Stomp Rockets - Page under construction
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Stomp rockets are an extraordinarily inexpensive, successful and fun projects. You use compressed air from stomp on a bladder to launch the rockets well over 100 feet.
After buying a few materials to make/adapt a launcher and pvc pipe for rocket body forms, you only need tape and recycled paper. Materials: - Stomp Rocket kit - for bladder - 3/4 inch PVC pipe for launcher and rocket forms Ideally, it is great to have a class set of 14 inch tubes for making rockets. - 3/4 inside diameter flexible tubing - hardware store - An old tripod or other stand to hold the launcher - 8 1/2 by 11 recycle copy paper - masking tape. |
Making A Launcher
I recommend buying a Stomp Rocket set made by the D & L Company . They are available at toy stores, Target and they are often on sale at Big 5. The bladders are virtually indestructible and outlast anything I have seen or tried. I recommend attaching the bladder, using 3/4 inside diameter tubing (6-8 feet) and attaching it to a 14 inch piece of 3/4 PVC to make a launcher. Take the bladder and a piece of PVC pipe to pick out the tubing so it fits tight. You might need to use a pipe clamp to attach it snuggly to the bladder.
You can use the tube that comes with the launcher, but I haven't been able to find a similar diameter tubing with which to wrap paper to make rockets. PVC is very inexpensive. A ten foot pipe is less than $2.00
Other Launch Bladders
You can use a 2 liter bottle for a launch bladder. Schedule 80 pipe nipples make a tight fit in the mouth of the bottle to attach the tubing. Seal with electrical tape. (Electric tape allows for a tight seal and will come off cleanly. It is much better than duct tape or other tape)
I recommend buying a Stomp Rocket set made by the D & L Company . They are available at toy stores, Target and they are often on sale at Big 5. The bladders are virtually indestructible and outlast anything I have seen or tried. I recommend attaching the bladder, using 3/4 inside diameter tubing (6-8 feet) and attaching it to a 14 inch piece of 3/4 PVC to make a launcher. Take the bladder and a piece of PVC pipe to pick out the tubing so it fits tight. You might need to use a pipe clamp to attach it snuggly to the bladder.
You can use the tube that comes with the launcher, but I haven't been able to find a similar diameter tubing with which to wrap paper to make rockets. PVC is very inexpensive. A ten foot pipe is less than $2.00
Other Launch Bladders
You can use a 2 liter bottle for a launch bladder. Schedule 80 pipe nipples make a tight fit in the mouth of the bottle to attach the tubing. Seal with electrical tape. (Electric tape allows for a tight seal and will come off cleanly. It is much better than duct tape or other tape)
Making a rocket
 Roll an 8.5 x 11 in piece of paper around a 3/4 inch PVC pipe.
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The paper should be relatively snug, but should move easily up and down the pipe. Tape it near the top and bottom. Do not tape the ends.
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Slide the paper up on the pipe and fold over about 1 1/2 inches. This seals the rocket body.
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Snugly tape the folded end. It takes a lot of pressure. Make sure it is well taped.
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Cut out equal sided triangles from manila folders or cardstock. Playing cards also make good fins.
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Place tape along the edge that will attach to the rocket body.
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Keep the rocket tube on the pipe so you can push on it without collapsing the tube. Put the fin on the rocket. Use your fingernail to push along the line where the fin meets the body. Then push down on the rest of tape.
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Raise the fin so it sticks up 90 degrees to the body. Place tape on the other side, Again, push along the fin/body joint to form a tight joint that keeps the fin from flapping about.
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Your rocket is complete. You can add more fins. You can shape the wings to make the rocket spiral.
Hint: Large wings don't work! Too much resistance.