How to make a coil gun
I've often been asked how to make a coil gun. So I've come up with a fairly simple way to do it that makes use of an electric fly swatter for the power supply.
I've tried to make it fairly safe in that it won't fire the projectiles with too much power as long as you charge the capacitors to only around 100 volts. But it still does involve high voltage and high power so it should be done only by those who have experience with electronics or with the help of someone who does. Do this at your own risk.
Coil gun circuit diagram and schematic
The following are the circuit diagram and schematic for the coil gun.
The parts
These are the parts I used.
- electric fly swatter/bug zapper
- tube from a BIC pen, any non-metal tube will do
- carboard
- 26 gauge (AWG) enamel coated wire, also known as magnet wire - 13 m/42 feet long
- tape, I use black electrical tape but any tape except aluminum or copper tape will do
- electrolytic capacitors - around 600 microfarads rated for around at least 110 volts
- voltmeter
- wire with alligator clips on both ends - at least 30 cm/1 foot long
- wire coat hanger
- terminal strip
- cable ties
- plastic or wooden stick/rod at least 15 cm/6 inches long
Video - How to Make Coil Gun using a Fly Swatter
The following video demonstrates and shows how to make a coil gun using the electronics from an electric fly swatter as the power supply.
