National Geographic Air Rocket Toy - LED Rocket Launcher for Kids, Stomp and Launch Light Up, Air Powered, Rockets up to 30.5 Meters, Garden Toys, Outdoor Games

Product Information

It's a little bit easier to work with, makes a smaller overall launcher so it's easier to transport/carry (quite a bit lighter weight), and the smaller pipe has a higher pressure rating. Glue one of the elbows to the Tee and while pushing the pieces firmly together, and make the launch tube parallel with the 13 inch tube.

Wrap it halfway down clockwise, and then flip the nipple over and wrap clockwise from the other side. There are inherent risks in working with compressed air - this is a "put your phone away" project where you need to be present for launching. I highly recommend close supervision to prevent users from over-pressurizing the system, or to add a safety relief valve. After inserting the frame tubes into the elbows, I placed one end of the frame onto the floor, and pushed with all my weight on the other side to make sure both tubes go all the way into the elbow connectors. However, making an ultra-high-performing rocket is actually quite challenging because all aspects need to be designed to near perfection.

Inspect the rocket before each flight and use your hands to straighten out the fins and nosecone, which will inevitably become bent over time. Both pieces need to be glued at the same time, so it must be done quickly and it takes a lot of force to get both of the elbows onto the frame tubes.

If using an electric miter saw, we found it best to put the PVC in place, start the saw off of the PVC, bring the saw down through the pipe, and then leave the saw down until the blade has stopped.

The box says for six years and over, so if you have kids younger than this as we do, please ensure you are the one operating it, or hands-on supervising. The safety valve is set to 60 PSI max, and is threaded into the schedule 80 nipple, and also held in place from the back side with a retaining nut.