Want to become a better rocket modeler? We're here to help. We have made several YouTube videos that will show you the techniques to build great looking model rockets that are light and strong. When you start following these tips, your rockets will fly higher, faster, and will survive harder landings. And your friends will be in awe of your building talents.

Please let us know what you think of the videos by voting for them on YouTube. And send us an email with suggestions for future video topics.

Topical Video Index

How To Repair a Zippered Body Tube
(Posted: 01/24/12)

In this video, I'll show you how to repair the tube after it's been split, by cutting off the front end and splicing on a new tube.

How To Repair Broken Fins
(Posted: 01/10/12)

In this weeks video, I'll start with two of the most common fin repairs that you'll need to learn to get your rockets back in launch shape. The first is where the fin pops off the rocket on landing, and the second is where it breaks but doesn't fall all the way off.

How the Heli-Roc Nose Cone is Made
(Posted: 12/27/11)

A little something different this week. I moved the camera out of the studio, and into our shop where we make the rocket parts that go into the kits. What you'll see this time is how we make the cast-resin nose cones that go into the Heli-Roc kits.

Make a Paper Nose Cone for a Model Rocket - Part 3 of 3
(Posted: 12/13/11)

In this video, we'll finish up the assembly of our paper nose cone by putting on the shoulder. Then, using a short piece of Kevlar shock cord, we'll create a loop so that you can attach your new nose cone to the parachute and the rest of the rocket.

Make a Paper Nose Cone for a Model Rocket - Part 2 of 3
(Posted: 11/29/11)

In our last video, I showed you how to create the paper template to make the conical part of the nose. The next step, after printing it out, of course, is to cut it out and to then roll it into a conical shape. Remember, we're making an inner and an outer cone in order to get a nice sharp point on the tip. So you'll see the assembly of both cones and how they're put together.

Make a Paper Nose Cone for a Model Rocket - Part 1 of 3
(Posted: 11/15/11)

This is part 1 on how to make a paper nose cone for a model rocket. In order to achieve the best looking cone, you have to size it correctly to fit the model rocket body tube. We'll use the RockSim.com software to draw out a paper template that will be rolled into the cone.

Create A Model Rocket Fin Spacing Guide
(Posted: 11/01/11)

Last time, I showed you how to use the new Guillotine Fin Alignment Jig, but I let one thing up in the air. That was that you had to pre-mark the locations for the fins on the tube. In today's video, I'll show you the technique that I use to create a paper wrap-around fin spacing guide. I create these on my computer, so that I can be extremely precise, and so that I can save them for future rocket products. Every designer will need to create these types of wraps sooner or later, so here is you chance to see the process in action

Using the Guillotine Fin Jig
(Posted: 10/18/11)

The Guillotine Fin Jig is one of the most versatile alignment fixtures that we've ever seen. It allows you to put fins on straight, on any size tube, not just the standard sizes!

Using the Wireless Launch Controller
(Posted: 10/04/11)

The Wireless controller is a big hit with customers. But there are many questions that we've received about the device. In this video I'll answer some of the right questions, such as: "will it ignite a copperhead igniter?"

Add Polyhedral Wings to a Rocket Boosted Glider
(Posted: 09/20/11)

In this video, you'll see how you can take an ordinary wing (this works on all wings), and cut it into panels and then glue them back together again with the aid of a special wing jig. You'll have cool looking wings that actually fly a lot better.

Building Your First High Power Rocket - Part 10, Finishing & Flying
(Posted: 09/06/11)

This is the final video in the construction of the Dual-Deployment rocket. This time, the rocket is fully painted, and now you'll see Erin install the parachutes in preparation for flight. At the end of the video, you'll get to witness the first launch of this rocket!

How To Assemble A Launch Rod
(Posted: 08/23/11)

Many people that are just starting in rocketry are wondering how to put together the 3-piece launch rod that comes with our starter sets. The reason they ask is that the pins on the ends of the rods are a bit tight. I like them like that, because then the rod doesn't fall apart when you're moving the launch pad around on the field. So in this week's video, I'm going to show you a couple of tricks that you can use to get the rod together in just a few seconds.

