Large Folding Rocket Rack

[qquake2k]

When I go to launches, I usually lean my bigger rockets against my van. Invariably, a gust of wind will blow them down, where I leave them. I'm afraid one of these times one will get stepped on. I decided to build a folding rack for them. I was originally planning on building the whole rack out of PVC pipe and fittings. But I was afraid it wouldn't be heavy enough. So I decided to build a hybrid, using wood and PVC.

As can be seen in the photos, the whole rack folds like a sawhorse. The PVC rack also folds up on hinges. I was planning on putting a folding shelf at the bottom, but decided it would get stepped on and broken. Since there's grass and dirt at both launch sites I go to, I decided the rockets could just sit on the ground.

[qquake2k]

It actually works very well, and shows off the rockets nicely. Unfortunately, it ended up being a lot bigger than I had envisioned, and is much heavier. I think it'll fit in my minivan, but it's going to be difficult to load and unload. I'll have to see how and if it works for the next launch on the 7th.

[Eric1]

Good project! Nice build!

May I suggest a small diameter shock/bungee cord to keep them in the V at the top. This would prevent the wind from blowing them off the rack.

[flight4]

Nice idea. Is your goal to keep a number of rockets upright, and out of harm's way, or to keep some number upright and seaprated? If the latter it looks great and will hold 7 rockets or so. If the former, how about using a string of 'T's and making a row of wide U shapes instead of V shapes.

At my last launch there was a guy who had a small platform of 2x4s and plywood and dowels. He had about 15 mid and high power rockets on that. The weight of the base kept it stable. Not very compact though.

[qquake2k]

Good project! Nice build!

May I suggest a small diameter shock/bungee cord to keep them in the V at the top. This would prevent the wind from blowing them off the rack.

That's a good idea. A single small diameter bungee cord across all the rockets should keep them in place.

[qquake2k]

Nice idea. Is your goal to keep a number of rockets upright, and out of harm's way, or to keep some number upright and seaprated? If the latter it looks great and will hold 7 rockets or so. If the former, how about using a string of 'T's and making a row of wide U shapes instead of V shapes.

At my last launch there was a guy who had a small platform of 2x4s and plywood and dowels. He had about 15 mid and high power rockets on that. The weight of the base kept it stable. Not very compact though.

My goal is both to keep them upright and separated, and out of harm's way. I went with the V's because they'll work with different diameter rockets. In the photo, I have rockets from 1.64" to 4" diameter.

I've seen pictures of the kind of rack you're describing, but I'm not sure how stable 6ft or taller rockets would be on it. Seems like they'd put a lot of pressure on the dowels. I think something like that would be fine indoors, though.

[Eric1]

Yes, I'm gonna use your idea!!!

I need one of these

[flight4]

My goal is both to keep them upright and separated, and out of harm's way. I went with the V's because they'll work with different diameter rockets. In the photo, I have rockets from 1.64" to 4" diameter.

I've seen pictures of the kind of rack you're describing, but I'm not sure how stable 6ft or taller rockets would be on it. Seems like they'd put a lot of pressure on the dowels. I think something like that would be fine indoors, though.

The winds we had that day were turning canopies into pretzels. His rack stayed stable which impressed me. It was a very solid base. I wish I took a few pictures.

[powderburner]

May I suggest a small diameter shock/bungee cord to keep them in the V at the top.

Simple, inexpensive, effective, not too visually offensive---I'm going to copy that idea too

[sodmeister]

Once in awhile ,a great ,useful idea comes around.....and this is indeed one of those !!

You can`t beat the mother of invention .

Superb !!

Paul t

[qquake2k]

Thanks for the compliments, guys. It is a simple idea, that should work well. I just measured my minivan, and I think it'll fit, but just barely. I can put it in first, and stack the folding chairs and tables on top of it. Like I said, I'll find out next Saturday.

[qquake2k]

Got the rack painted yesterday. Not the best paint job I've ever done, but it looks better.

[sodmeister]

Looks like you may need to get some green paint and touch up the lawn here and there before the wife gets home ;)

Looks awesome though ,I must say !

Paul T

[qquake2k]

Looks like you may need to get some green paint and touch up the lawn here and there before the wife gets home ;)

Looks awesome though ,I must say !

Paul T

Fortunately (but unfortunately for the lawn) I'm single. I'll just mow it when it gets tall enough. It's all weeds anyway, no harm no foul. And thanks for the compliment! I'll be taking it to the launch on Saturday.

[sodmeister]

Years back, I got rid of all the lawn and landscaped in riverwash stone ,granite chips ,contoured retaining walls,granite boulders and rock ,a 2000 gallon Koi pond and trees and shrubs (front & back yard)

Never cut grass, so more time for me and rockets and cervezas.And if I do get spray on the rocks, I just rake it a few times and "voila"...good as new ;)

Mind you ,the overspray on the rocks can be partially blamed on the cervezas ~:cheers:

Take care

Paul T

[cwbullet]

Nice Rack. I think I am goign to have to build one. I envision a trip to Lowes already.

[qquake2k]

Nice Rack. I think I am goign to have to build one. I envision a trip to Lowes already.

It was fun building it. I love projects like this.

[jim fustini]

Great rack. I am going to make one for my workshop.

[rdunn12]

Bet this is the first time you have been told you have a great rack lol kidding,that looks cool I need one of those!!

[qquake2k]

Bet this is the first time you have been told you have a great rack lol kidding,that looks cool I need one of those!!

Very true, nobody has ever told me I have a great rack before!

[qquake2k]

Well, LUNAR cancelled the launch on Saturday due to dry conditions. If SARG cancels the launch on the 14th, I'll have to wait until October or November to use the rack. Bummer.

[cwbullet]

Was the rack PVC east or hard to drill? Did you use an hand drill or press?

[qquake2k]

Was the rack PVC east or hard to drill? Did you use an hand drill or press?

It was very easy. I drilled the elbows before I put it together. I used a drill press.