Water Rockets - Where to Source PVC Pipes?

[Radam87]

Hi

I was looking to make a water rocket launcher with PVC pipes. The instructors are usually from Americans in imperial so they call for 1/2 inch PVC pipes. These aren't readily available at Screwfix etc. Is there some difference in the way they measure pipe diameter in the US?

Also could anyone recommend the best place to buy PVC piping and fittings from? I don't want to spend a fortunate ideally.

 

[wobs]

Sounds like you need schedule 40 pvc pipes. Also good for making bows.
https://www.plasticpipeshop.co.uk/White-Industrial-PVC-Inch-Pressure-Pipe_c_1503.html

 

[wobs]

I should add that the size is the inside diameter, and they are thicker walled than UK PVC pipes.

 

[Radam87]

I should add that the size is the inside diameter, and they are thicker walled than UK PVC pipes.

Oh dang I thought they'd be universal - any way of knowing what size to get so that it's equivalent to the American 1/2 inch?

 

[EFLImpudence]

any way of knowing what size to get so that it's equivalent to the American 1/2 inch?

Multiply by 25.4 for millimeters.

 

[wobs]

Try here for working out OD size:
https://www.pipeflowcalculations.com/tables/schedule-40.xhtml

Also, here is the market leader in turning these pipes into bows:
https://www.youtube.com/user/BackyardBowyer/videos

 

[JohnD]

Multiply by 25.4 for millimeters.

although UK metric pipe sizes are specified by external diameter.

Old British Imperial pipe sizes were specified by internal diameter (about)

 

[wobs]

If you want really thick walls, you could go for class 7 pipes:
https://www.epco-plastics.com/product/pvc-pressure-pipe/pvc-imperial-pressure-pipe-class-7-6-metre

 

[Brigadier]

Hi

I was looking to make a water rocket launcher with PVC pipes. The instructors are usually from Americans in imperial so they call for 1/2 inch PVC pipes. These aren't readily available at Screwfix etc. Is there some difference in the way they measure pipe diameter in the US?

Also could anyone recommend the best place to buy PVC piping and fittings from? I don't want to spend a fortunate ideally.

Is a water rocket launcher different to a water bottle rocket launcher?

 

[Radam87]

Is a water rocket launcher different to a water bottle rocket launcher?

No - the same I believe. Perhaps I'm using the wrong terminology.