--- product_id: 48176225 title: "Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars, and More Dynamite Devices" brand: "william gurstelle" price: "€ 35.83" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.gr/products/48176225-backyard-ballistics-build-potato-cannons-paper-match-rockets-cincinnati-fire store_origin: GR region: Greece --- # Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars, and More Dynamite Devices **Brand:** william gurstelle **Price:** € 35.83 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars, and More Dynamite Devices by william gurstelle - **How much does it cost?** € 35.83 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.gr](https://www.desertcart.gr/products/48176225-backyard-ballistics-build-potato-cannons-paper-match-rockets-cincinnati-fire) ## Best For - william gurstelle enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted william gurstelle brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description This bestselling DIY handbook now features new and expanded projects, enabling ordinary folks to construct 16 awesome ballistic devices in their garage or basement workshops using inexpensive household or hardware store materials and this step-by-step guide. Clear instructions, diagrams, and photographs show how to build projects ranging from the simple match-powered rocket to the more complex tabletop catapult and the offbeat Cincinnati fire kite. The classic potato cannon has a new evil twin-the piezo-electric spud gun-and the electromagnetic pipe gun has joined the company of such favorites as the tennis ball mortar. With a strong emphasis on safety, the book also gives tips on troubleshooting, explains the physics behind the projects, and profiles scientists and extraordinary experimenters such as Alfred Nobel, Robert Goddard, and Isaac Newton. This book will be indispensable for the legions of backyard toy-rocket launchers and fireworks fanatics who wish every day was the fourth of July. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Dimensions | 17.8 x 1.5 x 25.4 cm | | Edition | 2nd | | Isbn 10 | 1613740646 | | Isbn 13 | 978-1613740644 | | Item Weight | 490 g | | Language | English | | Print Length | 240 pages | | Publication Date | 1 Sept. 2012 | | Publisher | Chicago Review Press | ## Images ![Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars, and More Dynamite Devices - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71m6XRmuwYL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Format** options. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great for kids, small or large, but is it legal in UK? *by on Reviewed in the United Kingdom 2 May 2014* If you want to build simple or complex devices to launch stuff this is a book for you. The more complex kit is all sized in imperial measures but some things are universal like pringle cans.We have built a couple of the devices listed in here but don't underestimate the complexity and time it could take you to build the more complex stuff. Even the pringle tennis ball mortar is something that takes a while, and copious amounts of duck tape, to build. I think the results can be a little hit and miss for things fuelled by spray or lighter fuel but when it works well it is glorious, even if you can't find your tennis ball again.The book is well written with clear explanations of the physics, and the compromises needed when building devices to shoot things and decent diagrams. There are warnings in the right places about safety which are worth heeding.The big question is whether a pneumatic potato cannon or lighter fuel tennis ball mortar is legal under UK law. If you live in a big city then making loud bangs might draw some unwelcome attention so we obviously haven't made any of those devices in this country. Plenty of more permissive places exist though. :-) ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fun book. Perfect present for my brothers *by on Reviewed in the United Kingdom 4 March 2016* Fun book. Perfect present for my brothers. Not quite dangerous enough for them, but I am sure they will find a way to modify the builds! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not for the under 12vs! *by on Reviewed in the United Kingdom 24 December 2014* Excellent detailed descriptions of each project with interesting additional educational commentaries. A full parts list is included for each project. The only down side is that these projects are not made of scraps and household items unless you happen to be a plumber or builder. The expense of purchasing these materials might put a lot of people off attempting a build. On the plus side these projects all seem rather dangerous - in my case too dangerous to attempt with a 4 year old grandson - he will have to wait many years before his parents will countenance such dangerous activities as causing explosions to launch various missiles great distances. My mistake but nevertheless an interesting and worthwhile read. ## Frequently Bought Together - Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars, and More Dynamite Devices - Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Build Implements of Spitball Warfare (1) - Defending Your Castle: Build Catapults, Crossbows, Moats, Bulletproof Shields, and More Defensive Devices to Fend Off the Invading Hordes --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.gr/products/48176225-backyard-ballistics-build-potato-cannons-paper-match-rockets-cincinnati-fire](https://www.desertcart.gr/products/48176225-backyard-ballistics-build-potato-cannons-paper-match-rockets-cincinnati-fire) --- *Product available on Desertcart Greece* *Store origin: GR* *Last updated: 2026-09-28*