Book Review: I Still Have All My Fingers, by Dan Pollino
Review by Daniel Kirk
In this manual for building a 72-inch amateur rocket, everything but the parachute is repurposed or scratch-built, including the motor and propellant. The rocket accelerates to over 400 miles per hour in 3 seconds and travels to an altitude of 6,000 feet. The book, like the rocket, follows a modular plan. Detailed, well-written instructions and a clear photo explain each step. More than a cookbook, nearly every step explains why. Technique, tool, or material options are given for many steps, giving experienced rocketeers flexibility. This is not a project for a beginner, but if you’re at all interested in amateur rocketry, it’s good reading.
This is an excerpt from MAKE Volume 33.
MAKE Volume 33 features our special Software for Makers section covering apps for circuit board design, 3D design and printing, microcontrollers, and programming for kids. Also, meet our new Arduino-powered Rovera robot and get started with Raspberry Pi. As usual, you’ll also find fascinating makers inside, like the maniacs on our cover, the hackers behind the popular Power Racing Series events at Maker Faire.
Try your hand at 22 great DIY projects, like the Optical Tremolo guitar effects box, "Panjolele" cake-pan ukelele, Wii Nunchuk Mouse, CNC joinery tricks, treat-dispensing cat scratching post, laser-cut flexing wooden books, sake brewing, growing incredibly hot “ghost chili” peppers, and much more.
On newsstands now, by subscription, or available in the Maker Shed
