I found directions for making a small railgun online and I'm just wondering if this is something a teenager with no experience with making this kind of thing could make and not get hurt. It's pretty cheap and the directions say it's relativly easy to make.

it's pretty simple. just don't touch any metal parts when your charging. the caps will probably hold enough energy to kill you.

I guess also don't have it pointing at anything you don't want to maim when the power is connected.

i need help on my coilgun thread cuz im too scared to try to make a railgun even if it is only $5.51

coil guns are electromagnetic accelerators as well! both involve equally dangerous euipment.

a railgun is only more difficult because of the sliding contact.

could u give me a link to this website where u found the plans?

Wow, I haven't been here in a long time.

 

Anyways, the link in question is most likely http://www.instructables.com/id/EPJ15FCF1V9XH5E/

 

That is the link to a coil/rail gun capacitor bank.

 

This particular bank in question is similar to the one I'm making. I've got 22 330v capacitors lined up and am charging off of the camera circuit using a dc converter power supply so I don't have to worry about batteries.

 

If this is you're first time with electronics I wouldn't start with this.

 

Do something easier like the automatic Bawls lamp.

http://www.instructables.com/id/EAXPEQBYYOEP2872JV/

 

Gives you a feel for circuits and the like.