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How to Make a Bamboo Rocket

While a rocket made from a bamboo shoot is an interesting project to undertake, it should be noted that the natural properties of the bamboo make it practically impossible to obtain the same type of flight of a traditional cardboard-tube rocket. That said, traditional Laotian Bang Fai, which are the basis for bamboo rockets used during their Rocket Festival, today most commonly use PVC pipe instead of bamboo because the participants generally use black powder to pack their rockets. For modeling purposes, model rocket engines are safer and more reliable to use and can be triggered remotely to help prevent potential injuries.

Things You'll Need

Model rocket engine
Model rocket nose cone
Model rocket tail fins
Bamboo shoots

Instructions

- 1
  Select a bamboo shoot that is approximately a quarter of an inch larger in diameter than the model rocket engine you have chosen for your bamboo rocket project. Cut the length of bamboo shoot approximately 4 inches below one of the shoot's knots and immediately below the knot just above it. In an ideal case, this will result in a bamboo rocket body that is approximately 1 inch in diameter and 16 inches long.
- 2
  Lay the cut bamboo shoot on a steady work surface, and then pack the model rocket engine into the base of the bamboo shoot where there is 4 inches between the knot and the end of the shoot. Pay particular attention to the orientation of the rocket motor. There is a small hole in one end that functions as the nozzle. This side should be oriented downward.
- 3
  Glue the rocket stabilizing fins on the bottom of the bamboo shoot. There can be either three or four, depending on the size of your rocket, but they must be evenly spaced from one another in order for the rocket to fly straight. Allow the glue to dry completely before attempting to handle the rocket further.
- 4
  Glue the guide tubes to the side of the bamboo shoot. These will prevent the rocket from falling over during launch, creating a potentially dangerous situation. In addition, they provide just enough guidance to allow the rocket motor to reach peak thrust before the rocket leaves the launch pad, further assisting with keeping the flight of the rocket straight.
- 5
  Plug the top of the bamboo rocket with the model rocket nose cone. You do not have to glue it in place if you do not wish to do so. This will complete the construction of the rocket.

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