How To Build A Rocket (From Scratch)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of building a homemade rocket, known as the “Randomizer,” using common household items. This project is a fun and educational way to learn about rocketry while keeping costs low—approximately $10 per rocket. By following these steps, you'll create a rocket that can soar over 1,000 feet and safely return to the ground with a parachute.

Step 1: Prepare the Nose Cone

• Gather materials:
  • Plastic champagne glasses
  • Gas relief pills
• Cut the base off the champagne glass, leaving about half an inch at the tip. Use a hacksaw for a clean cut.
• Sand the cut edge with 150 grit sandpaper to create an aerodynamic shape, followed by 400 grit for a smoother finish.
• Rough up the inner wall near the top of the glass to help with adhesion later.
• Spray paint the nose cone with yellow gloss spray paint designed for plastics. Use a foam noodle to hold it while painting to minimize mess.

Step 2: Modify the Pill Bottle

• Remove the label from the gas relief pill bottle carefully to avoid residue.
• Use an X-acto knife or scissors to cut the bottom of the bottle off cleanly.
• Flatten the threads on the bottle neck using a flat metal file, keeping the bottom ridge intact.
• Sand the inside of the bottle and the outside with 150 grit sandpaper for better paint adhesion.

Step 3: Create the Motor Mount

• Obtain a 3/4” PVC coupling with internal threads from a hardware store.
• Rough up the outside of the coupling and cut 1/2” off the tip of the threaded end.
• Use a plastic golf club protector as the body tube; cut it to a length of 20”.
• Use a roll of wrapping paper to obtain a 4” brown paper tube for the internal structure.

Step 4: Assemble the Rocket Body

• Use the provided fin cutting template from SonicDad.com to mark fin locations on the golf club tube.
• Cut the body tube to the correct length and sand the inner walls of both ends.
• Test fit the brown tube and PVC motor mount inside the body tube, making adjustments as needed.
• Mix and apply a generous amount of epoxy to secure the brown tube and PVC coupling into the body tube. Ensure it remains aligned while the epoxy sets.

Step 5: Create and Attach the Fins

• Cut fins from a coroplast sign board using a template, ensuring precise cuts for quality.
• Create a knife-edge on the leading edge of each fin for better aerodynamics.
• Decorate the fins with stickers for a professional look.
• Attach the fins to the rocket body using hot glue, ensuring they are aligned properly.

Step 6: Final Assembly

• Prepare shock cord mounts using poster paper and elastic cord. Make secure knots and glue them to the nose cone and pill bottle.
• Create and attach a parachute using a plastic table cover. Use swivel clips for secure attachment to the rocket.
• Add rocket wadding to protect the parachute from the ejection charge during launch.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully built your own “Randomizer” rocket from scratch. Ensure to use commercially available rocket motors for a safer launch experience, especially if you’re a beginner. Remember to always prioritize safety when launching, and have fun experimenting with rocketry. For further projects, consider making more rockets or exploring different launch methods. Happy launching!