How to "pour" fillets?

What container do you use to pour your epoxy for fillets? After you pour it do you simply use rubbing alcohol to shape it?

Thanks as always.

I'll take a quick stab at this, but I may run out of time.

I am going to assume that you are pouring fin fillets. The rocket must be supported in a horizontal position. The rocket must be LEVEL. Most of us actually use a leveling tool to ensure that this is true. The fins should be in an "X" pattern when viewed from the end (this assumes a 4 fin rocket - for any other number of fins, you just want two fins sticking up at the same angle). In this position, you can pour the top two fillets.

Use masking tape to make "dams" at the front and the back of the fin. The dam at the front can be slanted back some to give better aerodynamics. The dam at the back should just be straight across. (Tulanko or Gerringer, one of you could be a hero here with a picture)

Heat the epoxy in a microwave. Heat each bottle SEPARATELY. Do not heat them at the same time. Don't boil them.... just have them warm. Depending on the wattage of your microwave, this could take as little as 15 or 20 seconds per bottle.

We use the plastic cups with measuring notations on them that you can get at most hobby shops for mixing purposes. You want your fin fillets to be pretty substantial, so be sure to mix enough for the job.

Mix enough epoxy for two fillets, and carefully pour the epoxy into the dammed areas. Pour it slowly, and move the cup along the fillet area - don't just pour in the center and make the epoxy flow along the entire area.

With this method, there is no "shaping" needed.

When the epoxy is set up, you can remove the masking tape. Sometimes the front and rear edges of the epoxy may need some shaping. The entire fillet should at least be surface sanded for better paint adhesion.

Rotate the rocket 90 degrees and do the next two.

Continue the process until all fillets are done.

Hope this helps.

It does help. Thanks for taking the time to explain.

Here is a picture of a fillet that was just poured. It says it all...

Also, notice the white plastic item sitting on top of the body tube on the right side of the photo. That is a small level.

Cya,

Carl



<img src="https://www.rocketreviews.com/images4/thoy_phoenix_rear_fillets.jpg">