PROJECTS: AIR ROCKET
makezine.com/15/airrocket
3. BUILD THE LAUNCH TOWER
AND ATTACH THE LAUNCH SYSTEM
3a. Cut your ¾"× 3" lumber to the following lengths: 15" ( 1), 3½" ( 2), and 12" ( 2).
3b. Clamp a 3½" length to the 15" length as shown. Pre-drill 2 holes with the
r" bit and then screw in the 1½" screws using a drill/driver. A bit of wood
glue would be good too, if available. Repeat with the other 3½" length on
the other side.
3c. Mark a 3½" piece 1" from the
bottom, mark a 12" piece 2" from the
top, line them up, and sandwich them
together using a C-clamp. Drill a ¼"
hole through both pieces, then slip a
¼" hex bolt through, with washers on
both sides and a wing nut on the
outside. Repeat on the other side.
3d. The 24"× 24" piece of plywood will
provide a sturdy base for the launch
tower. Measure and mark a line down
the center of the plywood, 12" in from
either side. On your centerline, measure and mark 4½" in from both ends.
Place the legs of the launch tower with
their edges on the inside of the marks,
then trace a line around each leg. Drill
two r" holes in each traced area.
3e. Turn the whole thing upside down,
line up the launch tower on the marks,
and then finish drilling pilot holes into
the launch tower legs, through the
existing holes in the plywood. Screw
into place.
3f. Once your base is secure, attach
the pressure chamber/launch system
to the horizontal board using the
2 large hose clamps. Your launch
tower is complete.
108 Make: Volume 15
