Boring out Tornado Tubes

[U.S. Water Rockets1]

Key words are "for me."

If you can afford drinks to get bottles to make your rockets, you should be able to buy some tornado tubes. If you can't afford those, how can you afford PL Premium? Water rockets are super inexpensive, so if your budget is that limited it is probably because you are splitting your resources among several hobbies. You may have to set priorities. Good luck!

[Water Rocket Expert]

I got the rocket as a gift.

[Water Rocket Expert]

I fly rc planes helis, launch water rockets and build them, do biking, fly kites, model rocketry, etc. Gotta pack in the stuff before its too late!

[Water Rocket Expert]

I know maybe I'll buy some but the reviews are bad and they seem to leak and crack.

[Reptiglorandrockets]

I know maybe I'll buy some but the reviews are bad and they seem to leak and crack.

Ever heard of rubber washers? For me that prevents them from over tightening and cracking.

[Jamie5335]

Hello All,

When it comes to widening Tornado tubes we use a Drill Press and a step drill piece. It works a treat, and you can then sand away the inside for a 18 mm internal diameter:

1)

DSC01156 c.jpg (70.65 KiB) Viewed 26 times

Above shows the older Tornado Tubes we used a while ago, these had a ~16mm internal diameter, but it also shows the Step Drill piece.

2)

DSC01636.JPG (65.7 KiB) Viewed 26 times

These are our present couplings using the same principle to widen them- except they have been sanded a bit more to give an 18mm internal diameter.

Hope that help!

Jamie B

[U.S. Water Rockets1]

Hello All,

When it comes to widening Tornado tubes we use a Drill Press and a step drill piece. It works a treat, and you can then sand away the inside for a 18 mm internal diameter:

1)

DSC01156 c.jpg

Above shows the older Tornado Tubes we used a while ago, these had a ~16mm internal diameter, but it also shows the Step Drill piece.

2)

DSC01636.JPG

These are our present couplings using the same principle to widen them- except they have been sanded a bit more to give an 18mm internal diameter.

Hope that help!

Jamie B

The step drill idea looks like it really works great. That looks like a good tool to have in your toolbox. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

[Team Seneca]

That's what I'm talkin' about!

That's exactly what I was trying to explain.

[bugwubber]

That's what I'm talkin' about!

That's exactly what I was trying to explain.

Hmm, another $30 tool to add to my things to buy list. Looks like it's worth it though.

Bugwubber

[Spaceman Spiff]

That's what I'm talkin' about!

That's exactly what I was trying to explain.

Hmm, another $30 tool to add to my things to buy list. Looks like it's worth it though.

Bugwubber

Since the bit only needs to drill plastic, you can probably get away with buying a cheap one. It won't need to be titanium or super hardened.

[Team Seneca]

That's what I'm talkin' about!

That's exactly what I was trying to explain.

Hmm, another $30 tool to add to my things to buy list. Looks like it's worth it though.

Bugwubber

Since the bit only needs to drill plastic, you can probably get away with buying a cheap one. It won't need to be titanium or super hardened.

Right! Here's the ones I have (All 3 for $12) : http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-ti ... 91616.html

[U.S. Water Rockets1]

Right! Here's the ones I have (All 3 for $12) : http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-ti ... 91616.html

Thanks for the link. That's a great price!

[Water Rocket Expert]

Right! Here's the ones I have (All 3 for $12) : http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-ti ... 91616.html

Thanks for the link. That's a great price!

Looks like I'll have to add this to the "check out" list. I happen to live about 5 minutes from the Harbor Freight store.

[Water Rocket Expert]

I bought a step bit from Harbor Freight today. I plan on trying your method for boring the tornado tubes. It cost like $5

[Water Rocket Expert]

Maybe I should have bought the big set.