Chemistry geeks? Hobby pyromaniacs? look here.

[swilson 0]

I would strongly recommend against using acetylene and oxygen in a standard-issue spud gun. Been there, done that.

I got away without any scars, but I think it was just dumb luck. We got exactly one shot out of it, couldn't hear for a little while, there was shrapnel EVERYWHERE, and I have NO idea where the potato ended up...

Sched 40 PVC pipe isn't nearly strong enough to withstand the pressure generated when you light that sucker off, and it takes surprisingly little acetylene to do it (we used less than two quarts).

A garbage bag full of oxygen and acetylene probably has at least as much energy as a stun grenade, and it's not too picky as to mixture ratios. Acetylene has one of the largest explosive ranges of all combustible gases - 2.5 to over 80% acetylene in air, whereas gasoline is only explosive from about 1.5 to 7.5% in air. In short, this stuff can hurt you even if you DO know what you're doing.

If you have the know-how and the resources, you can build a mean potato gun out of stainless steel, though...

[Rainbo 0]

Just to clarify,
only use acetylene for the exploding ballons, not in a potato gun

Rainbo
TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything
"Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting."

[warpedskydiver 0]

you mean to tell me that a flammable gas that needs no extra oxygen, should not be enclosed in a small space, then provided an ignition source?

I did not know that!

I will now go those pesky O2, and acetylene cylinders out of the fireplace!

Thanks for the tip!

[livendive 8]

Quote

I want to make hydrogen and oxygen in a 2:1 mix ... Preferably by using household or easily obtainable chemicals

Pour yourself a glass of water. Enjoy.

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)

[Skyrad 0]

Just turn on a tap (fawcet)

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca