TP Gun and Car

Chance Marmalade · #1 (**permalink**) 05-16-2007, 08:43 PM

I would like to build a paper towel gun (ala Aga Boom) for a salesman act I am working on. Anyone have experience/plans for making one? More specifically I'd like to have it be a toilet paper gun!

Also I'd like to motorize a trunk as part of the act. It wouldn't need to go very far but its the punchline of the act. I thought about something man powered, pedaled but it just isn't as fitting for this act. I don't know much about engines at all, maybe a scooter or lawnmower engine could work? Also it has to be somewhat transportable, at least be light enough to roll easily on some wheels...

The_Princess_of_Bozonia · #2 (**permalink**) 05-17-2007, 12:41 AM

The Flaming Idiots (sadly, they're no longer performing *sniffle*) did a stage show with something like that using leaf blowers. I wasn't close enough to see how they attached the toilet paper rolls, but I imagine they used a toilet paper holder and experimented to get the right placement. Of course, you'll also need a woman's help for making the TP gun and reloading whenever you use it, because as we all know men are incapable of putting new rolls of toilet paper on those little spindles

Scruffy · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2007, 05:41 AM

You need a cheap toilet paper dispenser. The type that had a loop continuing from each side of the spindle up to a single anchor point at the top. Usually there are two screws at the top to anchor it to the wall.
drill two appropriately spaced holes at the edge of the leaf blowers nozzle, mount the dispenser to the blower using appropriately sized nuts, bolt, and lock washers.

Luki Loki · #4 (**permalink**) 05-17-2007, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Princess_of_Bozonia

The Flaming Idiots (sadly, they're no longer performing *sniffle*) did a stage show with something like that using leaf blowers. I wasn't close enough to see how they attached the toilet paper rolls, but I imagine they used a toilet paper holder and experimented to get the right placement. Of course, you'll also need a woman's help for making the TP gun and reloading whenever you use it, because as we all know men are incapable of putting new rolls of toilet paper on those little spindles

I guess I am female and my wife and daughter are male then. They can't even put the TP in the same spot twice in a row so it is a treasure hunt every time it is needed.

Chance Marmalade · #5 (**permalink**) 05-17-2007, 02:24 PM

Thanks guys! Yeah I usually put a new roll back on the dispenser when it's empty but I was raised by a woman, my mom who taught me well! I even remember to put the seat down!

A leafblower is a great idea, I need something a little smaller though, maybe a small leafblower? Or a hair dryer set on cold?

Also, I just realized this should have been under the props thread, sorry guys!

OkiDoki · #6 (**permalink**) 05-17-2007, 02:51 PM

Don't know if it would work but you've got those little engines used in remote controle miniature vehicles. Don't know if there is a specialised shop for this in your area but if so I would walk in to one and ask them for some advise on this. It's their specialisation and hobby. They should know how to motorize a trunk even with remote control. LOL

Scruffy · #7 (**permalink**) 05-17-2007, 09:17 PM

A motor could spin it off, But the leaf blower is what gives it the height and distance. Look for a cheap electric one at Walmart, Costco, or Target. Even a yard sale or Ebay might turn up something.

Fitzwilly · #8 (**permalink**) 05-17-2007, 09:55 PM

I would think that the type of toilet paper would effect the performance as well. I might think that an industrial type of paper that is smoother and wrapped tighter than a generic or even an expensive plush brand.

One way you might motorize the trunk is by using a motorized golf bag carrier. I have heard of these being used in parades for a similar purpose.

stitches · #9 (**permalink**) 05-18-2007, 11:53 AM

Is there a way to reverse air direction on a dust buster? They even have rechargable dust busters (don't they?) so you wouldn't have to worry about a cord.

If a vacuum sucks, is it good or bad?

SouthwestSam · #10 (**permalink**) 05-20-2007, 07:49 PM

I'm not good at engines either but a Clown I knew a very long time ago was building motorized scooters (before RAZOR scooters was around) and he used motors from weedeaters. He's passed on now otherwise I would ask him for ya.

Perhaps you can find someone who uses those to power carts etc.

~SAM