Gunpowder Engine

[kyratshooter]

If I designed an internal combustion engine powered by gunpowder, that spit bullets out the exhaust pipe, would I have to get a Class III liscense to mow the yard with it?

[crashdive123]

I have built something similar to what you are describing except that it was powered with refried beans.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

I was working on something similar until today. I figured out the old owner had put the collector gaskets behind the flange instead of in between the flanges. Debating if I should let him know......? He spent close to 1k on the entire exhaust he installed himself.

[Rick]

You know, KY, if you are smart you'd put that engine on an old lawn mower and just use a single stroke engine. Then all you'd need is a C&R license. I just saved you some money.

[natertot]

You know, KY, if you are smart you'd put that engine on an old lawn mower and just use a single stroke engine. Then all you'd need is a C&R license. I just saved you some money.

Just use blackpowder.....No licensing required and no backround check!

[hunter63]

Just use blackpowder.....No licensing required and no backround check!

Yeah, It will go really quick, really fast....then stop, kinda a whoosh....love that smell.

[Rick]

Lemme see. Based on his last experience with the boat, he'd probably have to have a permit from the National Transportation Safety Board showing it's worthiness for mowing lawns. A license from the Kentucky Motor Vehicle folks. An EPA Exhaust emissions certificate. An OSHA inspection and release as a work vehicle. Since it shoots bullets it will have to be licensed by the ATF. Homeland Security will need to inspect it to make certain it isn't applicable to terrorists and that KY isn't a terrorist (personally, he looks suspicious to me). He'll need a permit from the Dept. of Weights and Measures to ensure the amount of powder he uses is accurate. He'll need to fill out a FEMA grant application since they just had a tornado. There's bound to be an impact to his livelihood. And he'll need a driver's license.

He'll need to pay a sales tax on the powder and bullets. An excise tax on an unapproved alternate fuel. File income tax whether he earned money with the lawn mower or not. There's a motor vehicle usage tax, a property tax, an alcohol tax (don't ask. just accept that he has to pay it), sales and use tax, consumer use tax, fiduciary tax and insurance premiums.

His $400 mower will probably cost him around $1200 before he turns the key on.

[Daniel Nighteyes]

We're forgetting the wildlife impact study to verify that it isn't detrimental to the Blue-Nosed Half-Fast Snail. I'd say closer to $2,600.

[kyratshooter]

I just decided I will concentrate on making it a 2 stroke due to the lessened restrictions on double barrels. If I use good metal I can fill the tank with either black or smokeless, depending on the smog regulations in the area.

No fuel pump needed, just a Lee powder measure worked by a toggle.

[hunter63]

Just add a horn with powder charger......Measured loads.

[Rick]

Horns is fer honkin' not fer powerin'. Whatsamatta you?