Launch Pad Question

[ToneDeafJunior]

What are people using to elevate their rockets a bit so they don't sit directly on the shield?

 

[SecondRow]

Clothespin, spent motor casing, tape. Lots of things will work.

 

[dhbarr]

Some folks advocate tape on the launch rod, but I'd recommend against it. The combination of exhaust products and adhesive remnants is a pain to clean.

 

[MALBAR 70]

Oddl' Rockets (hcmbanjo here on TRF) sells a nifty little device called the Raise spring. It's basically a small spring with the top part at a right angle and a piece of brass rod attached to the bent part. They work very good for most LPR and MPR rockets. I have been using the same one for several years and can say that it is quite durable.

 

[lakeroadster]

Plastic straws work pretty good. Just keep them away from your pet turtle

 

[o1d_dude]

For rails, I bought an attachment from Doghouse Rocketry.

Check with Mike Fisher at BinderDesign.com . He may still have them.

Long story on the name.

 

[DaveW6DPS]

For rods a bit of PVC pipe or a wooden block with a hole to match the rod diameter.

For rails I use one of the brackets made to attach the rails at right angles.

 

[dr wogz]

spent motor cases: easy & cheap (and you'l soon have pu-lenty!) stack them up if you so desire..

 

[ToneDeafJunior]

Thank you all. Great suggestions that I can put to good use.

 

[Greg Furtman]

I usually use one or two spent motor casings. I always have a couple in my box.

 

[jrap330]

Clothespin, spent motor casing, tape. Lots of things will work.

Yes..use D engine

 

[Back_at_it]

spent motor cases are my preferred method. Just don't use anything metal as it could interfere with the ignitor.

 

[Nytrunner]

I usually grab a corncob from the field, but I admit that's not a universal solution

 

[SecondRow]

I like the decal on the business end. Is that the rocket in your sig?

 

[Nytrunner]

I like the decal on the business end. Is that the rocket in your sig?

Yep, that's my L2 Long Tom

You can get your own Hyperbolic Upgrade Stickers here: https://topatoco.com/products/won-hyperbolic

 

[SecondRow]

Oh man. Those stickers are awesome.

 

[ToneDeafJunior]

spent motor cases are my preferred method. Just don't use anything metal as it could interfere with the ignitor.

Yep. My blast shield is wooden and I learned that lesson the hard way years ago when I wrapped it in foil.

 

[bschultz32]

Michigan Team-1 uses a small collection of 4"x4"x4" wooden blocks. They are electrically nonconductive, have never caught fire, and work great every time. They are now all a delightful black color, coated with years of rocket exhaust, and have more up-close-and-personal experience with rocketry than most of our prefecture members. Depending on your point of view, coming back reincarnated as one of these would be the best thing ever . . . or the worst . . .

Bob Schultz 07/09/20

 

[jazzviper1]

I use R/C airplane wheel collars. You just need ones of apropiate size for your launch rod. The good thing is they are adjustable, just loosen the set screw and put it at the hight that you want it.

 

[Alan15578]

I usually grab a corncob from the field, but I admit that's not a universal solution

As an Iowan, I love it. However, could a c huff dislodge the corn cobs, allowing the rocket to kiss the blast plate before it hopfuly takes off?

 

[Nytrunner]

As an Iowan, I love it. However, could a c huff dislodge the corn cobs, allowing the rocket to kiss the blast plate before it hopfuly takes off?

Anything's possible!

 

[JPalmer621]

I use and old thread spool. Wood or plastic works. Most of my rockets are big enough to not melt the plastic ones.

 

[OverTheTop]

I usually carry a G-clamp or F-clamp to put on the rail. For LPR, clothes-pegs.

 

[MClark]

We were launching off the beach in Wisconsin and used dry/frozen fish that had wash up.