how do i build a model rocket from scratch?

Question

im trying to build a model rocket from scratch. but i dont know what to use and how to make it. i already have the rocket engines and launch stuff, i just need te rocket.. so if yo can help that would be great

Answer 1

most hobby shops will have bags of assorted tubes for the body and lots of balsa and ceder for fins and spars. They'll have the paint and glue as well. The library has lots of books with designs for model rockets of all shapes and sizes.

Answer 2

The basic design is easy. We all drew rockets when we were 5 years old - long tubes, pointy ends, with fins at the bottom. That's literally it for the main structure (there's the internal support structure to design, but never mind that part).

The problem is: how long should the tube be? How many fins should be on the outside - 3 or 4? How big should the fins be? Figuring this stuff out is LITERALLY rocket science. On top of all that, you have to consider the weight of the rocket. You don't want an underpowered rocket that won't fly, but you also don't want an overpowered one.

My suggestion: buy a kit. They're already designed to fly with the correctly-sized motors. Also, look for a program online called "WinRASP". It was written by my roommate's dad. It alows you to enter rocket variables and simulate launch with different sized motors.

Answer 3

Best is get get some basic materials from suppliers and build from there. Also helps to know what you have now in terms of size.

National Association of Rocketry has general information. The Sunward site has some vendors who sell parts

Answer 4

For a small rocket, glue two tampon tubes together. For larger rockets you can cut a slice in a paper towel tube and modify from there. All it takes is imagination.

Answer 5

Hang out in the Rocketry Foum, check my yahoo 360 blog.
Fliskits has free rockets you can make from computer paper. go to http://www.fliskits.com/index.htm

Answer 6

First, buy some scratch

Answer 7

google it.