Luanch pad conversions suggestions needed!

[mcderek]

Several years ago I built several launch pads using the fold-able bases from disc golf baskets. They look like this:



They are simple and work well except for one thing, you can't adjust the angle of the launch rod. I would like a simple design that would allow one to change the angle of the launch rod while keeping the center pipe vertical. Any ideas? I'm looking for simplicity here!

Here is one of the pads doing it's thing:

[GDJ]

Drill thru the wood block, make a simple U-shaped bracket, and attach the U-bracket to the wood block with a length of threaded rod. The launch rods can bolt on the U-bracket.

The tripods themselves I would not change. More than heavy enough for the larger Mid power rockets.

[Handeman]

A couple of 3/4" plywood blocks and a couple of pieces of 2x4 to use under the legs of the pad. Should give you more then enough variety to get any angles you need.

[DM1975]

I use two eye bolts. One is self tapping and screws into the wood. Connect the other one eye to eye with a bolt and wing nut through the center of both backed by washers on each side. I also add a small section of rubber hose in the middle as kind-of a compression system. On the top eye bolt I use a thread coupler that has a hole drilled and tapped in the side of it. This allows me to drop a launch rod in and tighten it in place with a screw through the tapped hole. It may not sound simple at first but I built all of my clubs low power launch pads like this and it was quick and easy.

[RodRocket]

I am thinking about trying one of those twin screw wood working clamps as an adjuster. Was going to secure one side to the launcher base and the rod to the other. Then I could just twist the handles to get the desired angle I may need or to adjust out any angle caused by terrain under launcher.