3 Simple Ways to
Share What You Make

With Instructables you can share what you make with the world — and tap into an ever-growing community of creative experts.

PhotosPhotos

Share one or more photos of a project, recipe, or whatever you've made, quickly and easily.

Get Started

Learn more & Get Tips

Step by StepStep-By-Step

Share your step-by-step photos with text instructions of what you made so others can do it too!

Get Started

Learn more & Get Tips

VideoVideo

Share your how-to video. You'll need your embed code from a video site such as YouTube.

Get Started

Learn more & Get Tips

Favorite

Rocket Skateboard

video Rocket Skateboard

This is a rocket skateboard I've been working on for the past several years. It has an automatic extinguishing system that works in conjunction with a hand held kill switch so it can't become a hazard. The fuel is easy to make and inexpensive. I put a book together on how to make it, step by step. It's too long for an Instructable but available online. This project was tons of fun!

130 comments

1-40 of 130

Jan 3, 2011. 1:26 AMfly_boy_bc says:

You are aware that doing this is in defiance of all rocketry codes AND is illegal right?

Apr 12, 2012. 2:13 AMWroger-Wroger says:

Anal Retentative Much?

Nov 23, 2011. 9:44 AMabadon says:

Who cares? It's not like he is planning to strap a kilo brick of TNT and a blasting cap to it and blow something up!

Jan 7, 2011. 2:06 PMmesagoat says:

c'mon flyboy. illegal? WHO CARES! creativity isn't illegal.

Jan 3, 2011. 7:02 AM5xno7 (author) says:

A, it's not a rocket and B, it's not illegal at all.

Jan 3, 2011. 10:41 AMfly_boy_bc says:

Eh? Not a rocket? It sure LOOKS like a rocket....You CALL it a rocket! I call BS it IS a rocket and if it is above 160 Ns thrust it is a HIGH POWER rocket. High-powered motors (above 160 newton seconds) are restricted to citizens who possess the requisite certification and permits. And once you have the certification you have signed an agreement stating you will NOT do things like THIS with one!

So what is your rocket skateboard if not a rocket? And why do you LIE and call it one?

Jun 28, 2011. 8:42 PMaidanjarosgrilli says:

who cares if it is illegal it is the easies skateboard to ride because you don't have to balance on one leg and push. and it is PS not BS!
\ /
o o
-
_____

Jan 11, 2011. 10:45 AMmossDboss says:

while the NAR is a organization and NFPA has codes, neither seem to be authorized by congress.

and neither seem to have criminal statutes.

some states may have adopted by NFPA 1127 standards but it not a guarantee.

unless you can show some kind of criminal offense by statute, then thanks for your opinion.

Jan 3, 2011. 11:21 AM5xno7 (author) says:

Since the definition of a rocket is any vehicle powered by a rocket engine, I assume you could technically call it a rocket. However, I think most reasonable people would agree that a rocket is something that flys through the air and since the skateboard can't fly with this engine, it can only be pushed by this engine, I would think most people would agree with me that it is not a rocket and is only, as I said, a rocket powered skateboard. I think it's a bit much to call me a liar over that.
I do have an LEUP from the ATF and it is not a legal requirement to be a member of any high power rocketry club to fly high power rockets as long as you comply with the Feds. There is a chapter in the book on getting all the required permits to use the rocket powered skateboard. In fact, the book and the skateboard were developed in conjunction with the ATF to make sure it WAS legal.

Jan 3, 2011. 1:33 PMfly_boy_bc says:

The LEGAL definition of a rocket is anything powered by a rocket motor (actually the motor IS the rocket). You are ignorant. LEUP's have not been required for over a year (law repealed) and in order to "comply with the Feds" you MUST be a member of a recognized rocketry association. (NOT a club). Which means you have agreed to NOT use rocket motors in this way. If you are not a member of Tripoli or NAR or CAR you MAY NOT POSSES high power rocket motors. The penalties are substantial.

Jan 3, 2011. 2:28 PM5xno7 (author) says:

I don't understand the need for name calling but that's just me.
Only APCP has been exempted from the ATF explosives list in the past year. Kno3 composite propellants, which this is, are still on the list and require an LEUP.
If you can show me the federal regulations that requires someone to be a member of a recognized rocketry association, or club, I will pull this instructalbe from the site. As far as I know there are none but please, prove me wrong.
I don't know where you fly but in California, where I fly, all you need is an FAA waiver, a CAL Pyro license and an LEUP and you're good to go.
I'm not a member of TRA or NAR specifically because of the closed minded attitude of people like you.

Jan 3, 2011. 3:33 PMfly_boy_bc says:

You are under the impression that "ignorant" is name calling? It means you lack information it is NOT disparagement. I WILL disparage you NOW though. Why is this non instructional advertisement for your book here as an instructable? This is NOT what this site is about.

Nov 23, 2011. 9:47 AMabadon says:

seriously, will you quit your bellyaching? If he wants to build a rocket-powered skateboard, then he can. As long as he is not hurting anyone or anything, then who cares what "laws" he breaks?

Feb 6, 2011. 1:12 PMjj.inc says:

Man, you just keep going, this is a cool board, and if you are some certified rocket guy who knows everything and everyone else is wrong you should get off this site because it isn't for pro's it is for do it yourself at home people. I don't come here to see know-it-alls complain and cry to their moms because somebody did something against some code or rules or something.

