New build, 5 Finger Death Punch

I put the smaller bulkhead I had made over the threaded rod, to keep it centered while the resin sets. I also got the 38mm adapter epoxied together.

Using the finwrap I printed from Open Rocket, I marked the positions of the fins and rail buttons. Using a length of 1-1/2" aluminum angle, I drew the lines. Then setting the motor mount next to the body tube, I marked the position of the forward rail button block on the outside.

I used 30 minute epoxy for the motor mount, for the extra strength and setting time. Apparently there was a leak from the resin somewhere, but it will peel right off. I've never had this happen before, one of the holes didn't get filled with resin. No biggie, I'll just fill it with 5 minute epoxy.

I decided to cut the fin tabs slightly smaller, so I trimmed 1/2" off both ends. As usual, I did a quick initial sanding with the stationary belt sander. And I got the fin slots cut. Anybody want to buy five never used fin slots?

The first of many fins...

Great build Jim!

qquake2k said:

The first of many fins...

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Looking good !!

I really do like this way of aligning fins I think I may have to make one eventually !!

Krusty

rocketgeek101 said:

Great build Jim!

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krusty said:

Looking good !!

I really do like this way of aligning fins I think I may have to make one eventually !!

Krusty

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Wow, the international seal of approval! Thanks guys!

Using what has become indispensable for me, my trusty homemade fin alignment jig, I got the rest of the fins epoxied on. And just to prove how fallible I really am, I cut one of the fin slots wrong, so the one fin is too high. But since I already had epoxy on it, I decided to leave it. I definitely won't be able to see it on the pad.

My first five finned rocket. I like it! It looks rather star like from the rear.

It looks like I got good contact with the fin tabs to the motor tube. I think I'll forgo internal fillets this time. If I'm going to break a fin, I'd rather it break cleanly. When I broke a fin on my Ion Disruptor, it was a challenge to get the broken fin out because of the epoxy fillet on the tab. The extra width of the fillet wouldn't allow the fin tab to pull through the slot in the body tube.

It's taking shape. I'm really liking the looks of this one!

Me too !!!

Got the ends of the bamboo skewers sanded flush with the Dremel. I also filled the hole with 5 minute epoxy.

As usual, I used Loctite molding glue for the external fillets.

=1 subscribed...love the 5 fins!

Now I can't decide on the paint scheme. The body has to be black, because of the decals. But what color do I paint the fins and nose cone? My initial thought was black and blue, to go along with the "punch" theme. But now I'm not so sure.

And should I paint just the fins, or the whole fin can? I'm terrible with decisions.

qquake2k said:

And should I paint just the fins, or the whole fin can? I'm terrible with decisions.

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I like the look of the whole fin can being painted - and it makes masking much easier, too

Krusty

krusty said:

I like the look of the whole fin can being painted - and it makes masking much easier, too

Krusty

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That's exactly why I was considering it - less masking. :tongue:

mpitfield said:

=1 subscribed...love the 5 fins!

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Thank you! I like the five fins, too. Gives it a different look than your normal rocket.

qquake2k said:

But which color do you prefer?

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That's a tough question!!!

You can pick up one of the colours from the decal - perhaps red - and go with that. It also implies blood!

There's also blue - you've used that in a lot of the pics you've put up during the build - it looks good and you have already shown an attraction to it and like you say it ties in with the punch theme.

See, I can give you an answer without answering your question

Krusty

qquake2k said:

But which color do you prefer?

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Full fin can, looks better (IMO), easier to paint, considering your tag line :wink: ...and I vote blue 1st, purple 2nd

qquake2k said:

And should I paint just the fins, or the whole fin can? I'm terrible with decisions.

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Jim,Another outstanding build.As far as the color choice,I like the blue painted fin can as my first choice and then purple as my second.You might even try blue fin can followed by the black decal and purple on top.Alot of color for sure.

I like the all orange Jim !



Paul T

You can't really tell from these photos, but I put a second layer of fillets on. Later today, I'll start sanding the fins and sealing them.

qquake2k said:

Hmmm...

https://www.duplicolor.com/products/metalCast/

https://www.duplicolor.com/products/mirage/

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https://www.alsacorp.com/products/mirracolor/mirracolor_prodinfo.htm :grin:

Krusty