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Bettesworth Construction
construction

How to Pitch Wiffle Balls with a Leaf Blower and PVC

A Make: project uses a leaf blower and PVC elbow to launch Wiffle balls. Learn the parts, dimensions, reported performance and safety cautions.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read
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William Gurstelle’s Make: project uses a leaf blower, a 3×3×2-inch PVC low-heel inlet elbow and PVC pipe to launch Wiffle balls. Its key feature is the elbow’s three openings: the blower feeds air through the 2-inch inlet, a ball enters through the vertical 3-inch tube, and airflow carries it through the horizontal barrel. Gurstelle reports about 50 mph from his own setup, but that is not a guaranteed speed for other blowers or builds.

How the launcher works

The low-heel inlet elbow joins the air source, loading tube and barrel. The leaf blower connects to the elbow’s 2-inch inlet. A Wiffle ball is dropped into the vertical 3-inch loading tube; according to Gurstelle, the fitting’s geometry and airflow draw it into the air stream and send it out through the horizontal 3-inch barrel.

The design is for Wiffle balls. The source does not establish that other projectiles are suitable.

Parts and dimensions

  • One 3×3×2-inch PVC low-heel inlet elbow: the central fitting. Check that it has two 3-inch openings and one 2-inch inlet.
  • One 10-foot length of 3-inch PVC pipe: the barrel. Gurstelle advises not shortening it, saying a shorter barrel will not provide as much range or velocity.
  • One 18-inch length of 3-inch PVC pipe: the vertical loading tube.
  • One 4-inch length of 2-inch PVC pipe: use this if the blower nozzle does not fit the elbow directly; reducing fittings may also be needed.
  • Two small screw eyes: fit them into two ⅛-inch holes drilled in the thick part of the elbow.
  • Leaf blower, duct tape and Wiffle balls: tape is used to seal the blower connection.
  • Three sawhorses or other sturdy supports and two bungee cords: support the assembly with the loading tube vertical.
  • Electric drill and twist drill bits: for the screw-eye holes.

Assembly and fit

  1. Check the elbow before buying the remaining pipe. Confirm its three openings and dimensions: 3 inches for the barrel, 3 inches for loading, and 2 inches for the blower inlet.
  2. Fit the blower to the 2-inch inlet. Align the nozzle with the inlet. If it does not fit, the project specifies a short 2-inch pipe and reducing fittings as needed. Seal the connection with duct tape. The source does not name a blower model or establish that every nozzle will fit.
  3. Attach the barrel and loading tube. Use the 10-foot 3-inch pipe for the horizontal barrel and the 18-inch 3-inch pipe for the vertical loading tube.
  4. Install the screw eyes. Drill two ⅛-inch holes in the thick part of the fitting and insert the screw eyes.
  5. Support the assembly. Use the supports and bungee cords to hold the launcher steady, with the loading tube vertical.

What performance to expect

Gurstelle says his shooting chronograph showed a muzzle velocity of about 50 mph with his “moderately powerful” leaf blower. That is one reported measurement from the author’s setup, not an independently verified result or a speed guarantee. The project page displays November 1, 2016 and March 10, 2023; it does not explain the relationship between those dates. Read the Make: project.

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The author describes the balls’ holes as producing fluttering, curving pitches. He also says wood blocks can elevate the barrel to adjust the trajectory. No blower-by-blower comparison or independent evaluation is provided, so the source does not support naming a best blower or predicting a particular range.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Safety and practical limits

Gurstelle warns that pitches are erratic and says users may frequently be hit. He advises wearing a batter’s helmet and eye protection. These are the project author’s precautions; the source does not report formal safety testing or certification for the homemade launcher.

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  • Use the specified Wiffle balls, not other projectiles.
  • Keep people out of the barrel’s line of fire and account for unpredictable trajectories.
  • Make sure the supports hold the assembly steadily and keep the loading tube vertical.
  • Do not assume the blower will connect without adaptation; check nozzle fit and use suitable reducing fittings if needed.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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