Jan 3, 2011. 4:21 PM5xno7 (author) says:

Still waiting on that federal regulation.........any luck finding it?

Nov 13, 2011. 6:31 PMPressley says:

I love it! And if a certificate or license was somehow required... I'm sure there's an instructable somewhere on how to make one.

Jan 26, 2011. 5:42 PMtinkerman92 says:

i love people that think there smarter then everyone else and cant pull the facts to prove even one argument and then on top of that resort to breaking of website policy and they try attacking you on weather or not your legal lol sounds like trolling to me. nice board if your responsible with it who cares have some fun.

Jan 27, 2011. 6:43 AM5xno7 (author) says:

Awesome, thanks.

Dec 29, 2011. 9:36 PMspawnos3717 says:

Anyone who condemns another person to misery for the sake of their ego is not only wrong, but they themselves WILL BE condemned to die alone with one hand in their pocket.....ROR fbbc :)

Aug 13, 2008. 12:30 PMItsTheHobbs says:

sweet! thats awesome!

Nov 13, 2011. 6:40 PMPressley says:

It's the sugar that makes it so sweet. :)

Jun 14, 2011. 9:58 PMDerek Vigil says:

I wonder what your neighbors think of you...

Sep 3, 2011. 11:51 AM

Teslaling says:

They were probably like Oh my gosh!!! He's gonna break his neck!!! Then after a while they probably started to just think nothing of it. Or that's how my neighbors are now when my dad and I do crazy chemistry stuff in the driveway :)

Jul 21, 2011. 12:50 AMcspiro1 says:

put 2 on a bike

Oct 21, 2008. 3:06 PMhyrulianshinobi333 says:

how do you keep balance if the force is all below your feet. im not trying to be a physisist. just curious

Jul 4, 2011. 1:10 PM

biolethal says:

the acceleration is probably not so great that you would fly off... in other words, the force trying to pull the skateboard away from you is not sufficient to overcome the friction of your feet & the skateboard. you might need to compensate for the acceleration a bit by leaning forward a bit.

Aug 22, 2010. 8:00 AMM4industries says:

You even misspelt physicist. Use a decent browser-based spellchecker.

Sep 27, 2010. 7:26 PMolao99 says:

LOL (That means it is funny)

Jul 2, 2009. 12:40 AMvandal1138 says:

And that handy dandy griptape will keep your feet attached!

Jan 24, 2009. 8:56 PMcurecreator says:

there isn't that much force to push it out from under your feet. There is enough friction so you are brought with the board.

Oct 21, 2008. 4:21 PM5xno7 (author) says:

The engine produces only 20 pounds of thrust. That in conjunction with a recoil spring makes it easy to ride.

Jul 12, 2009. 7:21 PMmastermaker says:

hmmmmm.....may i ask of what ratios kno3/sugar you are using,and is it candied or still powdered and compatced? this is very well interesting and if you ever need help on finding better rocketfuels that wont sweep you off your feet,i can give you some help on it

Oct 27, 2009. 12:17 PMProfessorJWN says:

Hi,

Dan's book is a great read, and indeed it is not applicable as it is "WAY TOO BIG" for an "able".

The book is worth it just to see the work Dan put into the motor and fuel and how he stresses the safe handling of the components.

So many "ables" through caution to the wind.....When you are basically standing on a rocket, that isn't a (healthy) option.

Dan also covers the legalities and other aspects of the construction and use of the "rocket board".

I highly recommend the book. Thanks Dan for writing it.

In addition, it is a good inspiration for those of us considering writing a book.

Buy the thing and learn something interesting! The book answers most if not all of the questions posed here.

Jim

Nov 1, 2009. 11:02 AMZaphod Beeblebrox says:

its not 'able' its an ible ! people dont know ,,anything,,

Jun 29, 2011. 5:11 AMProfessorJWN says:

Zaphod,

I do know lots of things, but terminology sometimes is not it. I build most of my projects work and home myself (from hand tools for the garden to interactive 3d simulation systems). sorry for the confusions, I'll use "IBLE" in the future my friend.

Jim

Jun 28, 2011. 8:43 PMaidanjarosgrilli says:

yeah profesorjwn

Jun 29, 2011. 5:15 AMProfessorJWN says:

Your "picture" looks like you are driving one of Dan's boards, or a rocket sled (always wanted to try to build one of those) closest I got was a Honda V-65 Magna. I wanted to build a mass driver (the 70's name for a linear accelerator) in High School, and they said it was too dangerous. (MIT had just published one with out the use of Liquid Nitrogen, and using just mechanical switches and a track (essentially a small scale rail gun).

Aug 1, 2011. 5:49 PMaidanjarosgrilli says:

great, but it was a bit hard to understand you but it souds awesome.

Jun 9, 2011. 2:46 AMIndigoking says:

NIce one - and boy are you patient with the "jobsworths" - an English expression from "it's more than me jobs worth to let you do/say that or park there" etc...

Just imagine there wouldn't have been "rocket" propelled anything without tinkerers and tinkering - thinking the film "October Sky".

I suppose kids today don't get to fill airfix planes with KNO3 based or "other" (more infamous) propellants - and send em down the washing line - to ex plode on impact with wall!!

Keep it up!! and to hell with all the stoopid regulations - they'll have us all dressed as Michelin man if they could!