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DIY PVC Pipe Rocket Launcher and File Folder Rockets Part II: PVC Pipe Launcher

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Yesterday, we walked you through how to make plastic file folder rockets. 

Today, I have a video for you to make the pvc pipe launcher: (I forgot to add electrical tape to the list of supplies needed in the video- sorry!)




Here's a recap:



Step 1: Gather Your Supplies:


For this launcher, you will need:

Plastic Wrap
20 oz bottle
Electrical Tape

1/2" pvc pipe connectors:
2 end caps
1 - 4 way cross
1 - 45 or 90 degree elbow

1/2" pvc pipe in the following lengths:
1 - 18.5" piece
1 - 8" piece
2 - 6" pieces
1 - 2.5" piece

(Cutting pvc pipe is quite simple with a handheld pipe cutter)


Step 2: Build the Base

Begin to build your launcher with the 4-way cross. 

Add the 18.5" pipe out one end. (The other end of this pipe will be where you will add the bottle at a later time.)

Add the 2.5" piece opposite the 18.5" pipe.

On the opposite end of the 2.5" pipe you will add either a 45 degree or 90 degree elbow. If you use a 45 degree elbow, your rockets will launch a further distance. If you utilize a 90 degree elbow, your rockets will launch high into the air. 

Add the 8" piece of pipe to the opposite end of the elbow. 

Step 3: Add Support to the Base

In the two remaining slots of the 4-way cross connector, you will add a piece of plastic wrap. 

We fold ours into squares - so it is a quadruple layer, 

then you place it inbetween the 6" pipe and the connector when you join them. 

You will use a 6" pipe on each side. 

These pipes help stabilize the launcher and the plastic wrap helps to funnel the air, providing greater air pressure and a more powerful launch. 

Step 4: Attach the Plastic Bottle

Slide the bottle onto the open end of the 18.5" PVC Pipe. (The other end will already be in the 4-way cross). You will want to slide it in about 1-2".

Then, use electrical tape to secure the bottle to the pipe. 

Wrap the tape tightly to provide an air tight seal. 



Now your launcher is ready to go!
Add a rocket and 3-2-1 - BLAST OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A few more tidbits of information:

  • To re-inflate the bottle after launching, simply blow through the launcher.
  • The bottle will not last forever- when you can no longer re-inflate it, replace the bottle. 
  • Your rockets can also lose their air-tight seal. replace and/or add electrical tape as needed. 
  • You can change the lengths of the PVC Pipe- experiment with various lengths
  • You can also use different sized bottles: liter and 2-liter bottles also work 



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April 25, 2013 at 3:24 AM
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