Building Your First High Power Rocket - Part 9, Sanding the Primer Coats
(Posted: 08/09/11)

The next step is the most tedious in finishing your rocket, but a vital one.  Sanding the primer and getting a smooth, bump-free finish is of utmost importance when a smooth, glossy topcoat is desired.  The paint-sand-paint-repeat technique can be used for any rocket, low to high power.

Building Your First High Power Rocket - Part 8, Painting on Primer
(Posted: 07/26/11)

With the rocket body assembled, it's time to get color on the kit.  We'll have to start with a few coats of primer in order to get that exquisite finish.  In this week's video, you'll see a technique for using automotive primer through and airbrush.  You can use the aerosol can primer too, if you like.

Building Your First High Power Rocket - Part 7, Building & Installing Your Altimeter Bay, Step 2
(Posted: 07/12/11)

The high-Power rocket that Erin has been assembling in this series, is intended as an easy-to-build dual deployment rocket. That means it is going to carry electronics to fire off two separate ejection charges. In this week's video, we'll finish assembling the electronic's bay (called the e-bay or an altimeter bay) and install the rivets. At the end of this video, we have a nearly-functional rocket!  The e-bay is the standard 4-inch Mad-Cow altimeter bay, so this video can also help you if you are interested in that product as well.

Building Your First High Power Rocket - Part 6, Building & Installing Your Altimeter Bay, Step 1
(Posted: 06/28/11)

The high-Power rocket that Erin has been assembling in this series, is intended as an easy-to-build dual deployment rocket. That means it is going to carry electronics to fire off two separate ejection charges. In this week's video, we'll start assembling the electronic's bay (called the e-bay or an altimeter bay). The e-bay is the standard 4-inch Mad-Cow altimeter bay, so this video can also help you if you are interested in that product as well.

Building Your First High Power Rocket - Part 5, Epoxy Clay Fillets
(Posted: 06/14/11)

Ever wanted to see how to make near-perfect fin fillets? In this week's video tutorial, Erin is going to add the epoxy fillets along the fins to enhance the strength of the fins. They will also reduce the drag along the corner of the fin where it meets the tube, so the rocket will fly higher too. The video starts with securing the rail button down with epoxy clay to prevent the parachute from snagging on the bolt that protrudes through the tube. Then you'll see the steps to creating fillets so smooth, that people will be begging you to tell them your secret. And it is easier than you'd think. See how it is done now!

Building Your First High Power Rocket - Part 4, Rail Button Installation
(Posted: 05/31/11)

Putting together a high power rocket is actually easier than you might imagine. In this fourth video, you'll see how install rail buttons and the Aeropack engine retainer.

Building Your First High Power Rocket - Part 3, Fin Installation
(Posted: 05/17/11)

Putting together a high power rocket is actually easier than you might imagine. In this third video, you'll see how to sand your fins and glue them in place.  We're not done with the fins yet, though!

Building Your First High Power Rocket - Part 2, Motor Mount Installation
(Posted: 05/03/11)

Putting together a high power rocket is actually easier than you might imagine. In this second video, you'll see how to tie on the shock cord to the engine mount, and then to glue the engine mount into the body tube.

Building Your First High Power Rocket - Part 1, Motor Mount Construction
(Posted: 04/19/11)

Putting together a high power rocket is actually easier than you might imagine. In this first video, you'll see how to assemble the engine mount, which is the heart of the high-power rocket.

Introduction to Level 1 Certification Rockets
(Posted: 04/05/11)

So you're thinking about getting your High-Power Level 1 Certification? Excellent. There are many good reasons to get it, besides it being a lot of fun. In this week's video, I'll go over some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from flyers as they come to us for advice on which kit to get. I'm sure this information will be useful to you if you already have a Level 1 certification, because you'll be able to pass it on to those you mentor.

Building a Rogallo Wing, Rocket Boosted Glider
(Posted: 03/29/11)

Build your own Rogallo-Wing glider! This is an instructional video that shows how to assemble a flexible-wing glider, called a Rogallo glider. It was named after Francis Rogallo the NASA engineer that invented the concept in the 1960's. A Rogallo glider was one of the methods tried out for returning the Gemini space capsule back to earth from space. So it does have some history as being "space-exploration" related. How cool is that?

