Build an Overhead Water Rocket Launcher Part 3 valve pipe

Part 3 of 7 parts, instructions for building an overhead water rocket launcher, as seen on the Ask This Old House annual kids program.
Links to all 7 steps, as well as other science toy projects are at http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• build
• make
• water rocket
• ask this old house

[robert0joe]

How important is primer?

[sciencetoymaker]

@robert0joe re:using primer on PVC pipe before using the cement. It's a good question. I never use primer, but I do scuff up the surfaces to be cemented a little. I've never had one leak.

Slater

[WRSvideos]

Does anyone know why you need that extra PVC on there? Or is it optional?

[sciencetoymaker]

@WRSvideos Which extra piece? The threaded parts just make it easier to transport and store.

Slater

[pyroman675]

@sciencetoymaker ya i saw that but watch the 7th part of it at the end when thwy fire it's like a snake

[sciencetoymaker]

@pyroman675 At the end of part 6 at 1:50 it shows how to tape on the leftover 22 inch piece of pipe, both to keep the spring on and so the pipe doesn't flop.

Slater

[pyroman675]

@sciencetoymaker well ya but you should zip tie a peace of wood to it so it dosent flopp and maybe break

[sciencetoymaker]

@pyroman675 Do you mean the launcher is tall? The whole point is to get it overhead so the bottle can't hit somebody on the way up (people rush in to get wet). Valve from any auto parts store.

Slater

[pyroman675]

that seems a little long dont it. and were do you get those shredder valves from

[jordyvandewalle]

Thanks =)