BUILD: Art Applewhite (Free!) Paper Rockets

[noise]

While waiting for parts for other projects I am working my way through all of the Art Applewhite free paper rockets.

These things are rocket candy, super easy to build and very cool looking.

The hardest part is coming up with graphics to print on the paper but I'm a graphics program addict, so that's not too big of a deal either.

So far I've finished the Qubit, Pyramid and Delta rockets. I'll upload some pictures a little later.

Here's the page with all of them:

https://www.artapplewhite.com/free.html

All of the designs are to be printed on 110# index stock and it is recommended that you use Elmer's glue all instead of wood glue.

Total construction time on each one is less than an hour, like I said, candy.

I think it would be great to print a bunch out and have kids decorate them, depending on how many kids there are and how early you start you could probably launch the same day.

 

[Rocketry nut]

Thanks for the link. I may try building the monocopter.

 

[noise]

Here's the finished Qubit, I didn't take any progress pictures of this one.

For this one I just used some card stock I had handy, the printer freaked out a little so the graphics aren't completely clean.

Also make sure to use a minimum of glue on gluing surfaces or you'll get warping which is somewhat evident here.

 

[noise]

In the process of cutting

Finished cutting

All bends scored and bent

Finished

 

[noise]

This is actually the most difficult so far. All the cuts on the others are straight, so you can use a straight edge, here you have to freehand the entire arc of the edge.

I didn't like the exposed top of the motor mount, so I covered it with a bit a sparkly mylar.

Before cutting

After cutting

Finished

Another view

 

[jj94]

How did you get the graphics on?

 

[noise]

Originally posted by jj94
How did you get the graphics on?

You can load the PDF file into CorelDraw or Photoshop and add your own graphics, it helps to be familiar with either program to pull it off.

 

[jj94]

I don't know how to use any of them.

 

[noise]

Originally posted by jj94
I don't know how to use any of them.

The other option is to just draw on them with markers or whatever.

I plan to let my 2 year old son decorate some.