This is a quick DIY tutorial on amateur rocket construction. This rocket is built and flown for my Level II N.A.R. certification.

1. Rocket Construction
By Robert Barnes

2. My FUN Hobby!

3. This is a very quick tutorial
documenting the construction
of my Level II rocket for
N.A.R. certification.

4. In the Beginning…

5. After planning, the real work starts
at a friends machine shop.

6. A CNC mill is used to cut the aft
centering ring from ¾” oak.

7. I cut a 5.5° taper on the centering ring.

8. The motor tube, aft centering ring
and motor retainer are tested for
proper fit.

9. The lower airframe is now tested
for proper fit.

10. The fin slots are now widened
0.010” to allow the fins to fit inside
the airframe.

11. The recovery harness attachment
point is installed and proper fit is
verified.

12. This CAD screenshot shows the
location of epoxy fillets inside the
airframe.

13. The first fin is now aligned.

14. The forward fins are aligned
from the rear fins and the right
angle aluminum channel.

15. Tape is applied to prepare for the
external epoxy fillets.

16. It now looks like a rocket!

17. My Greyhound is curious about
the smell of primer.

18. After I pass the written test, the
rocket will then be inspected for
safety and build quality.

19. My rocket looks natural in the sky!