Make a Marshmallow Gun
Marshmallow guns are fun, while remaining accurate but non-lethal. The basic idea is that you blow into a series of PVC tubes to push out a marshmallow. Great for parties and having fun with your friends.
Steps
- Use a ruler to mark off six 5-inch sections of pipe with a black marker. Then mark off one 8-inch section of pipe and cut the pipe at that mark, leaving you with one 38-inch piece. It's just easier to work with a shorter pipe.
- Cut at the other marks you made to produce the required six 5-inch pieces and one 8-inch piece.
- Get the two elbow-bend connectors, two T-shaped connectors, and two end caps.
- Take the 8-inch piece and insert it into one of the two horizontal ends of one T-shaped connector.
- Put one 5-inch piece in the other horizontal end of the same T-shaped connector.
- Insert another 5-inch piece into the third opening of the connector. Put a cap on the other end of this piece; this is one of the handles of your gun.
- Go back to the first short piece you put in (the horizontal one) and put the other T-shaped connector on the other end, this time with the third connector facing up (so it looks like an upside-down T).
- Insert a 5-inch piece into each opening of the connector.
- Put an elbow connector on both pipes that you just put in. The connector on the vertical pipe should face away from the 8-inch piece; the connector on the horizontal pipe should face down.
- Insert the remaining two 5-inch pieces into the elbow connectors and put a cap on the end of the vertical one.
- Decorate the gun using colorful tape, fun stickers, markers, paint, or whatever you want. Diluting white glue with water will result in a clear-drying liquid perfect for decoupage. This mixture can also be used as a varnish/sealant to keep marker ink from rubbing off, paint from flaking off, stickers from falling off, et cetera. If you've got enough cash to spare, colorful electrical tape works beautifully, though the cost of one little roll tends to be a bit steep.
- To fire the gun, first take a mini marshmallow and place it gently in the opening of the only uncapped small pipe (the one on top of the gun). Take a deep breath and blow into the opening that you just put a marshmallow into. Your confection should shoot out of the barrel (the 8" piece). If it doesn't, try blowing again. It might've gotten stuck.
Optional Quick Loader
- File down a hole large enough to fit a marshmallow in the center of the "T" piece connecting to the barrel.
- Make a cover for this that can easily be removed, such as a piece of cardstock taped down.
- Load a marshmallow pointing towards the {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} piece on that side of the "T" piece.
- Blow into the open end! This method makes it less likely that the marshmallow will get stuck.
Tips
- Load 2-6 marshmallows at a time for a spread effect when you shoot them.
- Sand down the edge of the tube that you blow into if it's jagged so it doesn't cut your lips.
- Sharpies make an easy decoration, they come in many colors and they don't wear off very easily. Avoid the high friction areas of the gun's handles and you'll be set.
- A dishwasher's top rack can be great fast way to clean off stickers, marking pencil, and other things that may be on your parts, making the gun ready for war!
- If you have access to one, use a band saw instead of a hacksaw - it's faster, easier on the arms, and the cuts are cleaner. Even better, many hardware stores sell a "standard pipe cutter" that will cut PVC up to 1" in outer diameter. They cost about 10$USD, and don't create rough edges.
- For a few dollars, most hardware stores also sell inexpensive high-school chemistry class style goggles that are a great help preventing injuries. It's all fun and games until someone shoots an eye. Even better, you can color them with permanent markers. For fun you might make a pair of goggles to match the gun's theme.
- Pick up the marshmallows when you're done - they're very likely bad for animals. If the marshmallows get wet, the sugar makes a big mess.
- Try the pipe cutter over the hacksaw. With the pipe cutter, it took 10 minutes, and the cuts are cleaner.
Warnings
- Make sure you don't inhale your marshmallow. Try not to touch your tongue to it, either - moisture makes marshmallows sticky, which makes them harder to clean up.
- The blade of the hacksaw may come off, bend, etc. Be aware of friction and check the blade every so often.
- Get someone to hold the pipe in place while you're cutting it - that reduces the movement of the pipe, making it easier and safer to cut. Make sure you don't cut their hand though!
- Marshmallow may be soft, squishy things of joy, but when traveling at high speeds they can hurt a little. Never aim for anybody's face.
- Make sure you have your parents permission before trying any of this.
Things You'll Need
- At least {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of half-inch PVC pipe per gun
- Hacksaw/band saw/Standard Pipe Cutter shear style
- Ruler
- Permanent marker
- 2 elbow joints per gun
- 2 T-shaped joints per gun
- 2 end caps per gun
- Decorations (tape, stickers, paint, markers, etc)
- Miniature marshmallows, pieces of sponge, or small spitballs (for ammo)
- Eye protection (optional)
- Time
- File (Optional)
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