The Trend
At school, it was trending to create mini cannons using an empty glue tube and the piezoelectric part of a lighter to ignite combustion. Everyone was making small ones.
Stepping It Up
With my friend T. Saint-Gérand, we decided to step up the game and make a bigger combustion room.
We took a balloon pump and modified it:
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Increased the combustion chamber volume
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Installed a piezoelectric igniter from a lighter
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Created a barrel for the projectile
The Result
The combustion was strong enough to shoot a pen cap glued to a nail. The projectile penetrated a plaster wall 3 meters away.
The power surprised us both.
The Close Call
This project almost cost me my eye.
During one test, I was too close to the barrel when it fired. Luckily, my great friend N. Noël warned me just in time, and I pulled back before the projectile passed where my face had been.
The Lesson
Play safe.
This experience fundamentally changed how I approach experimental projects:
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Always consider what could go wrong
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Use proper protective equipment
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Keep bystanders at safe distances
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Never rush testing
The excitement of building something powerful must be balanced with respect for the dangers involved.