Simply put, the Coilgun — aka magnetic / gauss guns — is “a type of projectile accelerator that consists of one or more coils used as electromagnets in the configuration of a synchronous linear electric motor which accelerate a magnetic projectile to high velocity.” Continue reading to see five of the coolest homemade examples.
1. Mini Gauss Gun
This mini gauss gun may not be the largest, most powerful, or even coolest-looking, but it’s definitely something that’s simple enough to build on your own. To do that, you’ll need neodymium spheres, a magnetic ramp, and a magnetic launcher, according to its creator.
2. Electric Coilgun
Created by YouTube user “jspeasrus”, this incredible homemade coilgun is a “completely portable single-stage, 100 joule (electrical energy), bolt action weapon with a 6 round magazine.” Once upgraded, it will be a dual-stage coilgun with 200 joule of electricty.
3. Coilgun Pistol
Not the prettiest of coilguns, but FrigginSmift “took apart four disposable cameras and used their charging circuit and capacitors to create a coil gun shaped like a pistol for ease of use — “each projectile has to be hand made and its power is limited, but still very cool.”
4. Gauss Rifle
The MagnetNerd’s gauss rifle may look simple and that’s because it is, consisting of “8 neodymium magnets that are 1/2″ cubes with a 3/16″ hole attached to the rail with brass screws.”
5. Simple Gauss Gun
Think of this simple gauss gun as a nifty gadget that you can use to impress friends and family, rather than destroy objects with. It’s just four ball bearings held together with two neodymium super magnets, sitting on a wood ramp.