Calling a rocket that sprints over 100 feet into the air a “toy” might be a bit of a stretch. Toy or not, this rocket really packs a punch. Fly it using the Compressed Air Rocket launcher from MAKE Volume 15 (get the kit at makezine.com/go/launcherkit) or a stomp rocket launcher (makezine.com/go/stomplauncher).
Steps
Step #1: Cut the foam and cinch with a zip tie.
Next
- Cut a 9" section of foam pipe insulation. Wrap the zip tie 1/2" from one end and cinch it tight so no air will escape. Trim the excess foam above the cinched-off end.
Conclusion
This project first appeared in MAKE Volume 29, page 123.
Related Projects
College Bike Trunk
By: Frank Yost
Mystery Electronic Switches
By: Jeff Tregre
See-Thru Potato Cannon
By: William Gurstelle
Parabolic Microphone
By: Jim Lee
The Stealth Mic
By: Bill Byrne
Greener Surfboard
By: Keith Hammond
Kustom Tonkas
By: Todd Lappin
Lego Recharger
By: John Edgar Park
This is very timely. I’ve built the paper air rocket with my son and his friend for their science fair. Next I’m planning to build a modified version to work with foam rockets. I’ve already bought the material, and was planning to build and test it soon.
It’s good to know that the rocket launcher will have enough “oomph” to push a foam rocket.
BTW, I just tested Air Zone foam darts in my launcher. They work fine up to about 30 PSI. At 40 PSI, I blew out the side of the dart!
Your project has duct tape reinforcing, which I’m sure is why you can get up to those higher pressures. I wonder if using masking tape would add enough strength? It is lighter than duct tape, and with less weight you can fly higher.
// What's Trending
Raspberry Pi Design Contest
Teardrop Camper Trailer
Dad Builds Son an Iron Man Arc Reactor
Seventeen Sneaky Secret Hides
What to do with an 800 Lb Eucalyptus Slab
10 Things to Connect to Your Raspberry Pi
What does this 2×6 have to do with Father’s Day?
Farm Drones Take Flight
// What's Shared
A better way to slice a pumpkin
DIY Nerf Darts
100 Dollar Store Organization Ideas for Craft Rooms and Beyond
In the Maker Shed: Minty Boost USB Charger
Mad’s Mouse House
Lace Princess Crowns
I Have a (Puzzling) Dream
Play the Rings of a Tree Trunk Like a Record
// Most Commented
Plastic Bags into Plastic Blocks: Revisited
10 Hot New Boards to Watch
Why the Maker Movement is Here to Stay
MAKE Asks: Roadside Hacks
Ten Tips for Hand Saws and Blades
DIY Hacks & How To’s: Convert From Battery Power to AC
How To Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
Greetings From The Fourth Maker Faire North Carolina