This clever little toy never fails to elicit oohs and aahs when it’s seen in action for the first time. A simple assembly of 1/2-in. CPVC and fittings, the blowgun can propel a mini-marshmallow in excess of 50 ft., and at impressive velocity.
The secret behind the blowgun is in the resistance created by the elbow fittings. After loading a mini-marshmallow into the near end of the gun, the shooter blows into the end to advance the marshmallow. When the marshmallow slows at the 90-degree elbow bends, air builds up behind it and dislodges it with great force from the second elbow bend, shooting it out of the gun at much higher velocity than with a straight length of tubing. The marshmallow gun shown here is painted with camouflage spray paint and coated with a protective layer of spray-on shellac, but painting the gun is not necessary. Solvent-welding the joints is not recommended because a marshmallow will occasionally get stuck, and you’ll need to take apart the gun to remove it.
Part of the fun with a marshmallow gun is inventing your own games to play with it. From simple target shooting to long-distance blowing, the range of possibilities is limited only by your imagination.
Safety is important when playing with this or any other backyard toy or game. Marshmallows can pose a choking hazard to small children, so those younger than 8 years should not use this toy. (They are probably unable to blow hard enough to use it effectively anyway.) Children should use protective eyewear and should never be allowed to play with the gun without adult supervision. Adults should remind players to inhale before touching their mouths to the gun — never through the loaded gun.
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