Estes Tube & Fin Marking Guide
(Posted: 03/08/11)

Having some tools to mark your body tubes will make designing and building your own rockets go a lot faster. The standard tools that every designer should have are the Estes Tube Marking Guides. While they've been around for quite some time, they are still pretty effective. In this video, you'll see a number of ways to use them to build your own rockets.

Adding a Parachute Attachment to Fiberglass Nose Cones
(Posted: 02/22/11)

A quick parachute attachment loop can be added to your model rocket nose cone by using a little glob of epoxy clay and a piece of high-strength shock cord. You can also use a metal screw eye, or an eyebolt using this same technique.

Transformers: Rockets that Change Shape in Flight
(Posted: 02/08/11)

Changing a rocket's shape in flight is challenging because you need some sort of triggering device to start the transformation process. In this video you'll see two ways to initiate the conversion: the sliding piston, and the burn thread.

How to Drill Holes in Model Rocket Tubes
(Posted: 01/25/11)

Drilling a clean, circular hole in a paper tube (such as needed for an altimeter breather hole) can be a challenge, because the fibers of the paper can be stringy and shift rather than being cut crisply. This video shows you how to clean up the edges of the hole to insure that it looks professional and functions correctly.

Using 18mm Engine Adapters with Single-Use Rocket Motors
(Posted: 01/11/11)

The small aluminum engine mount adapters can be tricky to use with single-use motors from Estes or Quest. This video shows you the techniques that we recommend. All that is required is a bit of masking tape.

Using 18mm Engine Retainers with Single-Use Rocket Motors
(Posted: 12/29/10)

The 18mm motor retainer was originally designed specifically for reloadable motors. But with a little ingenuity, you can use it with single use motors too. This video will show you how adding a little bit of tape makes all the difference.

Tracking Altitude Inexpensively using an Inclinometer
(Posted: 12/14/10)

Want to be able to teach school students how to track their rockets to see how high they launched? It is actually pretty straight-forward and you can get decent results with very inexpensive equipment using single station tracking.

AltimeterOne Update
(Posted: 11/30/10)

The AltimeterOne altimeter has undergone a significant upgrade modification to make it even better. It now displays either English or Metric units, plus it has a low-battery icon that shows when it is time to recharge the unit. In addition, it also has a special mode that allows you to see the current altitude in real-time. This mode is great for educators, as it will show the students how the pressure changes with altitude. In other words, you can watch the altitude change as you ride up in an elevator! Or you can turn it on and see how high you've hiked up a hill. This video goes through the new features of the latest version of the AltimeterOne so you can see it in action.

Rocketry in the Classroom
(Posted: 11/16/10)

Looking for some ideas on how to incorporate rocketry into your school classroom? This video will give you some ideas on how to tie rocketry to the subject matter you're already teaching in your class. Your students will have a greater appreciation for the importance of what you are already teaching them.

Helicopter Rockets
(Posted: 10/27/10)

This video gives you an introduction to the fascinating world of helicopter-recovery rockets. There are many different types of helicopters, and I'll show you a few of the different ones that I've come across in my journeys in rocketry

Using Single-Use Motors In Aerotech Kits
(Posted: 9/27/10)

The Aerotech rocket kits, because they are the only high power kits to have engine hooks, can cause some confusion among new modelers. If you use a single-use motor that is short, the motor will slide in too far. How do you get the motor to stick out far enough so that the engine hook will engage over the top of the motor? In this video, we'll show you a simple technique for repositioning the motor without a custom-length spacer tube in front of the engine

Preventing Zippered Body Tubes
(Posted: 8/31/10)

What exactly is a zippered body tube? What causes the problem to occur, and what can you do you minimize the chances of it happening to your rocket?

Imagine using GPS to track your rocket's location? Would you ever lose a rocket again? Add to that the capability to receive flight data, such as altitude and acceleration in real time. Wouldn't that be educational and add value to your rocket's flight? This video explains the main features of the TeleMetrum payload that allows you to do these advanced things.

Strengthening Plastic Parachutes
(Posted: 7/20/10)

It isn't always necessary to switch from a plastic parachute to a nylon cloth parachute. A plastic chute can be strengthened pretty easily, and it is far cheaper in the long run. This video will show you how to add strength to a plastic chute without adding a lot of weight by running the suspension lines over the top of the canopy. I'll even show you how to do it if the chute has a central spill hole cut in the middle to help stabilize the chute.

