Foam Blaster Maxx Foam Cannon v2 DIY Kit

The Right Buyer for This Kit

• Budget-Conscious First-Time Operators — You want to start a foam party business or add foam to your event offerings, but the full Maxx at $1,999 is a stretch for your initial investment. This kit gets you the same professional-grade components for $700 less, and the 12" explosion-proof fan blower you source separately is a one-time purchase. Total investment for a complete, professional foam cannon system is significantly below the full Maxx route — and that includes the utility pump and gel solution that the full Maxx sells separately. For a first machine that lets you prove the business model before investing in additional equipment, this is the entry point that makes financial sense.
• DIY-Minded Operators Who Like Getting Their Hands Dirty — Some people would rather build it themselves. If you're the type who maintains your own equipment, troubleshoots in the field, and wants to understand exactly how every component fits together, assembling the kit teaches you the machine inside and out. When something needs attention mid-event, you'll know every connection, every fitting, and every part — because you put it together.
• Operators Who Already Own a Compatible Blower — If you already have a 12" axial explosion-proof fan blower from a previous foam machine build or other application, the DIY kit lets you build around equipment you already own. No need to pay for a motor you don't need.
• Multi-Machine Scaling on a Budget — You already own a Foam Blaster Maxx and want a second cannon for larger events. Building a second machine from the DIY kit costs significantly less than buying a second full Maxx, and you can source a blower locally or online. Two cannons from opposing positions at an event doubles your coverage area.
• Youth Organizations & Community Groups — Schools, churches, scout troops, and community recreation programs running foam events on limited budgets. The DIY kit's lower price point puts professional foam party equipment within reach of organizations that couldn't justify the full Maxx cost.

Everything in the Box

✓ Foam Blaster Maxx v2 Barrel
The same injection-molded ABS barrel from the full Maxx — tapered from 12" to 8" for velocity-accelerating foam output. Removable, washable, and virtually indestructible. This is the proprietary component that defines the Maxx's foam character.

✓ Mounting Bracket with 360° Rotation & Multi-Angle Lock
The heavy-duty cannon mount. Full 360° rotation with locking mechanism at any position. Same bracket as the full Maxx — aim anywhere, lock it down, and the cannon stays pointed where you set it through motor vibration and operation.

✓ Telescopic Stand (3'–7')
Air-assisted hydraulic tripod stand. Push-button lift, controlled hydraulic descent, steel/aluminum composite construction. Extends from 3 feet to 7 feet to put the cannon above the crowd. Same stand included with the full Maxx and sold separately as the Universal Telescoping Stand ($129).

✓ Plumbing, Adapters & Fittings
All the connections needed to route foam solution from the pump through the cannon. Includes the 90° brass hose connection, plumbing adapters, and fittings. No plumbing supply store run needed — every fitting is included and matched to the barrel.

✓ Miscellaneous Assembly Hardware
All fasteners, connectors, and mounting hardware needed for assembly. Nothing to source separately (other than the blower).

✓ GFCI 3-Way Plug
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter extension with three outlets. Essential electrical safety for operating in the wet foam party environment. Protects the blower, pump, and any additional equipment on the same circuit.

✓ Utility Pump
The same SurgeFX Utility Pump sold separately for $129 — 1/4 HP, 1,800 GPH, submersible, thermally protected. Transfers mixed foam solution from your barrel to the cannon. Note: the full Maxx does not include the utility pump. The DIY kit does.

✓ 1 Gallon of Gel Solution
One gallon of SurgeFX Foam Gel concentrate. Break down 4:1 with water to create 5 gallons of pre-mix, then mix the pre-mix into your barrel at ratio. Enough to get you started — you'll need additional solution for ongoing events. Note: the full Maxx does not include foam solution. The DIY kit does.

✓ Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
Complete illustrated guide covering every assembly step from unboxing to first foam test. Designed for people who can follow instructions and use basic tools — no specialized skills or experience required.

The One Thing You Need to Source

A 12-Inch Axial Explosion-Proof Fan Blower

The kit includes everything except the air source — the motor that pushes air through the barrel to create foam. You supply a 12" axial explosion-proof fan blower.

