Comments on: How-to: Building a compressed air rocket launcher

By: Tamoni

Tamoni — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 02:05:47 +0000

I am a 50 year old grandmother and this was a piece of cake. Mostly, I looked at the picture and used common sense. My grandkids love this rocket but I did find the small 9volt batteries wore out . I converted to 2- 9 volt lantern batteries and used alligator test leads. (for easy on and off disconnect). I also bought a 18 volt air compressor. Same one that matched my cordless drill. It shoots high enough you can barely see the rocket. I also made an attacment for the water rocket. Remember to glue all pieces good. we did have a blow out at 100 psi. This was easily fixable with a proper glue time. Iwant to makea dual launcher but not sure if you can use the same chamber. let me know if you have any tips

By: guteg

guteg — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:42:32 +0000

i do 120 psi. it is safe on mine and goes much higher

By: vastu consultancy

vastu consultancy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:21:32 +0000

Great work! That is the kind of information that are supposed to be shared around the web. Shame on Google for no longer positioning this put up higher! Come on over and talk over with my web site . Thank you =)

By: J Bratton

J Bratton — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:18:00 +0000

You skipped this step in your process, now I have to go buy a new fitting.

2c. Glue the 2″ male slip x 3/4″ female slip PVC reducer bushing into the tee on the pressure chamber.
I did not realize this until I got to the part where I have to build the base and realized I had already used the required PVC.

Also, would it have been too difficult to include some Teflon tape?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 02:43:00 +0000

I did manage to build the kit and it works, but it would be great if there were instructions in the box, so you don’t have to figure out…oh, maybe I can download them. What if someone actually wanted to build someting without using their computer? Also, the instructions in the magazine don’t match the parts included with the kit, so it doesn’t seem fair to tell people, oh, just look at the magazine. I’d love to see some instructions in the box that are labeled and match the hardwear provided.

By: Vincent Ryan

Vincent Ryan — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 20:50:00 +0000

I am doing a science fair expirment comparing co2 and compresed air. i was wondering if there were pros and cons to the use of compressed air verus the CO2

By: Vincent Ryan

Vincent Ryan — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 20:50:00 +0000

I am doing a science fair expirment comparing co2 and compresed air. i was wondering if there were pros and cons to the use of compressed air verus the CO2

By: Salil Phadnis

Salil Phadnis — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 13:28:00 +0000

Great photos and tips. I found these helpful in addition to the make magazine instructions. Thanks.

By: tensegritydan

tensegritydan — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:57:00 +0000

Great guide! But the “What you need” list is quite incomplete: soldering iron, solder, drill, 1/8″ bit for wood/plastic, PVC glue, 2x 9V batteries

By: Marc de Vinck

Marc de Vinck — Thu, 26 May 2011 13:10:00 +0000

Eric,

Sorry you are so disappointing, we have had nothing but overwhelmingly positive responses from this kit and the instructions.

Please keep in mind, these are not the instructions for the kit, but are my “tips & tricks” about building the kit. (stated in the first paragraph) It’s the little things that make the build even better. The full instructions are in MAKE Volume 15, and are by Rick Schertle. (and they are great).

You can read them online for free at (which is also linked from the product page) — http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/12/compressed-air-rocket.html

You will find a parts list with labels, and all your other questions and concerns answered. Read it first, then read my “tips”, it will make the build even easier.

Oh, and sorry you don’t like my pictures.