I wanted to find out more about the tower bucket launcher. I need to figure out something to launch my Mach madness rockets at thunderstruck next week. Does anyone have any photos to post or can email me? I would like to see the design so I can maybe try to build one. How do you keep the conduit together at the top, rubber bands? Does the rocket fins just simply break the rubber bands at the top or slide them off, can the rubber bands get hung up on the rocket slowing it down ?
Hey John, just saw your post after getting back from work.....I tried to find a picture on the Indiana Rocketry forum of Vic's 54mm Goose going off his homemade pad to no avail.....I KNOW its out there.
Ok, here's the parts list.
1. One bucket 3-5 gallon whatever works and, is available.
2. Three pieces of about 1" dia. EMT tubing. (That galvanized tubing you see wiring run in and, out of.
) oh about 6-8' in length.....
3. One (more optional) hose clamp big enough to wrap itself around previously said conduit.
4. One bag of Quickrette or suitable fast drying concrete.
5. Some masking tape....at least an inch wide.
Take one rocket and, wrap one/two layer(s) of tape around the diameter about every six inches up and, down its length.....Take all three Conduits and surround your rocket(120 degrees apart of course.).....then tape the conduits/rocket in a position NOT to move while "hugging" your rocket..
Take the hose clamp and, secure it to one of the three tubes so that when tightened down it makes a quick and, easy "Stopper" for your rocket.(Clamp screw drive position on the inside.....Hey their cheap...get a few.)
Now set the whole shebang upright in the bucket.....approx. in the middle.....secure it upright....mix and, pour concrete....Make sure nothing "leans" over while its drying.....
Come back later when everything is dry....release outer tape holding conduits/rocket.....tilt "Stand" over and, slide Rocket out. Remove tape on Rocket before it becomes permanent.
When doing a four fin rocket....use four conduits of course....
Works real well......You can even drill 3 or so holes around the bucket rim and, secure with some good line/rope to tent stakes to provide some extra Anti-tilt protection...
Use some WD-40, Silicone Wax, Pam cooking spray to protect/grease the rails before Rocket insertion.....tilt upright, make sure everything is stable.....wrap a few THIN rubber bands around the dia./top of the rails right around nosecone shoulder area....Start electronics and, insert igniter.
Stand Back.
Remember the Stand will weigh as much as you put concrete in it......use your judgement for stability though 30-40#'s should be safe.....Safety first.
Are the rubber bands going to hinder the Rockets flight in those first few feet? Not unless your EMT tubing is bent......Or you put MONSTER bungee around the rocket......Just enough tension to straighten it out.....
Pretty much my when i hit that firing button.....will your rocket fly straight, true, fast and, on to victory? I'll let my friend here answer that question.
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Helpfull? Yes....
Cheap/Easy to do? Yes....
Subtle? Never.....i hate being "PC"
Get about six Mountain Dews in me and, its PARTY TIME!!!!