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How to Make a Baseball Launcher From PVC Pipe

A baseball launcher is a device that is used as a pitching machine. Baseball launchers that are made with PVC pipe consist of two parts: A compressed air tank and a barrel. Air from a compressor is stored in the air tank. When the air is released the baseball is forced down and out of the barrel. You can assemble a baseball launcher with parts that can be found at a home improvement store.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-foot length of 3-inch PVC pipe
  • 5-foot length of 3-inch PVC pipe
  • 12-inch length of 3/4-inch PVC pipe
  • Hacksaw
  • Sandpaper
  • 3-inch PVC end cap
  • Power drill
  • Bike tire fill valve
  • Epoxy
  • PVC primer
  • PVC glue
  • 3-inch PVC coupler
  • 3-inch to 3/4-inch PVC reducer
  • 3/4-inch ball valve
  • Saw horses
  • Air compressor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a hacksaw to cut a 2-inch length from the end of the 3/4-inch length of PVC pipe. Smooth the edges of the cut piping with sandpaper.

    • 2

      Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the 3-inch PVC end cap to accommodate the bike tire fill valve. Apply a small amount of epoxy to the inside of the hole and then insert the valve.

    • 3

      Apply PVC primer to one end of the 2-foot length of 3-inch PVC pipe and around the inside of the 3-inch PVC coupler. Apply the PVC cement over the primer and press the two pieces together.

    • 4

      Apply PVC primer to the inside of the opposite side of the 3-inch PVC coupler and to the outside of the 3-inch to 3/4-inch PVC reducer. Apply the PVC cement over the primer and press the pieces together.

    • 5

      Apply PVC primer to the inside of the 3-inch to 3/4-inch PVC reducer and the outside of one end of the 2-inch piece of 3/4-inch PVC pipe. Apply the PVC glue over the primer and press the pieces together.

    • 6

      Apply PVC primer to the outside of the 3/4-inch PVC pipe and the inside of the 3/4-inch PVC threaded adapter. Apply the PVC glue over the primer and then press the two pieces together.

    • 7

      Repeat steps 3 through 6 to construct a second section of PVC.

    • 8

      Apply the PVC primer to the inside of the PVC end cap and around the outside on 3-inch end of an assembled PVC pipe. Apply the PVC glue over the primer and place the end cap on the end of the PVC pipe.

    • 9

      Attach the ball valve to the 3/4-inch ends of the baseball launcher. Twist the threaded PVC clockwise to tighten onto the ball valve.

    • 10

      Place the baseball launcher on two saw horses and point it toward a backstop. Insert the baseball into the open end of the barrel.

    • 11

      Attach the fitting of the air compressor to the bike tire fill valve. Fill the tank until you have achieved air pressure of 5 PS. Open the ball valve to propel the baseball out of the barrel.


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