Author Topic: Backyard cannon fun (Read 54581 times)

RocklockI · « **Reply #420 on:** April 29, 2009, 04:31:17 PM »

i saw a twilight zone or outer limits years ago . it was about a kid and his dog ...who i suppose were killed and going to heaven ....

there was peter or whoever . he said 'welcome...but sorry your dog cant come' so the kid and pup mossyed on down the road to another guy at a gate .....long story short one was heaven and one WAS NOT ! .
i'm goin wit de dog mn

brokenpole · « **Reply #421 on:** April 30, 2009, 06:23:39 AM »

I have read, with great sadness, all the posts about Max and the loss of a pet. I have sat here at my desk at work and at home and shed a tear remembering all the fine pets I have had in my 55 years. My wife and I have also found ourselves on our knees on more than one occassion praying for one of our beloved critters. The Bible tells me that God knows the sparrows and cares for them. The same goes for the 4-legged members of our family.

God answers prayers for our pets and also welcomes them into heaven with us.

Rest in peace Max.

Rickk · « **Reply #422 on:** April 30, 2009, 02:39:37 PM »

I've had a lot of pets but for me it was this guy...

His name was Akapana.

I currently have 9 llamas, but he was the first male I ever got. I have his son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter still.

He used to come in the house and watch TV with me. He is burried out back, but I am pretty sure he is still around helping where he can.

Rick

irishman · « **Reply #423 on:** April 30, 2009, 04:21:24 PM »

To each of you, Thank You from the bottom of my heart. You have added a Spiritual touch that has made this much easier for us.

Michael

rays89 · « **Reply #424 on:** May 03, 2009, 10:50:16 AM »

Micheal
We care about you. All I know the first I see when I wake up is that monster parrot gun on my shelf and I am getting an itch to pop off a round.

irishman · « **Reply #425 on:** May 16, 2009, 12:37:09 PM »

Here is the Bronze barrel, just as it went into the box to ship. This is the first Bronze barrel that I have turned, it is different from the brass that I normally use, I expected that. I was taken aback at the visual likeness of the bronze with the BRASS trunnions. It even showed up as minor in the pics!

Michael

thelionspaw · « **Reply #426 on:** May 16, 2009, 06:04:59 PM »

Sorry if I am coming late to Irishman's loss but I'm still playing catch-up. I took the liberty to rename this image of Maeve, our American Staffordshire Terrier. It's "Waiting for Max". I am amazed that we who like cannons and big noise with flames, are sentimental over our furry family members. I guess that's like the Ying and Yang. It keeps us in balance with our lives somehow with opposites.

Irishman; get another companion; a shelter rescue; a different breed so you won't be disappointed if he isn't a mirror of Max. They are all willing to be our best friend in spite of what we may be at times.

Richard

BoomLover · « **Reply #427 on:** May 17, 2009, 04:36:24 AM »

Anyway you look at it, that Mt. Howitzer is a beauty! Very business-like, with a sort of sinister awesomness that shows it can get the job done! Another "Well Done", Michael! Great combo, bronze and brass! It should "Speak" with authority! You continue to amaze us with your creations! BoomLover

irishman · « **Reply #428 on:** May 20, 2009, 02:05:47 PM »

Richard,

Thank you for your wise words. An incredible 104 lbs of love as well as an fine protector. Every good man deserves a "best friend".

Michael

irishman · « **Reply #429 on:** May 20, 2009, 02:15:21 PM »

Quote from: BoomLover on May 17, 2009, 04:36:24 AM

Anyway you look at it, that Mt. Howitzer is a beauty! Very business-like, with a sort of sinister awesomness that shows it can get the job done! Another "Well Done", Michael! Great combo, bronze and brass! It should "Speak" with authority! You continue to amaze us with your creations! BoomLover
[/quote

Jim,

Thanks for that! The bronze was different, however, not nearly as much as I thought. I look forward to some pics of fire and smoke.

Michael

irishman · « **Reply #430 on:** May 20, 2009, 02:56:55 PM »

Have been workin on this for weeks. A minute at a time. It is a small GB, about 1.2D bore depth, with Powder chamber 3/4X3/4. The intent is for a mortar short enough to use in Backyards that are larger than average. I think that it will launch a GB a reasonably short distance with good predictability, based on load.

Maybe I am blowing smoke at myself, but, it will be done for the weekend and making 'real" smoke and fire.

