Rocket Launch Platform
Materials 1/2"x36"x48" plywood (included optional step); 18"-sq. hardboard; 1/4"x15/16"x18" pine lattice; 3/8"x3/4"x24" cut from 1" pine stock; 1x2x18" pine; 36"x48" plastic laminate (see General Directions); four 3/4"x1 1/2" butt hinges with screws.
To build launch platform From 1/2" plywood, cut out back withs lots, 2 sides and bottom. Apply laminate to one side of bottom and inside of two side pieces. Assemble with glue and counter-sunk screws. Apply laminate to the three outside surfaces.
Cut the slides from the pine lattice, paint and attach with contact cement in positions indicated. From pine, cut and assemble handle and arms. Drill pilot hole for pivot screws.
From 1/4" hardboard, cut moving platform; from pine, cut its slide brackets. Laminate top of platform. Assemble with glue, then cut out channels in slides. Install handle and arms with pivot screw. Place platform and test mechanism. It should stay up without being held and drop with a nudge of the handle. The rounded notch in each bracket may require slight deepening to adjust.
Cut out catwalk. Attach to walls with finishing nails and glue so there will be a 3/16" lip along its inside edges. Laminate catwalk and 1/2" piece of plywood large enough for four sections of folding doors.
Cut four door sections. Mortise for hinges as shown. Hinge in pairs, each pair to catwalk. Sand, fill and paint edges.
To build steps attached to rocket launch From pine, cut cleat; from 1/2" plywood, cut landing and steps (with beveled back edges if band saw is not available). Assemble upper two steps and landing with glue only. Cut angle under steps with band saw. Assemble lower steps; cut angle under them. Attach lower steps to landing and cleats to step assembly. Install 2 sets of shelf hanger plates. Laminate steps and landing.
