Introduction: The Super Matchstick Rocket!

Hi guys!

This is my first guide on this site and I would like to teach you how to make my matcjstick rocket!

It is a very fun little project, that takes a lot of time to prepare, but is totally worth it.

I'm gonna show you step by step along with pictures how to creat this home made firework :)

You will need:

  • A piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard
  • 1 AA battery
  • Tape
  • Exacto knife
  • A pen
  • A ruler
  • A skewer
  • 10 matchstick boxes
  • Pliers
  • A fuse

WARNING: This project should not be attempted by children under the age of 17 without adult supervision! It is highly flammable and dangerous!

Step 1: Making the Body

so

The body of the rocket is made from stiff paper, or thin cardboard because the body should be able to withstand immense pressure and speed.

so I start with measuring a strip of paper with a battery (as shown).

I then cut the strip with my exacto knife.

Then roll the strip around the AA battery tightly and tape it in place.

Step 2: Sealing One End

Now you are gonna take a bit of your stiff paper and trace a circle with the battery.

Cut it out and seal the top end of the body with it.

make two more and poke holes right in the middle of the circles as shown in the pictures.

Make sure to seal it tight with tape because it is very important. If the top gets opened then the rocket will have no pressure and it wont fly.

Step 3: Making the Rocket Fuel

Now this is the longest step and prepare yourselves because it is loooong.

You will have to take a whole lot of matches and take them apart using the pliers.

simply crush the end of the match stick with the pliers and the powder will fall off.

the grind this into a fine powder, it's important!

Step 4: Filling the Rocket

Now just fill the body with your red powder right to the top.

Step 5: Sealing the Rocket

now take one of the circles with the holes and put it on top of the body and secure it with tape.

Next, insert your fuse and then put the other circle and again, secure tighly with tape.

Step 6: Finishing!

Lastly, take the skewer and cut it in half.

I like to write what powder I used on the body so that I can make the same design with other types of fuels and see which ones work best.

Now just tape the skewer to the body and you are done!

stick the skewer in the ground (lightly!), light the fuse and enjoy the fireworks :)

If you liked this project please let me know, I hope to release more in the future.

If you have any questions please, comment and I promise I will answer.

REMINDER: this project should not be attempted by children under the age of 17 without adult supervision! it is very flammable and dangerous.