How To Fill Body Tube Spirals
(Posted: 7/8/10)

To get a perfect finish on your rockets, you have to smooth out the surface defects. Filling the canyons (called the spirals) in body tubes is one of the things that frustrates a lot of modelers. I won't try to fool you, it does take effort. In this video, you'll see the easiest technique that I've come across for filling deep spirals in tubes.

How To Use Altitude Tracking Scopes
(Posted: 6/21/10)

One way of tracking how high a rocket flies with high accuracy is accomplished with theodelites. These instruments allow you to record the elevation angle (up and down) and azimuth angles (north-south-east-west) that the rocket makes as it ascends. It is easier to do than it sounds.

How To Join Tubes Together
(Posted: 6/8/10)

Would you like better looking rockets? Joining tubes together correctly will make the rocket look great and will greatly speed up the process of getting the rocket ready to paint. Learn the correct way to joint tubes!

How Altimeters Work - A Tutorial
(Posted: 5/25/10)

How accurate are altimeters? Which is the best one? These are common questions that are hard to answer, because of the randomness of the atmosphere. This video explains what that means and how it relates to the accuracy of electronic altimeters.

Teaching Rocketry: Design A Rocket
(Posted: 5/11/10)

Teaching model rocketry doesn't have to be scary. You only need to cover the basics to be successful, as rocketry by itself will excite your students. In this video, we are teaching the basics by helping the students design a rocket for a specific mission. In this case, it is a drag race rocket.

Attaching Strings to Parachutes When Helping Children
(Posted: 4/27/10)

Young children have a hard time attaching strings to plastic parachutes on model rockets. If you're working with boy scouts or school children, you'll see my method of tying the strings to the parachute canopy. The kids will have an easier time, and the rocket will come down straighter and slower.

Add Texture To Your Model Rocket To Add Visual Stimulation
(Posted: 4/13/10)

You can quickly and inexpensively spruce up your rocket by adding details to the outside, called texture. Your friends will be in awe when they see the rocket that you've built.

How to Attach A Streamer To Your Rocket
(Posted: 3/30/10)

How exactly is a streamer attached to a rocket? This video shows you one method of getting it done.

How to Fold a Mylar Streamer
(Posted: 3/30/10)

Looking for maximum drag from your streamer recovery rocket so that it will fall as slow as possible? This video shows you how to make the accordion folds in your streamer.

How to Decorate Your Model Rockets With Tunnel Covers
(Posted: 3/16/10)

Looking for a way to spice up your rocket designs and make them look more like a NASA rocket? Try adding a wiring tunnel to the outside. When you add them to your rocket, it gives it a really cool and realistic look.

How to Select Model Rocket Engines - Part 2 of 2
(Posted: 3/2/10)

This video concludes our discussion of the proper steps you'll need to follow when selecting rocket motors for your own designs and kits.

How to Select Model Rocket Motors - Part 1 of 2
(Posted: 2/16/10)

This video will give you the step-by-step process for picking the right motors for your rockets. You'll get safe and successful flights by matching the motor to the rocket and the weather conditions.

Preventing Long Shock Cords From Tangling
(Posted: 2/2/10)

I like longer shock cords because they have less of a tendency to zipper a body tube at parachute ejection. But the obvious problem with long cords is that stuffing them into a tube can be tedious and they can get tangled more easily than a short cord. In this video, I'll show you one technique that I use to prevent these long cords from getting tangled so easily.

Setting Up Dual Deployment Rockets - Part 5 of 5
(Posted: 1/18/10)

This video concludes the series on dual-deployment altimeters. We'll finish the discussion about setting up the device with the altimeter's software, and also how to view the data that gets stored on the altimeter during the flight.

Setting Up Dual Deployment Rockets - Part 4 of 5
(Posted: 1/18/10)

In this fourth video in the series, we'll show you how to set the altimeter to deploy the parachutes at the correct time during the flight. You'll also see how to use the altimeter to perform electronic staging.

Setting Up Dual Deployment Rockets - Part 3 of 5
(Posted: 1/05/10)

In this third video, we'll talk more about mounting ejection charges, and about some of the safety considerations you'll need to be aware of. You'll also see a bench test of two altimeters in a vacuum chamber.

