Rocket Cradles

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By Doyle Tatum

I was building my Estes Saturn 5 and the instructions suggested building a crude cradle to hold the body tube while you work. I decided that it would be nice to have a cradle that would adjust to other rockets.

The best part about this simple project is that you can make your cradle as big, small, short or long as you wish. If you work on little rockets you’ll want a small cradle but if you are into high power a giant cradle will be handy.

I will discuss two methods here, and illustrate with a bunch of photos. All methods start with two wood blocks to use at each end as stands.

Next you must decide how long your device will be and cut a board that long the same width as your stands. You’ll need two bolts, two washers and a wing nut.

Cut a slot in the center of your length board just short of each end with the slot being just wide enough to slide through. (You could also use two boards and glue them to the stands leaving a gap for the bolt).

Now glue the stands to each end of the slotted board with epoxy.

Next you’ll make your cradle.

The simplest thing to do is cut a semi-circle in a piece of wood the same width as your length board and matching piece without the semi-circle. Epoxy the two pieces at a right angle and drill a hole for the bolt.

Repeat this for the other end, bolt to the slotted board and you’re done.

Alternatively, you can make the same type of right angled boards (without the semi-circle and then cut two boards to make a V. Simply bolt the V together at the base with additions bolts, washers and wing nuts.

I stained mine but that is not necessary.

Besides being the extra hands you always need it can make a nice horizontal display stand. At the launch site, I use mine to hold the rocket while inserting the motors or recovery systems.

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