Building a Model Rocket - Introduction

Building a model rocket is a fun pastime, but it can be easy for someone new to the hobby to make a mistake.  This guide is intended to help those who are new to the hobby complete all steps required to build a basic rocket called the Big Bertha.  This rocket can be purchased in most Hobby stores  Attached to this step are the safety guidelines for building a model rocket.

PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEVIATE FROM THE GUIDELINES WHEN BUILDING THE ROCKET. THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AS A RESULT OF FIRE.
During the assembly:
• Be sure to take all precautions necessary while using craft knives and glues (super glue, hot glue and other adhesives). These may include gloves and eye protection.

• Be sure to complete all operations in a brightly lit area with adequate ventilation.

• Although most glues are identified as non-hazardous according to OSHA standards, fumes and the glue itself can cause eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. If irritation occurs, flush the affected area with clean water or move to an area of fresh air.

• For more information, refer to the MSDS sheet of your particular glue/adhesive.

During operation:
• Use safety goggles during all times of operation. Debris and hot gasses may cause irritation to the eyes.

• Always check the nosecone and fins for damage/cracks before each launch. Any asymmetry can cause the rocket to deviate drastically from its intended path which can result in injury.

• Make sure to use the rocket only outside and not in a confined area or poorly ventilated area. Fumes from the fuel can be hazardous to your health. If shortness of breath occurs, move to an area with fresh air. If the irritation persists, call necessary medical personnel.

• Keep all flammable materials away from the exhaust end of the rocket. High temperature flames will be ejected and this can start a fire.

• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO AIM THE ROCKET OR ROCKET EXHAUST AT ANYONE OR ANYTHING, HUMAN OR ANIMAL. This can result is serious injury from impact and burns.

• In case of fire a water spray, type A, B or C fire extinguisher can be used on the rocket itself. BE SURE TO KEEP THE APPROPRIATE EXTINGUISHER ON HAND FOR ANY OTHER FLAMMABLE MATERIALS NEARBY. In case of a major fire, do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself. Evacuate the area and call 911.

Step 1: Materials

Before starting assembly, make sure you have the following materials.
• Engine Mount Tube
• Engine Hook
• Mylar Ring
• Green Engine Block
• Perforated Engine Bulkhead sheet
• Perforated Balsa fin Sheet
• Elastic Shock Cord
• Nose Cone
• Launch Lug
• Parachute
• Body Tube
• Fin Placement Guide-This is found in the Estes manual and needs to be cut out with scissors
• Shock Cord Mount- This is found in the Estes manual and needs to be cut out with scissors

Comments

[buckmcf]

I remember making a model rocket when I was in Beginner Shop in Jr High, we made the tubes by wrapping Gummed Paper Tape, it worked very well. We made all the components in the shop and then went out to the field next to the school and fired them off, most of the rockets that the class made worked great, a few had some issues with flying straight. It was a learning experience that I really appreciated when I played with some of the Estes rockets later in life.

[Orngrimm]

Cool!
I like the colors of the chute :)

Also even as a non-rocketeer, i understood the basics and think i would be able to pull off a feat like this without too many fails in the process.
--> Good 'ible! :)

[sokamiwohali]

GREAT job on this buddy...however, here are some tips...if you take the body tube, and place it in a smooth corner of say...a door frame or window frame, you can draw one line, and then standard common sense kicks in after one glues in the first stab fin. for thes stab's i have found superglue works wonders...3-5 coats will ensure the fins dont go anywhere... you can also sand than and make a lovely and fluid "fairing" joint. you can do the same with wood glue (which in my opinion works better as you are glueing 2 wood materials together, it will create a super bond) but the tradeoff is that you will have to wait for the glue to dry and cure...superglue is quicker, but its easy to make a mistake that could be potentially detramental to the FULL performance of the end product...

as far as these kits are concerned, its hard to mess them up though. the real hazard which is agreeable is fire upon takeoff, but this is unlikely anyways. and even if it desintegrated upon t/o, it would end up sommersaulting in mid air safely from spectators as these are NOT high poweres rockets...it would be more of a concern if it was powered by anything bigger than an E motor.

Overall though, lovely project!! i enjoyed working on it!