Using the boring bar to cut the 7/8 radius trunnion reciever was a first for me and fun and accurate. The round stock is actually a hammer head. I haven't locked in on the length of the trunnion.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #431 on:** May 20, 2009, 03:55:14 PM »

SHORT barreled mortars can be fun!

I have one that I made with a 1 - caliber long bore. Max altitude and range at 45 degrees is about 12'.

BoomLover · « **Reply #432 on:** May 25, 2009, 06:28:57 PM »

Memorial Day turned out to be a perfect day for cannon firing, so, a few of us friends gathered, and after the traditional BBQ hot dog feast, we started setting up our back yard firing range. An Osvaldo Gatto Signal Cannon, 1 1/2" bore, an Ed Hart created .75 cal swivel cannon, a Wesley Pilly Hand Gonne, a "Thunder Cup" from Dom, couple of other assorted models, and best of all, a Mt. Howtizer made of Bronze, from the Irishman, Michael. They all took turns "speaking", and did a great job of it! However, that little Mt. Howitzer, at .69 cal, with a 1/2 oz of FG, spoke the clearest and nicest of them all! Thanks again, Michael! I will try to send pics, but don't have the equiptment to post em, sorry! BoomLover

irishman · « **Reply #433 on:** June 13, 2009, 06:53:20 AM »

FOURTH OF JULY ALERT !!!
Hope you guys won't mind my taking the liberty to post here, .... Michael is busy machining something

But, we have been made aware, through some good customers (all brooks-USA customers are good), that some fellow GBO Members are not in the habit of checking out the GBO Classifieds!!! AND We DO WANT to help you GET READY for the FOURTH... So, at the risk of being redundant, we decided to bring this reminder to the BackYard. . . Here are some suggestions for your small, medium and/or larger BackYards: DAY

or NIGHT

In our experience, where one cannon is good, a battery will be

M-BPFC (30 cal) FireCracker Launchers. Still 30 cal, but with a 6 1/2" barrel

Or larger still, 50 cal (the morels are no longer available)

Darn, out of space, please see next post. jb

irishman · « **Reply #434 on:** June 13, 2009, 07:05:44 AM »

post continued.....Re: FOURTH OF JULY ALERT
If you are looking for choices.....

I
I could go on and on, instead,.......I would like to suggest you visit GBO Classifieds and www.brooks-usa.com If you find something on brooks-USA....PM before purchasing...I can probably save you a couple (or+) of dollars on shipping.

Thank you for the opportunity to offer my best wishes for a VERY HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
jb (cannongirl)

Double D · « **Reply #435 on:** June 13, 2009, 07:24:59 AM »

Cannongirl!? Whoops a lady in our presence...gentlemen act decent.

Brooks is a paid sponsor and is most welcome to post on the discussion board as well as the classifieds.

By the way, I have it on good authority that some white oak is headed your way.

robbob · « **Reply #436 on:** June 19, 2009, 05:02:17 PM »

I must have read through this thread toooo many times.

I ordered one of Michael's firecracker cannons this week (my first real cannon)and before it even got her I already ordered another.

After watching the you tube videos of the 1" 24 pounder I had to order one. Should be here for the fourth (fingers crossed).

To those of you that have said tube, can you give me and info on salute charges? I am hoping to get started on a carriage soon and maybe have something ready when the tube arrives. Anyone want to share their carriage dimensions?

Rob

Double D · « **Reply #437 on:** June 19, 2009, 06:21:01 PM »

The Safeloads and Cannon plans sticky at the top of the forum has the load graph for cannons under 2 inch.

robbob · « **Reply #438 on:** June 20, 2009, 12:09:16 AM »

Looks like about 180 grains should do the trick...

Double D · « **Reply #439 on:** June 20, 2009, 12:39:37 AM »

Keep in mind that is a maximum charge, you should reduce you load substantially to start and then work up.

robbob · « **Reply #440 on:** June 20, 2009, 05:55:17 AM »

Quote from: Double D on June 20, 2009, 12:39:37 AM

Keep in mind that is a maximum charge, you should reduce you load substantially to start and then work up.

The graph says that the charges are with an unpatched ball. A salute charge could go higher, correct? I was thinking I would start around 100 grains and go up from there....maybe in 10 grain increments.

Rob

Double D · « **Reply #441 on:** June 20, 2009, 09:40:31 AM »

100 grains and a card wad should be pretty noisy. Be aware with a card wad you will get some recoil. Not the same as with a ball, but some.

As you work up work up in 10 grain increments, you will surprised at the difference 10 grains can make.

