How do you make an electric ignitor for a model rocket?

Answer 1

You need a very thin wire and a chemical that ignites at relatively low temperature. You form the wire into a long, skinny U shape and stick a glob of the ignition chemical on the bent section. You shove the bent part of the U into the rocket motor, and use a plug to hold it there. Then you connect THICK wires to the ends of the U, and hook it up to a battery. The thick wires won't get hot, but the U-shaped thin wire will get hot, igniting the compound which will in turn ignite the rocket propellant.

Answer 2

A model rocket? I'm not sure what that chemical is on those that is ignited by a little bit of electricity. You might be able to add water to ground-up match heads or solid rocket fuel to make a paste, and dab it across two very light-guage pieces of wire. For firecrackers, all I do is take a single strand of steel wool tied around the wick. A couple of alligator clips on that, and you're set.