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

by William Gurstelle

Ordinary folks can construct 13 awesome ballistic devices in their garage or basement workshops using inexpensive household or hardware store materials and this step-by-step guide. Clear instructions, diagrams, and photographs show how to build projects ranging from the simple—a match-powered rocket—to the more complex—a scale-model, table-top catapult—to the offbeat—a tennis ball cannon. With a strong emphasis on safety, the book also gives tips on troubleshooting, explains the physics behind the projects, and profiles scientists and extraordinary experimenters such as Alfred Nobel, Robert Goddard, and Isaac Newton. This book will be indispensable for the legions of backyard toy-rocket launchers and fireworks fanatics who wish every day was the fourth of July.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Reference, Physics, Parenting, Engineering, How To

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2001

Reviews

[William Schram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Backyard Ballistics is a book that explores physics through DIY projects. The main focus is on making the projects. The underlying physics is explained in the book along with step-by-step instructions on building these items. It also has troubleshooting points with things that can go wrong and how to combat those things. On the other hand, the book has few equations and all of the units are imperial rather than metric. However, in this case, it might be better for all involved. Engineers are practical. It isn’t necessary to go into SI units if the audience is American. In that same vein, it wasn’t necessary to put a fluid dynamics equation in the book if you are just making a model rocket.

William Gurstelle goes in-depth on each project. He brings up the materials needed and covers the history of the physics involved as well. For example, when talking about building a Sublimator, Gurstelle goes into the history of making Dry Ice. Each project has a timeline talking about how that invention was developed.

The only unfortunate part about writing a review on this is that there isn’t really a lot to say on this book. Although the book does touch on the theoretical the main focus is on practical projects and things to make. If you enjoy making things or if that is how you learn, then you will appreciate the hands-on approach.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I go to this reference so many times. Cincinnati Fire Kites last night for example. We first used this when Bennett was 5, and it was a great help this year when Will wanted to install a grenade launcher on the lawn mower.

[Nicole Williamson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why I read this: To get inspiration for my mad scientist Halloween party.

The prose was entertaining, but the projects are a bit intimidating to me. 😅 As long as you take the right precautions this could be a lot of fun for the DIY explosive inclined folks.

[Michael Roop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is down right savage. Thirteen do it yourself backyard ballistics. Each has a degree of danger to them, but then again what kind of fun is it if it's not dangerous in a small amount? There is also the possibility of that it might violate some laws depending on what area you live in. Again, what kind of fun is it if you ain't breakin some kind of law? This book is at the top of my weekend do it yourself project list. Lots of fun to be had, and if you search for this book on youtube; there is a father son duo who demonstrate a few things out of this book. I'd say this a good family project or atleast father son project book. A recommended read and a full endorsed go out and have fun with this one read!! Enjoy.

[Matthew Hendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have kids and want to build a potato cannon or a dry-ice tennis ball cannon? Then look no further: this is the book for you.

I have not built every item in this book, but I have built both the potato cannon and the dry-ice cannon, and can heartily recommend the book. The instructions for the items is clear, the parts are obtainable and the theory and safety of the items is explored.

I built both cannons with my two sons, ages 10 and 13, and both were able to participate extensively in the builds.

Highly recommended.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although my library has it shelved with the adult books, this book seems more like it's geared toward middle school/teenagers. (Which is not to say that younger kids would not have a delightful time with these projects with adequate adult help/supervision.) It does exactly what the title says, and has plenty of caveats about safety precautions. I think I may get my younger cousin a copy for his birthday.

[Logophile (Heather) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I built 4 of the projects from this book with a group of two dozen boys, grades 5-8.

match head rockets (24)
potato cannons (2)
tennis ball mortars (6)
flingers (4)

We had a really good time doing it. The Match head rockets were actually the least cooperative project and we all had a great time with the other builds.

If you are looking for some awesome science/ballistic fun, this book is the way to go!

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanna have a fun day with family? Follow the potato cannon instructions in this great book! BAM! Flying spuds across the field. Inside the pages are instructions for lots of cool ballistics, explainations behind the simple science of each ballistic, and this history of ballistics and their inventors.

[Noël · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book to use in an after school science enrichment class I teach. It did not disappoint, the kids thought all my exploding stuff was great. Along the way they also learned terms like exothermic and velocity. Pretty decent for elementary school. Plus? Now I'm the coolest mom in school. :-D

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Fun, safe experiments and also the history behind the ancient arsenal.

[Chris Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and with enough detail to make the projects accomplishable.

[Esther May · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of engaging projects to build. I wish their were alluring pictures to draw kids in, but the book is well written and has great projects.

