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DESKTOP ROCKET LAUNCHER

“Roger, launch team. We are Go for launch.

T-minus 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, Ignition, 2, 1, and lift-off. We have lift-off!”

Every rocket needs a launch pad, even if your rocket fits in the palm of your hand and launches from your desktop like the last project we built. The launch pad is where you will load the fuel, perform last-minute safety checks, strap yourself in, and do the final countdown. Nothing is more exhilarating than releasing the immense power of a rocket with just the tip of your finger. Let’s start inventing!

MATERIALS

• ¾" x 3 ½" x 8 ½"

(2cm x 9cm x 22cm) pine board

• ¾" x 2" x 7"

(2cm x 5cm x 18cm) pine board

• ¾" x ¾" x 3 ½"

(2cm x 2cm x 9cm) pine board

• 3 – 1 ¼" (3cm) coarse-thread drywall screws

TOOLS

• Drill with bits: ⅛" (3mm), " (4mm)

• Phillips screwdriver

• Scroll saw

• Tape measure

• Square

• Awl

• Pencil

• Scissors

Heads or Tails Rocket:

Why just flip a coin when you can launch a rocket?

FIGURING IT OUT

We currently launch our rocket by pinching it between our fingers and releasing it. Let’s copy that action and start by holding the rocket between two blocks of wood.

Make one block stationary and turn the other block into a lever to launch the rocket. The problem is that we still have to hold the lever. Hmmm . . .

If the lever is just the right size, it will wedge against the rocket and hold it in place. This level of precision, however, will be difficult to build.

Instead, we can make a clamp that closes the gap as it rotates. This is done by using a circle and rotating around a point that is off-center. Now the rocket is secured until the final launch command is given.

CREATING THE PARTS

PUTTING IT TOGETHER