Setting Up Dual Deployment Rockets - Part 2 of 5
(Posted: 1/05/10)

In this second video on Dual-Deployment rockets, we'll show how to mount your altimeter into a avionics bay, and how you might attach the ejection charge to the bulkhead.

Setting Up Dual Deployment Rockets - Part 1 of 5
(Posted: 12/22/09)

In this first video, we'll explain what dual-deployment (ejecting two separate parachutes) is, and explain how the Entacore Dual-Deployment Altimeter works that controls the rocket.

How To Make Conformal Parts
(Posted: 12/9/09)

Conformal parts are things that adapt to the curvature of the tube. It includes parts like canopies and thick fins. The advantage is that they are stronger, and are easier to paint because there are less gaps that need to be filled. This instructional video shows you how to make them.

How To Cut Your Own Centering Rings
(Posted: 11/24/09)

This video shows you how to cut out your own centering rings to use in your own rocket designs. You'll save money, and have the great satisfaction of knowing that you built the rockets yourself.

How To Build Your Canted, Clustered-Engine Rocket (Part 2)
(Posted: 11/10/09)

You've designed your canted engine mount, but the engine mount tubes interfere with each other. This video shows you how to build the rocket and take care of that interference issue. Part 2 of 2.

How To Design A Canted, Clustered-Engine Rocket
(Posted 10/27/09)

Not only do canted engines make a cool smoke plume, but they can prevent a rocket that cartwheels across the sky should one motor in the cluster fail to ignite. This video shows you how to set-up the design so that the rocket will always fly straight. Part 1 of 2.

How To Print Out A Full Size Drawing Of Your RockSim Design
(Posted 10/13/09)

RockSim does not allow you to directly print out a 1-to-1 (full scale) drawing of your design. But if you export the 2D drawing and open it in a drawing program, you can print out a full size drawing of your design. This video will walk you through the steps.

How To Use A Motor Mount Adapter (Posted 9/29/09)

29mm motor mount adapters for 38mm kits are deceptively simple looking. "How do you use them?" is a common question people ask. This video will show you a few simple techniques.

How To Assemble A Reloadable Motor (Posted 9/13/09)

"Is it hard to assemble a reloadable rocket motor from Aerotech?" This is a common question that we're asked. I don't know if you'll believe me if I say it is; so I'll show you how to put one together in this video. You can judge for yourself if I speak the truth.

How Do Piston Launchers Work? (Posted 9/1/09)

Piston launchers recycle the gases from the rocket engine and give the model a higher initial kick at launch. This results in higher speeds and higher flights from the rocket. In this video, you'll see how piston launchers work, and how to use them to maximum effectiveness.

How To Restrain Rocket Engines (Posted 8/18/09)

You have to keep your rocket motor from moving either forward or backward. This is called restraining the motor. There are a number of ways to do this, and in this video, you'll see answers to the common questions that we're asked.

How To Apply Paper Skin To Balsa Wood Fins (Posted 8/4/09)

Adding a paper lamination to the surfaces of balsa wood fins greatly increases the strength of the fin as well as creating a smooth surface that doesn't require a lot of sealing to get it ready for paint. It can be done to any kit fit to make a great looking model, and I highly recommend doing this for rockets that are intended to break the sonic barrier (the speed of sound).

Build a Hookless Motor-Mount Adapter (Posted 7/21/09)

Do you have a big rocket that needs to be converted to take smaller diameter engines? That is the purpose of an Engine Mount Adapter. The one shown in this video is special. It is designed to be used with rockets that already have an engine hook built into them. They are hookless in nature, meaning you don't need a separate engine hook to hold the motor into the adapter. It is a simple device that will allow you to swap out motors quickly between flights.

How To Prep A Rocket For Launch (Posted 7/7/09)

This video will show you how to properly prepare your model rocket for flight. You'll see: inserting the wadding, folding the parachute, inserting the motor and its igniter, placing the rocket on the launch pad, and some safety tips for the actual launch. The result? A perfect flight where the rocket is recovered so it can be flown again and again.

Transition Section Construction - Part 4 (Posted 6/23/09)

This is the final video in the transition construction series. Here, you'll see the final assembly of the removable transition section, and how to prepare it to accept the paint.

