Floating Rocket Desktop Display

by sirjason132

14K18017

Intro: Floating Rocket Desktop Display

I've always enjoyed creating things that look like they shouldn't work. I think this display is something along those lines. It's very simple to build and adds a cool touch to your desk.

Why is the frame an L-shape and have no backing? Because I think it's important to show that there is nothing supporting the rocket from the top, or back.

Let's build!

STEP 1: 3D Print Rocket and Nozzle

Print the rocket in vertical orientation, in liftoff position. I used support, and then removed the center section with pliers.

The nozzle should be printed as shown, no support.

If you don't have a printer and would like to buy the parts - here is a link:

Rocket - Rocket for Floating Rocket Display (GZ6JS7KEG) by sirjason132 (shapeways.com)

Nozzle - Rocket Nozzle (ETTEZCXSM) by sirjason132 (shapeways.com)

STEP 2: Cut Side Panels

I laser cut these panels.

You could also 3d print these if that's what you have access to! Both sides are identical.

I ended up countersinking the holes and using flat head cap screws - I like the flush mount look.

I used M3 x 8mm flat head bolts.

STEP 3: Modify Spacers

I used these spacers: https://amzn.to/3XAzu2P

Two of them need to be modified and the corner one is left unmodified.

  1. The upper spacer needs to have a tapped hole added to it in the center. I tapped this one #4-40. However, tapping for M3 bolts will also work.
  2. The lower spacer needs to have a hole added in the middle for the fishing line. Hole size doesn't matter too much, as long as the fishing line fits through.
  3. Make sure that the holes is deburred really well - you'll want to avoid sharp edges that could cut through the fishing line!

STEP 4: Cut Flames

I cut my flames from 2mm thick acrylic and painted them

Acrylic: https://amzn.to/3XRhukH

You can also 3D print these.

STEP 5: Assemble!

  1. Bolt spacers to one side panel
  2. Join the other side panel and bolt it to spacers
  3. Bolt the magnets to the upper spacer
  4. Install magnets inside the rocket
  5. Add bolt to rocket - I used M3 x 20mm
  6. Tie fishing line to bolt in rocket
  7. Tie fishing line to spacer on frame - leave it a little long on purpose
  8. Lift rocket towards frame magnet - it will pull, so get ready!
  9. Loosen the bolts on the lower spacer
  10. Rotate the spacer to take up slack on the fishing line
  11. Shorten the fishing line until rocket drops away from magnet, then increase length until rocket stabilizes
  12. Now tighten up the bolts on the spacer that the fishing line is attached to, and you're done!
  13. Congrats!

STEP 6: Show Your Friends Your Cool Rocket



Now you can proudly display this on your desk for all to see!

9 Comments

Handy_Bear 9 months ago

That looks a lot more complex than the actual mechanism is :P Well done!

rubix1976 9 months ago

I'm surprised you didn't angle the magnets in the stand so the hole was in line with the body of the rocket, I wonder if the magnetic field would have been stronger and you could have had the rocket further away if you ha done that ?

sirjason132 9 months ago

I actually did try that - just didn't show it in the video. The rocket sagged at a strange angle with the magnets pointing directly at it. So I messed around with the angle and ended up with them facing horizontal. It's not intuitive, but that's what seemed to worked best when I experimented with it.

JohnA25 10 months ago

What causes the rocket to rotate, and does it keep rotating indefinitely?

sirjason132 10 months ago

The rocket was only rotating because I flicked it with my finger. It'll rotate for about 30 seconds or so.