What to Look For

• Size: 12-inch diameter — this matches the barrel's 12" intake end for proper airflow coupling.
• Type: Axial fan (not centrifugal). Axial fans move air in a straight line parallel to the fan shaft, which is what the Maxx barrel needs for direct, high-velocity airflow through the tapered barrel.
• Rating: Explosion-proof (also called "intrinsically safe" or rated for hazardous environments). These fans are built with sealed motors, spark-free construction, and heavy-duty housings — they're overbuilt for foam party use, which means they run cooler, last longer, and handle continuous operation without issue.
• Power: ~550W (matching the full Maxx's motor specification). This delivers the airflow volume the barrel needs for full-output foam production.
• Electrical: 110V / 60Hz (standard US household power).
• Duty Cycle: Continuous duty — the fan needs to run for extended periods (1–4+ hours per event).

Where to Find One

12" axial explosion-proof fans are available from industrial supply companies, ventilation equipment suppliers, and online retailers. Search for "12 inch explosion proof axial fan blower" or "12" explosion proof ventilation fan." These are industrial-grade products — expect pricing to reflect that quality level. Common sources include industrial supply distributors, Amazon (industrial category), and specialty ventilation/fan suppliers.

What Else You'll Need

• Basic tools — The assembly instructions will specify what's needed. Expect standard hand tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers). Nothing specialized.
• A 53-gallon barrel or similar container — For mixing and holding foam solution. The SurgeFX Collapsible Barrel is purpose-built for this, or use any clean 50+ gallon container.
• A garden hose — Connects the utility pump (in the barrel) to the cannon's 90° brass intake fitting.
• Water — For mixing the gel solution concentrate into usable foam solution.

Side-by-Side Comparison

The Math

Full Maxx Route: Maxx ($1,999) + Utility Pump ($129) + Gel Solution (~$50) = ~$2,178 total to be fully operational.

DIY Kit Route: DIY Kit ($1,299, includes pump & gel) + 12" Explosion-Proof Fan Blower (sourced separately) = significantly less than the full Maxx route to be fully operational.

Savings: $700+ before accounting for the pump and gel solution already included in the kit.

What You Give Up

• Ready-to-run convenience — The full Maxx is assembled and operational out of the box. The DIY kit requires assembly time (plan for 1–2 hours on your first build).
• The Lifetime Warranty on the motor — The full Maxx's Limited Lifetime Warranty covers the motor, switch, and barrel. The DIY kit's motor is whatever you source yourself — its warranty is whatever the blower manufacturer provides.
• SurgeFX motor integration — The full Maxx's motor is specifically selected, tested, and integrated into the cannon assembly. A DIY-sourced blower will work, but the integration is on you.

What You Gain

• $700+ in savings — Meaningful money, especially for a first machine or a budget-conscious operation. And the kit includes the pump and gel solution that the full Maxx charges separately.
• Pump and solution included — You're operational from day one without additional purchases (other than the blower).
• Intimate knowledge of your machine — You built it, so you understand it. Field troubleshooting and maintenance become easier when you know every connection.
• Motor flexibility — You choose the blower. If you want a higher-wattage motor for more output, a quieter model for indoor events, or a specific brand you trust, you pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is NOT included?
The blower motor. That's it. Everything else — barrel, bracket, stand, plumbing, fittings, hardware, GFCI plug, pump, gel solution, and instructions — is in the box. You supply a 12" axial explosion-proof fan blower and do the assembly.

What kind of blower do I need?
A 12-inch axial explosion-proof fan blower. This is a specific type of industrial fan — standard bounce house blowers, centrifugal fans, and general-purpose inflatable blowers are not compatible. Search for "12 inch explosion proof axial fan blower" from industrial supply companies or online retailers. The blower needs to be continuous-duty and powered by standard 110V/60Hz household power.

How hard is the assembly?
The kit is designed for people with basic mechanical aptitude — if you can follow illustrated step-by-step instructions and use hand tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers), you can assemble this. It's not a complex build. Plan for 1–2 hours for first-time assembly. No welding, no wiring, no specialized skills. The instructions walk through every step.

Will it perform the same as the full Maxx?
The barrel, stand, bracket, plumbing, and fittings are identical to the full Maxx. Foam output performance depends on your blower's airflow volume. A 12" axial explosion-proof fan matching the Maxx's spec will produce comparable results.

