This is the design I use when we launch our water rockets at Kids College. The guide by bpwagner on Instructables is the perfect design.
Here is a list of the materials you will need. Go to this link to be taken directly to the instructions page.
Shopping (enough for 2 launchers)
**** PRINT THIS LIST AND TAKE IT WITH YOU ****
Go to the hardware store and buy…
- 1 – 10 foot piece of 1/2 inch outer diameter PVC pipe. 8 – 1/2 inch PVC T???
- 2 – 1/2 inch PVC elbows 6 – 1/2 inch PVC caps (you may want to buy a couple of extra T’s, Elbows and Caps in case you mess up drilling or gluing)
- 1 PVC pipe cutting tool. Your really don’t absolutely need this but it sure make cutting this pipe easier. You can use a hacksaw instead.
- PVC Glue and cleaner (primer, often purple in color), comes in a two pack. Your neighbor probably has some you can borrow.
Go to the auto parts store and buy…
- 2 auto tire valves, also called Schrader valves. The end of them should be able to fit inside a 1/2 inch PVC pipe cap.
- You will also need… several 20 oz soda bottles. The ones that have previously held carbonated beverages. Wash them out or you may get ants!
- An abundant supply of water. I like to take a 5 gallon bucket of water out to the launch site.
- A standup bicycle tire pump.
- A supply of neighborhood kids with dreams of becoming Astronauts! They will get wet!
- A nice sunny day!
