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How to Put Together an Airzooka

The Airzooka is a simple, entertaining toy designed for all ages. Formally known as an air vortex cannon, this device has an elastic diaphragm that sucks in air when pulled. When the diaphragm is released, a ball of air capable of rustling hair, blowing out candles or turning over pages is released. No projectiles are needed. Although the Airzooka is sold commercially intact, you can put together your own homemade Airzooka with a few supplies from your local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

2 gallon bucket
Drill with hole saw attachment
120 grit sandpaper
Measuring tape
Plastic sheeting
Circle cutter
Scissors
Tape
Canopy tarp ties
Wood block
Dowel
Screwdriver
Packing or duct tape

Instructions

- 1
  Attach the hole saw to the drill. Turn the bucket upside down, position the saw in the middle of the bucket and drill a hole. Smooth the edges around the hole using the sand paper.
- 2
  Turn the bucket right side up and measure the diameter of the top of the bucket using the measuring tape. Adjust the circle cutter to reflect this measurement, position it on the plastic and rotate it until the plastic circle is cut out. Be sure to do this on a work bench or scratch resistant surface.
- 3
  Fold the plastic circle in half twice. The shape should now resemble a triangle. Cut the pointed tip of the plastic off with scissors to make a hole. Unfold the plastic and place four pieces of tape measuring 3 inches long around the circle to strengthen the plastic center. Be sure not to cover up the actual hole.
- 4
  Slide the canopy tarp tie through the hole and tie a knot on the other side to secure the tie in place. Cut the tie in half by snipping the top. The canopy carp tie should now make a "V" shape, resembling television antennas.
- 5
  Turn the bucket upside down again and measure 2 inches from the bottom of the bucket on opposite sides of the bucket. Mark these points. Attach a 1/4 inch drill bit to the drill and drill holes at those points.
- 6
  Position a block of wood measuring 2 inches long and 1/4 inch thick on the inside of the bucket beneath rim. Secure it in place with tape. Hold a 6 inch dowel rod on the other side of the wood block and drive a screw through the wooden block and into the dowel rod with your free hand. This creates a handle for the air vortex cannon.
- 7
  Put the plastic sheet inside the bucket so the ball attached to the canopy tarp tie is facing outward. Secure the edges of the plastic to the rim of the bucket using tape. Reinforce this by attaching packing tape or duct tape around the rim and top of the bucket.
- 8
  Pull the canopy tarp ties through the holes made at the bottom of the bucket and make a knot to secure them in place.
- 9
  Shoot the air vortex cannon by aiming at your desired target, pulling back on the ball until you begin to feel resistance from the canopy tarp ties, then releasing.

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