OldManRocket
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- Oct 10, 2017
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I am slowly putting together a small shop for building rockets. Starting out I will not have any power tools at all but intend to add a few as I go along. Since I will only be adding one tool at at time I would like to know which tools you find most useful (or most used) in your rocket building endeavors. Actually, I do have a cordless hand drill so that by default will be my first power tool in the shop.
At first I will only be building from kits but I suspect I will want to modify some. I have no intention of getting into fiberglassing tubes or fins myself although I will certainly be building some fiberglass kits. I like "low and slow" so I don't expect to be pushing the envelope as far as velocity or altitude are concerned. I intend to certify at level 2 but not level 3 so the biggest motors I expect to fly will be 54mm K's. I may build some kits up to 7.5" in diameter but anything I build from scratch will probably be a maximum of 4" in diameter.
Given the above, does it make sense to invest in power tools for making fins, centering rings, bulkhead plates etc. at all or would it be cheaper/easier in the long run to just buy such components from the many fine kit makers out there? Hmm... It sounds like I am talking myself out of investing in any power tools at all except maybe a Dremel. Well, maybe something for cutting tubes to length including fiberglass tubes.
At any rate I would still like to hear a discussion of what tools you find to be the most fun, most used, and most useful in your rocket shop!
Thanks!
At first I will only be building from kits but I suspect I will want to modify some. I have no intention of getting into fiberglassing tubes or fins myself although I will certainly be building some fiberglass kits. I like "low and slow" so I don't expect to be pushing the envelope as far as velocity or altitude are concerned. I intend to certify at level 2 but not level 3 so the biggest motors I expect to fly will be 54mm K's. I may build some kits up to 7.5" in diameter but anything I build from scratch will probably be a maximum of 4" in diameter.
Given the above, does it make sense to invest in power tools for making fins, centering rings, bulkhead plates etc. at all or would it be cheaper/easier in the long run to just buy such components from the many fine kit makers out there? Hmm... It sounds like I am talking myself out of investing in any power tools at all except maybe a Dremel. Well, maybe something for cutting tubes to length including fiberglass tubes.
At any rate I would still like to hear a discussion of what tools you find to be the most fun, most used, and most useful in your rocket shop!
Thanks!