Level 3 Build Thread

[FlyBy01]

Finally I had a little time to get some work done. I used some Proline 4500 to epoxy the stainless 1/4X20 nuts into the back plates. To control the epoxy I cutoff a q-tip and used it for precise application to avoid getting epoxy in the threads of the nuts.

Learning: Not all rail buttons are designed the same. RailButtons.com have a #10 machine screw hole. Binder Design makes their 1515 rail buttons with a 1/4” in. hole. I went with Binder due to my back plate design for 1/4” in. nut.

 

[FlyBy01]

Experimented with the motor tube and centering rings to make sure I would be able to get it past the rail button mount. Lots of clearance by angling past the rail button mount. Looks like I have a good bond and I’m waiting for the epoxy to cure. (Note: Yes an oil was applied to all hardware to prevent accidental bonding of the wrong parts.)

 

[FlyBy01]

Real rocketry went on tonight! I had to use some hobby files and the Dremel to shape things for a final test fit. Before motor tube installation I will need to measure the estimated volume needed for each fin dam then the motor tube will be epoxied in.

Every small step gets me closer to my fall launch goal.

 

[FlyBy01]

The second rail-button is on! I found a small break from work again to play. I am trying to get the motor tube in this weekend.

 

[FlyBy01]

The motor hardware is paid for and I’m on the waiting list for a Loki M1650. Scott and his wife are easy to work with and straight forward; I appreciate that.

Very excited to make even this small progress.

 

[FlyBy01]

Last step complete before the motor installation. This was much easier than I expected and none of the epoxy dams leaked! I used a big 100 cc syringe to measure the volume of epoxy needed for the fin dams. I made sure to eliminate as many air bubbles as possible to make the most accurate measurement possible.

 

[FlyBy01]

Well look at that, just look at it. The motor tube is installed. I used my paper drip prevention method, which worked out great. One of my kids held the motor tube up so I could apply some epoxy to the aft centering ring. I also test fit all of the fins just to make sure proper fit of the fins was maintained.

 

[thzero]

Last step complete before the motor installation. This was much easier than I expected and none of the epoxy dams leaked! I used a big 100 cc syringe to measure the volume of epoxy needed for the fin dams. I made sure to eliminate as many air bubbles as possible to make the most accurate measurement possible.

That's what I did for my 4" test build that I'm doing on the 5" L3. About 1.75oz per fin to fill the dams. Made a darn strong and stiff bond on the 4".

Think I'm using a #8 needle to fit in the fin slot.

 

[FlyBy01]

That's what I did for my 4" test build that I'm doing on the 5" L3. About 1.75oz per fin to fill the dams. Made a darn strong and stiff bond on the 4".

Think I'm using a #8 needle to fit in the fin slot.

What epoxy are you using? I have been using Proline 4500

 

[FlyBy01]

I laid down 1 pice of masking tape at a time and drew an outline of where the motor retainer goes. I then used my hobby knife to trim the excess. This one fillet took 11.6 grams of epoxy. Now I just need to fillet the top centering ring tomorrow night. Getting closer to having a fin on every day.

 

[thzero]

What epoxy are you using? I have been using Proline 4500

HTR-212A/HT-386-99