[SML] Wiggle wood for a cannon?

[Stephen Rees]

I think this is doable with bending lauan but given its price, I would
create the conical shape using Ramboard or other such product first. Once
you like the shape and the diameters are appropriate, you can use that
heavy paper as a template for laying out on the bendy board.  Remember that
bending lauan can be had with the bend across the width or along the
width.  Those half-round shapes wrapping the front of the barrel and at the
"breech" in the image are good candidates for split Ethafoam backer rod or
split pool noodles.
Good luck,
Steve

Stephen E. Rees,
Professor and Chair Emeritus of Theatre - SUNY Fredonia
CCE-CC Master Gardener Volunteer
716.366.0505 Home
716.680.1565 Mobile



On Mon, Feb 24, 2025 at 1:35 PM Joe via Stagecraft <
stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:

> I need to construct a cannon for a human cannonball effect. Note that I am
> not actually shooting anyone out of it. Rather, we will load the actor into
> the front of the cannon, and then he will exit from the cannon unseen.
>
> I first looked at trying to adapt some plastic garbage cans, but the
> diameter at the bottom of them, which would become the end of the cannon,
> is too small to permit me to load with the actor.
>
> So, it looks like I will need to construct it from scratch.  I have never
> made anything using wiggle-wood (i.e. bendable ply) that had a conical
> shape.  Though, perhaps I could cut wedge-shaped pieces and form it that
> way. However, I know that getting the edges of the ply to lay flat can be a
> challenge.
>
> Attached is an image of what I am considering.  Though, I could take the
> easy way out, and create a purely cylindrical barrel.[image: Inline image]
>
> -Joe Dunfee
>  717-203-8670 Cell
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