about building a golf ball cannon/punt gun I got to thinking about the wall thickness on the chamber of this mortar (and mine is EXACTLY like it, only with a much sturdier carriage - and I'm not knocking this one).
I want to do what is right and what is safe, But why in the world should I make the wall thickness on my golf ball cannon (with only a 1.75" bore - shooting only a 4 to 16 ounce projectile ) an inch thicker than my bowling ball cannon? I realize that cannons and mortars operate on different rules, but I'm not talking about the "barrel" of the mortar, I'm talking about the powder chamber which to my understanding is the bore.
I don't mean to dispute the rules of cannon building, but my bowling ball mortar is on wheels. The punt gun has to be carried. Is the bowling ball mortar underbuilt? Am I overlooking something? I really think these are valid questions and worthy of bringing back an old topic. I've been shooting my BB mortar for about 2 years now, but I still consider myself a newbie. I always want to make sure I have a good understanding before I start on a new project and especially before I light a fuse.
I appreciate all of the help, information and insight you guys offer. I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading the forums.
Thank you again for your help.
NitroSteel