How do i spark my metal potato gun?

Question

I used to use 2 metal screws and a bbq igniter in my pvc potato gun and it worked fine. But i'm pretty sure it wont work on a metal potato gun. But i would like to try to use the bbq igniter. If i cant is there something else i could find around the house to use. Remember I am trying to maintain complete safety so keep that in mind.

Answer 1

Pneumatic is much safer than explosive styles!

you just need to find a way to insulate one of the screws.  use the casing of the gun for one side of the spark. using a s***w to extend the casing into the camber will probably be necessary. for the firing s***w, i would probably drill a hole twice the size of the s***w and coat the edges in epoxy leaving a hole in the center just big enough to be able to s***w in the s***w firmly. dont insert the s***w yet. when that has cured, take more epoxy and place it on the s***w threads (leave the end clean) and tighten it to the desired position. placing the firing s***w in two steps guarantees that the s***w will not change position as the epoxy dries. the longer epoxy takes to set, the stronger it is, so avoid that 30 min c**p. it wont be safe at those pressures. connect one end of the igniter to the casing and one to the firing s***w. done.

on second though, that pizo igniter can probably be placed where the firing s***w is. i am not so sure it will take much abuse though.

i am an idiot use a lawnmower spark pug.

Answer 2

I know you can use the igniter from gas BBQ grills.  These can be purchased at any hardware store.  You need to electrically isolate the business end of the ignitor from the metal barrel so that the arc occurs that the proper place. They turn the mechanical energy (supplied by you pushing a button) into an electric spark.  Be mindful of the note from the first answer, you are dealing with explosions in confined spaces and there is a real potential for serious injury or death to you or someone else unfortunate enough to be near by when something goes wrong.