Transition Section Construction - Part 3 (Posted 6/08/09)

Assembling the transition once it has been cut out from the pattern sheet is the first thing you'll see in this video. Once that is assembled, we'll start building the structure that goes under the paper shroud. The shroud is simply to smooth the airflow over the rocket, and does not carry any structural load.

Transition Section Construction - Part 2 (Posted 5/26/09)

In part one, you saw how to create the paper pattern sheet for the transition using the RockSim software, or by drawing it yourself using the equations in the book Model Rocket Design and Construction. Now we'll start cutting the pattern out and apply the special glue to assemble the conical shroud.

Transition Section Construction - Part 1 (Posted 5/12/09)

A transition section is used to make a smooth and gradual joint between tubes of different diameters. That helps lower the drag so the rocket can fly higher in the sky. In this video, you'll see some of the preliminary stuff on how to make your own transition sections from heavy paper.

Make Your Own Payload Bay (Posted 4/28/09)

Payload bays are easy to make if you have that special shoulder piece that connects the tubes together. But solid balsa wood cylinders (called balsa nose blocks) are expensive. A cheaper alternative is to use a tube coupler with a cardstock disk in it. In this video, you'll see how to make the bulkhead and attach a loop where you can connect the parachute.

Make Your Own Tube Couplers (Posted 4/8/09)

If you want to create a long model rocket from two shorter tubes, you'll need a tube coupler. In this video you'll see how to make your own and save a boat-load of money.

How To Strengthen Centering Rings (Posted 3/29/09)

You can add a lot of strength to a centering ring without switching to an expensive and heavy plywood ring. In this video you'll see our top three choices to make rings stronger.

How To Cut To Length Small Diameter Body Tubes

Cutting body tubes to a custom length is a skill that you'll need if you want to make your own designs. Imagine taking a long tube and cutting it shorter, but at the same time its edge is straight and crisp. Here you'll see one of my favorite techniques that allows you to achieve that result.

This technique also works well for cutting off the damaged end from the front section of a rocket.

How To Cut To Length Large Diameter Body Tubes

This is an alternative method for cutting tubes to length. It isn't quite as good as it takes a real steady hand to get a straight cut. But if you practice a few times, you'll get some great results. This method also works much better with bigger tubes than with smaller ones.

How To Mount An Altimeter Into A Small Rocket

This video shows how to mount an altimeter into a small model rocket. There are many good rockets that can be used for science fair projects, such as the Payloader One or Zenith rockets, but often the payload bay is too short for the altimeter. In this video, you'll see how to modify the rocket to make the altimeter fit. The tools used in this video are: razor saw, hobby knife, and a small drill bit.

Slot Body Tubes For Through-The-Wall Fins

If you really want to build durable rockets, you gotta use through-the-wall fin joints. That is, a small tab on the base of the fin extends down into the side of the tube and is glued directly to the engine mount tube inside. The advantage is the bending force needed to snap a fin off are so great that you'll probably break the wood before you'll break the joint where it attaches.

Cutting slots is a technique I put in the Skill Level 3 category. It takes a steady hand, and a little patience. And as you'll see in this video, even I can screw it up... But I'll also show you how to correct the mistakes if you do make them.

Angle Edges to Create Better Joints

I didn't have time in the previous video to show how to properly angle the wood's edges to make a stronger and more visually appealing joint. So this video will show you that technique.

There really aren't any special tools that you'll need to bevel the edges. I'll show you in this video how to accomplish it with simple hand tools like a hobby knife and a sanding block.

Add Spin Tabs to Your Rocket's Fins

This video will show you how to take a simple model and add spin tabs to the bottom of the fins so that it will spin when launched. This has a same effect as a rifle bullet that spins to fly straighter. How hard is this to do? Great question. I consider this a "Skill-Level 3" procedure.

Not to worry. We have a series of free videos that will walk you through the construction of your first simple model rocket. Can you imagine looking like an expert in the eyes of your family by the end of today? It can happen!

Click here to watch our Free "beginner videos."

Join the modelers that are getting their pictures in the rocketry magazines while showing off their own designs. They've ratcheted up their building skills, and so can you.

Building Skill Level 1 and Level 2 Model Rocket Kits: The DVD's.