What's the warranty situation?
The DIY kit components are covered by the 1-Year Limited Warranty against manufacturing defects. However, the full Maxx's Limited Lifetime Warranty on the motor does not apply to the DIY kit because the kit doesn't include a motor — your blower's warranty comes from whatever manufacturer you buy from. The barrel, bracket, and stand components are covered under the SurgeFX 1-Year Warranty.

Can I upgrade to the full Maxx later?
If you start with the DIY kit and later want the convenience of the full Maxx's integrated motor and Lifetime Warranty, you'd purchase the full Maxx separately. The DIY kit components (stand, bracket, pump) can be repurposed as spares or used for a second machine setup.

Why not just buy the full Maxx?
If you can afford the full Maxx ($1,999 + pump + solution), it's the better choice for most operators — fully assembled, Lifetime Warranty on the motor, and zero assembly time. The DIY kit exists for buyers who need the savings ($700+ vs. the full Maxx before accounting for included pump and gel), who already own a compatible 12" explosion-proof fan, or who prefer to build their own equipment.

Does it come assembled?
No. The kit ships disassembled with step-by-step instructions. Assembly is part of the deal — that's where the savings come from.

Can I use any foam solution?
Yes. Like the full Maxx, the DIY kit cannon works with all foam solutions — SurgeFX Ready to Run, Foam Gel, and third-party foam concentrates. The included gallon of gel solution gets you started, and you can use whatever solution you prefer going forward.

Is this just the barrel? What about the stand?
The kit includes everything: barrel, mounting bracket (360° with lock), telescopic air-lift stand (3'–7'), plumbing, fittings, hardware, GFCI plug, utility pump, and gel solution. The only missing component is the blower motor. This is a complete system minus the air source.

Build Smart, Run Smart

Source the Right Fan — No Substitutes
The kit requires a 12" axial explosion-proof fan blower specifically. Don't try to save money with a bounce house blower, a box fan, or a centrifugal inflatable blower — they produce the wrong airflow characteristics and won't couple properly with the barrel. The explosion-proof fan's sealed motor, spark-free construction, and axial airflow pattern are what make the Maxx barrel work. Get the right fan from the start and avoid the frustration of wrong-fan troubleshooting.

Do a Dry Assembly First
Before your first event, assemble the entire kit at home with no foam solution. Mount the blower, connect the barrel, set up the stand, connect the plumbing, and run the blower dry for 60 seconds. Check that every fitting is tight, the bracket locks properly, the stand holds steady, and the blower-to-barrel connection is sealed. Fix any issues in your workshop, not at the event site with 200 guests waiting.

Seal the Blower-to-Barrel Connection
The connection between your blower's output and the cannon barrel is the joint the instructions will walk you through. Make sure it's airtight. Any air leak at this junction means lost airflow — air escaping around the connection instead of going through the barrel. The kit includes the adapters and fittings for this connection, but take the time to ensure a tight seal. If you notice foam output is weaker than expected, check this connection first.

Test Foam Output Before Your First Paying Event
Run a full foam test before you take the machine to a real event. Mix a small batch of solution (half a barrel), connect everything, and run the cannon for 5–10 minutes. Check foam density, projection distance, and stacking. This test reveals whether your blower is sufficient, whether the solution ratio is right, and whether the assembly is performing as expected. Don't learn these lessons with a customer watching.

Photograph Your Assembly
Take photos as you assemble — each major connection, each fitting, each step. If you ever need to disassemble for cleaning or troubleshooting, the photos are your personal reference guide that's faster than re-reading the instructions. This is especially useful for the plumbing connections that are easy to forget after months of operation.

Label Your Blower's Power Draw
Write your blower's amperage on a piece of tape and stick it to the blower. When you're at an event site figuring out which outlets to use and how many devices you can run on one circuit, knowing your blower draws (for example) 5A means you can instantly calculate whether the pump (3.8A) can share the same 15A circuit. This saves you from tripped breakers during events.

Carry the Full Maxx Manual Too
The full Foam Blaster Maxx product description on the SurgeFX website covers operational tips, cleaning procedures, and troubleshooting for the Maxx system. Everything there applies to your DIY-built version — the barrel, mesh, stand, and plumbing are identical. Use both the assembly instructions (for building) and the Maxx product guidance (for operating).