Can I Get $20 of Regular?

So tonight I'll explain how I add the solid rocket fuel to the rocket body. First thing's first, we need to decide on a fuel.

Basically there are a couple of criteria that you want to look at. The first thing is fuel stability. You want something that by itself is relatively harmless and nonreactive at room temperature. Secondly you want to look at whether the substance you're going to use can be molded to shape the inside of the rocket body. And the last criteria you want to look at is the amount of "pop" the fuel is going to give you.

So for this first rocket I'm going to use paraffin wax. It's the same wax household candles burn, so obviously it's safe. It can be melted down and then fit into a mold, and if burned at high temperatures like we're going to do it will certainly produce a lot of energy.

So step one go out and buy some candles. Try to get the unscented ones. I say that because when you melt it down, scented candles will obviously release their aroma. My house has smelled like oranges for the past three days, which in all honesty is a welcome change.

Step two is melting that candle down. Get a pot. Strip the candle of any stickers and plastic that may be on it. Throw the candle in the pot, place it on the burner and fire it up to medium low heat. You don't have to melt all the wax, just enough to fill the body of the rocket engine.

While the wax is melting get a bowl, a wooden dowel and a sheet of paper. Tightly wrap one layer of paper around the dowel. Then cut the paper and tape it off. We're just trying to create a barrier that will separate the dowel and the wax so that they come apart easier. Stand the rocket up so that it is standing straight up on the bottom of the bowl. Next remove the top nozzle from the engine. Place the dowel inside the rocket body and make sure it's pushed as far down as it will go, and that it is not touching the cylinder walls. Now pour pour the hot wax onto the dowel. It should run down the dowel and into the engine. At this point do not touch the rocket body. It may burn you. Keep filling the engine until the wax reaches the top. Blow over the top of the engine to cool the wax so it solidifies. Once you see the top has solidified put the bowl, rocket and dowel in the freezer together for about 45 minutes. Once the 45 minutes have passed the rocket engine should be safe to touch. At this point slide out the dowel. you may need pliers to pull it out. Don't worry if the paper comes out or if it doesn't. Screw the nozzle back on and you're done fueling your rocket!

This whole process takes some time. If you're like me you'll want to hurry through it so you can test fire the engine. Try not to rush! This is an extremely important step in the building process, and needs to be done right.

And as always, take two extra seconds for safety. Don't spill melted wax all over yourself. It won't be comfortable...