CV66Slim · « **Reply #442 on:** July 03, 2009, 07:43:33 AM »

I received my Brooks firecracker cannons this week and stepped onto the front porch to give them a try, and hopefully avoid our $1,000 fireworks fine. The first shot was great, the firecracker went about 70' and exploded about a foot above the ground the next 4 or five rounds went between 80 and 100 feet, but the firecrackers never exploded. I can't figure out what's gone wrong. The 30 grain salute gives a nice crack.

I shot my 1.25" Dominick-built thunder mug earlier this week first with 375 grains and then with 500 grains several times. I had a Canadian customer fishing/shooting with me and he is anxious to get home to fix his lathe. The mug gives off a nice boom, but I am still uncertain on how much wadding and how tight to put it in the barrel. I was using newspaper--any advice?

Double D · « **Reply #443 on:** July 03, 2009, 08:07:23 AM »

Quote from: CV66Slim on July 03, 2009, 07:43:33 AM

I had a Canadian customer fishing/shooting with me and he is anxious to get home to fix his lathe.

This comment gives me a chuckle. I have influenced more than one person in the same manner. One wife said the correct term was corrupted, not influenced.

Do away with the newspaper wad and try a tight fitting card board over powder disk.

brokenpole · « **Reply #444 on:** July 03, 2009, 08:10:00 AM »

OH HELL YEAH!!!!!

Got my two firecracker cannons from irishman. OMG are these things going to be a blast!!!!

First two rounds were 7-10 gr FFg and a black cat. The second shot went about 25 feet before the cracker went off. First one was nearer the muzzle.

Then it was 30 gr and some bread...I like the boom.

No pics yet we will get those tomorrow.

Lite 'em up ya'll just remember safe and sober.

bp

brokenpole · « **Reply #445 on:** July 03, 2009, 08:11:57 AM »

Quote from: CV66Slim on July 03, 2009, 07:43:33 AM

I received my Brooks firecracker cannons this week and stepped onto the front porch to give them a try, and hopefully avoid our $1,000 fireworks fine. The first shot was great, the firecracker went about 70' and exploded about a foot above the ground the next 4 or five rounds went between 80 and 100 feet, but the firecrackers never exploded. I can't figure out what's gone wrong. The 30 grain salute gives a nice crack.

I shot my 1.25" Dominick-built thunder mug earlier this week first with 375 grains and then with 500 grains several times. I had a Canadian customer fishing/shooting with me and he is anxious to get home to fix his lathe. The mug gives off a nice boom, but I am still uncertain on how much wadding and how tight to put it in the barrel. I was using newspaper--any advice?

Go to the store and see if you can find day-old bread. It makes a nice wad and gives the critters something to eat.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #446 on:** July 03, 2009, 09:56:23 AM »

Quote from: Double D on July 03, 2009, 08:07:23 AM

...
One wife said the correct term was corrupted, not influenced.
...

And your wife is, as mine is, a very good judge of character and behavior.

irishman · « **Reply #447 on:** July 03, 2009, 11:23:35 AM »

Quote from: CV66Slim on July 03, 2009, 07:43:33 AM

I received my Brooks firecracker cannons this week and stepped onto the front porch to give them a try, and hopefully avoid our $1,000 fireworks fine. The first shot was great, the firecracker went about 70' and exploded about a foot above the ground the next 4 or five rounds went between 80 and 100 feet, but the firecrackers never exploded. I can't figure out what's gone wrong. The 30 grain salute gives a nice crack.

It's great to know everyone is having such good times with their Black Powder / FireCracker Cannon. BackYards are surely more fun with them !

I know Michael will have more to add, but I'll put in my two cents worth for now... It seems really crazy that a few grains can make the difference, but with these micros that's the case. Try backing off on the black powder load in the FireCracker Launcher Cannon (i.e.: using 7 grains Goex ffg instead of 10). Overloading can cause the firecracker to detonate in the barrel.....also real black powder is the key (not pyrodex). Have a wonderful Fourth of July all! jb

CV66Slim · « **Reply #448 on:** July 03, 2009, 11:31:04 AM »

I'm getting consistent ignition of the firecracker fuses now that I fray the end of the fuse before loading. I just shot a firecracker 120' and it exploded about 14' in the air. This is too much fun. I just wish I would have ordered fuse so I didn't have to sacrifice a Lil' Dynamite firecracker to shoot one.

brokenpole · « **Reply #449 on:** July 03, 2009, 03:43:11 PM »

Got the camera out and took these. I am using around 8 gr. I did try 10 but as jb said they go off in or right out of the tube.

This is a blast!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaBRvl8mT00