Hi from Spain

[Antoniohrm]

Hi, i'm now designing my first water rocket i wouldn't reject any help, great site!

Sorry for my english, I try to learn as much as I can.

[Brian]

Your english was fine. What do you have in mind for your design?

[Antoniohrm]

I'm not really sure, it's my first rocket and I'm not sure on what would be the easier thing, of course I imagine single stage are much easier to build, but I don't know what capacity should I use, and the biggest doubt, how to make a release system?
Is the one on the photo reliable? Thanks!

[Blenderite]

That is a very interesting design you are using to hold the rocket to the pad! I have never seen a release mechanism quite like that! Also how does the copper work for a launch tube? I have thought of using copper to make a launchpad using it. It looks like you got a nice system going. One thing: Do you have a one way valve to prevent the water from going up the air hose and potentially destroying you air pump? I can see that you have a Schrader or Presta valve there but from my experience, water can leak past those, which ruined one of my bike pumps. Keep up the good work!!!

-DogLover

[Antoniohrm]

Actually, that system isn´t mine, I've taken it from a video ( but I was searching for some systems and I thought that would possibly work, but looking closely, that's not too sure, I mean, the plastic "ring" may break? I can´t explain you how it's made, sorry, but in the video I guess they explain it, so if you need any translation, please tell me. So, what method do you use for it? Thanks!

[bugwubber]

Actually, that system isn´t mine, I've taken it from a video ( but I was searching for some systems and I thought that would possibly work, but looking closely, that's not too sure, I mean, the plastic "ring" may break? I can´t explain you how it's made, sorry, but in the video I guess they explain it, so if you need any translation, please tell me. So, what method do you use for it? Thanks!

That looks like a nice simple design- 4 L brackets with a bent piece of wire passing through the top screw holes. As long as you get big/thick enough brackets, and thick enough wire, that should be a reliable release mechanism.

Myself, I wouldn't use copper but if you have experience in soldering, already own a torch, that would be just fine. Threaded pipe is an easier way to go if you are not familiar with joining copper.

I like being able to load both water and air from the launch pipe so I have a Y connector that feeds in water first, then air. Makes launching much easier.

[Blenderite]

It looks like a great design. I wouldn't worry about the plastic ring breaking. They are very strong. I think it is a great method.

-DogLover

[Antoniohrm]

I think I'll use that method, soldering cupper isn't a problem and it's easy and simple. About the capacity of the rocket and the desing, any suggestions?

[U.S. Water Rockets1]

I think I'll use that method, soldering cupper isn't a problem and it's easy and simple. About the capacity of the rocket and the desing, any suggestions?

That design is very effective. There are a lot of tutorials that teach that style of release. Nobody every complains about the plastic ring breaking off. The only thing that could be a concern is the long brackets try to lean over when you pull the release and it can bind on the u-shaped release, making it hard to pull. Many people do this kind of design, but they use eye bolts in place of the L brackets.

[bugwubber]

I think I'll use that method, soldering cupper isn't a problem and it's easy and simple. About the capacity of the rocket and the desing, any suggestions?

That design is very effective. There are a lot of tutorials that teach that style of release. Nobody every complains about the plastic ring breaking off. The only thing that could be a concern is the long brackets try to lean over when you pull the release and it can bind on the u-shaped release, making it hard to pull. Many people do this kind of design, but they use eye bolts in place of the L brackets.

Ooh good point. Eyebolts would work better.