Launch pad build/purchase

[TRip066]

Hello all.
Admins please move thread if this isn’t the correct forum.
I’m looking to either build or purchase a suitable launch pad that caters to more then two rockets. A Series 2 pro and standard launch rods.
Please let me know if anyone can help.
Thanks again.
Tom

 

[dhbarr]

I was going to recommend https://estesrockets.com/product/002310-lifetime-launch-system/ , but it appears they're out of stock. You can make something highly similar from PVC, a drill chuck, some fittings, etc.

 

[messedupryan]

I just recently built one of these.
(Since I built this I've seen simpler designs on youtube, but this link had a pick list and step by step photos.)

 

[Sandy H.]

Here's a link to a local launch from a while back that shows what the club uses for LPR and typical MPR rockets. The folding saw-horses have drill chucks attached, as you can see if you flip through the pictures. If an 80/20 rail is needed, a rod is attached to the rail and it is then attached using the same drill chuck.

http://www.rocketrycarolina.org/gallery/march-20th-2016/
Its about as simple and economical as I can imagine. The main caveat is that the 'rod angle' is the same for all rockets on the rack. In general, that's logical, but it limits the ability for one person to try to 'fly the wind' ideally if others on the same rack don't care. We use wood blocks under the legs to tweak the angle to non-vertical angles.

Hope that helps!

Sandy.

 

[prfesser]

-deleted-

 

[shockie]

http://archive.rocketreviews.com/reviews/all/scratch_rail_launchpad.shtml
you can modify the launch rail part with the 2 pictures for launch rods

 

[jrap330]

https://www.rocketryworks.com/vandenberg-launch-pad/
Simple PVC Pad that you could build...or buy from these guys...Vanderburg Pad

 

[TRip066]

Here's a link to a local launch from a while back that shows what the club uses for LPR and typical MPR rockets. The folding saw-horses have drill chucks attached, as you can see if you flip through the pictures. If an 80/20 rail is needed, a rod is attached to the rail and it is then attached using the same drill chuck.

http://www.rocketrycarolina.org/gallery/march-20th-2016/
Its about as simple and economical as I can imagine. The main caveat is that the 'rod angle' is the same for all rockets on the rack. In general, that's logical, but it limits the ability for one person to try to 'fly the wind' ideally if others on the same rack don't care. We use wood blocks under the legs to tweak the angle to non-vertical angles.

Hope that helps!

Sandy.

That's so awesome.. thank you..

 

[Sandy H.]

Hope it helps you, but obviously someone way smarter than me came up with it a long time before I was involved. I think they buy the cheap Harbor Freight drill chucks and replace them from time to time. WD-40 and the occasional scrub down is required to keep them moving freely. We use simple metal blast deflectors that also need replacing from time to time, but I think it might be the right way to go vs trying to do some ceramic thing that would not get destroyed as quickly.

Look forward to seeing your solution!

Sandy.

 

[Zeke Johnson]

This looks like a pretty cheap, portable solution:

http://archive.rocketreviews.com/reviews/all/scratch_rail_launchpad.shtml
What's even better, is the discussion below the thread. They are flipping out about which genius came up with the PVC Pipe Launch Pad first. Jeez.

Zeke

 

[Nateairman]

I build launch pads that are pretty robust. I have set up a friend and will probably build a 3rd. With three pads plus all the others we are able to launch quite a variety.

 

[Nateairman]

Guessing that being the new guy scared every one away...

I wonder what the OP ended up going with.