How to Make a Baseball Launcher From PVC Pipe

A baseball launcher is a device that is used as a pitching machine. Baseball launchers that are made with PVC pipe consist of two parts: A compressed air tank and a barrel. Air from a compressor is stored in the air tank. When the air is released the baseball is forced down and out of the barrel. You can assemble a baseball launcher with parts that can be found at a home improvement store.

Use a hacksaw to cut a 2-inch length from the end of the 3/4-inch length of PVC pipe. Smooth the edges of the cut piping with sandpaper.

Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the 3-inch PVC end cap to accommodate the bike tire fill valve. Apply a small amount of epoxy to the inside of the hole and then insert the valve.

Apply PVC primer to one end of the 2-foot length of 3-inch PVC pipe and around the inside of the 3-inch PVC coupler. Apply the PVC cement over the primer and press the two pieces together.

Apply PVC primer to the inside of the opposite side of the 3-inch PVC coupler and to the outside of the 3-inch to 3/4-inch PVC reducer. Apply the PVC cement over the primer and press the pieces together.

Apply PVC primer to the inside of the 3-inch to 3/4-inch PVC reducer and the outside of one end of the 2-inch piece of 3/4-inch PVC pipe. Apply the PVC glue over the primer and press the pieces together.

Apply PVC primer to the outside of the 3/4-inch PVC pipe and the inside of the 3/4-inch PVC threaded adapter. Apply the PVC glue over the primer and then press the two pieces together.

Repeat steps 3 through 6 to construct a second section of PVC.

Apply the PVC primer to the inside of the PVC end cap and around the outside on 3-inch end of an assembled PVC pipe. Apply the PVC glue over the primer and place the end cap on the end of the PVC pipe.

Attach the ball valve to the 3/4-inch ends of the baseball launcher. Twist the threaded PVC clockwise to tighten onto the ball valve.

Place the baseball launcher on two saw horses and point it toward a backstop. Insert the baseball into the open end of the barrel.

Attach the fitting of the air compressor to the bike tire fill valve. Fill the tank until you have achieved air pressure of 5 PS. Open the ball valve to propel the baseball out of the barrel.