PVC High Power Rocket Launch Pad
Larry Schwartz
LESchwartz@Victorinc.com
Description:
The following directions are for use in the construction of a High Power Rocket Launch Pad out of readily available PVC pipe and fittings. The pad can be disassembled, and two removable legs of this pad used to carry launch rods up to about 72. The pad doesnt allow for the rocket to be tilted on the pad however, if you are interested in such a feature, see the companion article.
Disclaimer: The author has
successfully used the pad detailed in these instructions to launch high power
rockets of up to five pounds. However,
the author can make no guarantees about the your use of these plans. Thus they are presented for educational
purposes only, and author accepts no responsibility for there use.
Tools Required:
|
· Miter saw. |
· 1-5/8 hole saw. |
|
· Half-round file. |
· Tape measure. |
|
· Scribe or pencil. |
· 3/8 Electric Drill |
Parts:
|
Quant |
Description |
Price Each |
Price |
Comments |
|
2 |
2-7/8 L x 2
Schedule 40 PVC Pipe |
|
$5.50 |
Purchase one (1)
ten foot length |
|
2 |
36-1/2 L x 2
Schedule 40 PVC Pipe |
|
$0.00 |
|
|
1 |
40-1/4 L x 2
Schedule 40 PVC Pipe |
|
$0.00 |
|
|
1 |
7 L x 1-1/4
Schedule 40 PVC Pipe |
|
$3.75 |
Purchase one (1)
ten foot length |
|
2 |
2 PVC Slip Union |
$6.00 |
$12.00 |
|
|
1 |
1-1/4 PVC Coupler |
$0.50 |
$0.50 |
|
|
3 |
2 Slip Caps |
$1.00 |
$3.00 |
|
|
1 |
1-1/4 x 3/4 Slip
Bushing |
$0.90 |
$0.90 |
|
|
1 |
2 Side Outlet 90
Elbow |
$3.50 |
$3.50 |
|
|
1 |
2 L x 3/4
Galvanized Pipe Nipple |
$0.60 |
$0.60 |
|
|
1 |
3/4 Threaded Gate
Valve |
$5.80 |
$5.80 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
$35.55 |
|
Assembly Instructions:
1) Cut all PVC pipes to length using a miter saw. Measure twice, cut once!
2) Prepare elbow:
a) Drill out the back side of the 2 Side Outlet 90 Elbow using a 1-5/8 hole saw. Youll be drilling on the point. Be careful to ensure you are drilling precisely at the point!
b) Enlarge the hole using a half-round file such that the 7 L x 1-1/4 Schedule 40 PVC Pipe is able to slide into the hole. Be careful not to egg the hole, remove only the minimum material necessary.
3) Assemble the main leg: Glue a 2 Slip Cap onto one end of 40-1/4 L x 2 Schedule 40 PVC Pipe.
4) Assemble the removable legs:
a) Glue a 2 Slip Caps onto one end of each of the 36-1/2 L x 2 Schedule 40 PVC Pipes.
b) Glue the male end of one of a 2 PVC Slip Union onto the end of one of the 36-1/2 L x 2 Schedule 40 PVC Pipe. It is very important to use the male end of the union for this step!
c) Glue the female end of one of a 2 PVC Slip Union onto the end of the other 36-1/2 L x 2 Schedule 40 PVC Pipe. It is very important to use the female end of the union for this step!
d) Glue the 2-7/8 L x 2 Schedule 40 PVC Pipes top the free end of the unions.
5) Assemble the riser:
a) Glue the 1-1/4 PVC Coupler to one end of the 7 L x 1-1/4 Schedule 40 PVC Pipe.
b) Glue the 1-1/4 x 3/4 Slip Bushing to the other end of the coupler.
c) Wait until the glue is set.
d) Thread one end of the 2 L x 3/4 Galvanized Pipe Nipple into the bushing. Hand tighten!
e) Thread the 3/4 Threaded Gate Valve into other end of the nipple. Hand tighten!
f) Using one wrench one the bushing and another wrench on the gate valve, tighten the threads. Do not overtighten!
6) Final assembly:
a) Glue one leg into each of the openings in the 2 Side Outlet 90 Elbow.
b) Wait until the glue is set, and then set the pad on its feet.
c) Insert the riser into the 1-5/8 hole in the back of the elbow and make sure it is seated.
d) Score a mark on the riser where it enters the elbow.
e) Add glue around the inside of the riser, and around the outside of the riser at the score mark.
f) Reinsert the glued riser into the elbow and make sure it is seated.