[Harry Harman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great practical physics book.

[Michael Grizer (He-Him) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book courtesy of my Dad. Lots of cool projects for people with a workshop and some land. I remember my Dad building a tennis ball cannon from beer cans back in the 70s.

[Robert Schretzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

For hands on labs. And the fun of it all...

[Douglas Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbowl 47 is over gentlemen; start your potato cannons. Gurstelle’s 2nd edition improves an already-awesome tome that instructs budding Makers, geeks, and Just Plain Fun Having Folk in the gentle art of stuff that ‘splodes. Who among you hasn’t fired a tennis ball mortar? Or launched a Jellyfish of the Sky (a dry cleaning bag fueled by canned heat)? Gurstelle somewhat gleefully notes that BB “is about being creative in the name of science and experimentation,” adding that “you might learn something while you’re at it” (xxi). A baker’s dozen of chapters detail instructions and tips for building and launching peaceful, mellow fire-fueled stuff. Throughout he name checks dudes notable for discoveries in the areas of experimentation, as when he discusses Alfred Nobel inventing dynamite and using the proceeds for peace. While Gurstelle provides obligatory safety advice, he refreshingly eschews overprotectiveness. He believes in the common sense of family readers and the tone of his writing will inspire responsibility. The diagrams and pictures are expressly clear, which will help readers like me who are all thumbs. I’m looking forward to doing some of this with my boy when the weather turns – which gives me just enough time to correctly cut up the PVC pipe for my spud launcher and hoard newspapers for Cincinnati fire kites.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book about making homemade things that go boom and splat. It'll be great when my boys are teenagers and wanting to make big things, but I actually wanted a book on smaller scale homemade machines. My son's WeBeLos book showed me how to make a catapult out of a shoebox--that's more on my level than putting together pvc pipe to make a potato cannon. Still cool to see what you can make from a hardware store. I REALLY liked how he explained (in simple terms) the physics of the machine and added a bit on the history.

[Russ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but I would have liked some more complex designs. The Art of the Catapult: Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient Artillery had more interesting designs, and I was hoping for something more in line with that.

[Salsabrarian]

A manual that shows how to make fun shooting and flammable things such as a potato cannon, a paper match rocket and a Cincinnati fire kite. Far beyond the ballistic fun to be had are the opportunities to explore physics through the scientific method. The author explains the science behind each project and provides further thought for study. Includes sidebar stories about relevant scientists and emphasis on safety.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this is seriously good fun but be warned the temptation to make some of these are far to tempting but GREAT fun, have tried out a few of the ideas (have scrounged all the paper match books from all my friends and caused chaos with them) and already starting a shopping list for my next big project. If you want something to do (and dont mind annoying the neighbours) this is one for you.

[Marshal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good book. Some of the projects might be too difficult for a beginner. I got this book to work through with my 6 year old son. We were able to build the potato gun, match rockets, and fire kite. The rest of the projects were well documented but far too advanced for him. Overall a good project book with good documentation (explanations), imagery, and diagrams.

[TJ Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright. I would honestly recommend checking it out from the library or glancing at it in the books store and writing down the projects that sound fun and then looking them up online.
This book was a gift, and while I enjoy it, the book doesn't provide any tutorials that aren't better on instructables.com
Basically: Good, no fault to the author, but not something that you need to own.

[Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to build and blow up stuff, how to amuse yourself with little or no materials (fire kite).

The application of the concepts in this book is interesting, if not a little dangerous.

I highly reccomend to tinkerers and hacker types for exploration and afternoons of fun projects.

[MissInformation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safe with adults, and lots of fun. Some items, like a match rocket and mini-catapult, are suitable for science fair projects. Also included is info on the science behind the projects (which not all project books cover.)

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son loves this book. He has done several exploding things from it. He carries it around planning his next project all the time. His dream is to make a large catapult. Boys! My husband has really enjoyed going through this book helping him put together some of these things.

[Chris Coppola · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sons and I love building anything and anything, whether it works or not. Gurstelle’s precise plans with historical reference have helped up build tennis ball cannons, potato guns, and catapults. I love the way this book brought us together around an objective.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

remember the cow/piano launcher in Northern Exposure...? this book is THAT good! i got it as a gift for a ballistically-minded guy (are there any non-ballistically-minded guys?) and wow, it was a hit-and-a-half! The equivalent of buying me chocolate - wahoo, i earned major points!

[Damon · Rating 5 out of 5]

i got this book from my mom.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

February is a long month and the kid and I need a family activity.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hysterical but I'd definitely lose an appendage or two and end up burning someone's house down