Here We Go Agian

[RocketNerd]

Well staring another build even though my other one is not done, just needs paint.
This one again is pvc (get over it), although its sink plumbing pvc which is alot lighter but still very strong. This one will be built around a E12 or a D motor.
According to openrocket a E-12 will put it up to 900ft

 

[JJSR]

I don't get it whats the fascination with PVC ?? when there are so many other (easier to work with) building materials out there?

 

[RocketNerd]

Because its something different and i enjoy the challenge
I dont get why so many cant get past i want to use pvc.
And i dont find pvc really that hard to work with..

I also make cardboard rockets...

 

[rharshberger]

Because its something different and i enjoy the challenge
I dont get why so many cant get past i want to use pvc.
And i dont find pvc really that hard to work with..

I also make cardboard rockets...
View attachment 281282

It probably has to do with the above stated fact, there are so many other easier to work with materials, if you really want a challenge lay-up your own FG and CF airframes and then make the nose cones to match. Each person to there own however, there aren't a lot of fans of PVC, however if thats what you like then do it. I'm not sure that sink drain pipe is PVC, I believe its ABS.

 

[RocketNerd]

I would very much like to make my of fiber glass tubes and cones, i just dont have the funds...

 

[JJSR]

you can look here for some challenging rockets to build
https://plans.rocketshoppe.com/
I have found a lot of really cool old designs, look for ones that say Exotic.

 

[rharshberger]

I would very much like to make my of fiber glass tubes and cones, i just dont have the funds...

I completely understand the money aspect, you guys on the west side have a great supplier for FG from Fiberglass Supply, and by using less expensive epoxies like US Composites 635 (a half gallon kit $41.95) and fiberglass cloth isn't super expensive, its possible to do it on a budget.

 

[tmacklin]

I've made a number of small, thin wall PVC rockets. In fact, my Guillotine Fin Jig was partially inspired by the necessity of having a fixture that would hold the fins in place undisturbed while the PVC cement cured. After each fin was fully set I would then use JB Weld to reinforce the joints. Nominal 1" SDR 21 PVC makes a great motor mount for 29 mm engines, either as an "almost minimum" diameter airframe or as a through-the-wall configuration. Because PVC is waterproof, it has a distinct advantage if your bird lands in a pond.

 

[tmacklin]

And here's a PVC bird that flew quite well on a AT G76 Mojave Green engine.



And here's a video of its most recent flight.

[video=youtube;OSSM2WKQgfc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSSM2WKQgfc[/video]

 

[RocketNerd]

Speaking of FG i came across this at fred meyers so i bought two packs. 10 feet in all. Wondering if this would work well to wrap my own tube?

 

[RocketNerd]

and heres the progress ive made. just about done all that its missing is the motor mount and a launch lug...
Looking good if i do say so myself, not that you guys probably care due to it being pvc..

 

[Igotnothing]

Speaking of FG i came across this at fred meyers so i bought two packs. 10 feet in all. Wondering if this would work well to wrap my own tube?

View attachment 281354View attachment 281355

It can be used to make a tube. I have done it. However you have to be quick and the results are ugly. It's just perfect for repairing a shovel so u can get. Back to digging out a rocket that went ballistic.

 

[watermelonman]

I like it!

 

[tmacklin]

and heres the progress ive made. just about done all that its missing is the motor mount and a launch lug...
Looking good if i do say so myself, not that you guys probably care due to it being pvc..
View attachment 281356

As long as your recovery system works, who cares indeed. If you take a hard blow to the old noggin, does it really matter if the material is wood, fiberglass or concrete? I think it looks good too and I look forward to your launch report and video!

 

[Trident]

I can summarize my feelings as DWV - the subject is a DRAIN on my patience, I find it a WASTE of time. Sorry, I just had to VENT.

 

[RocketNerd]

It can be used to make a tube. I have done it. However you have to be quick and the results are ugly. It's just perfect for repairing a shovel so u can get. Back to digging out a rocket that went ballistic.

yea i was kinda worried about how it might look, probably not as smooth as i would like.. Hopefully some sanding will take care of that.

And thanks for the thumbs up on my rocket guys. About the only positive feedback i have gotten.
Doesnt really matter what is said, im still going to do what i enjoy doing and thats making something fly that shouldnt.. Building rockets out of household materials and not your everyday things. all being said this rocket wieghs 235gs or 8ozs

 

[McKailas Dad]

Dang! You guys are gonna scare the new guy away!

No, really, -most- of the people here are extremely helpful... Maybe you should take that 'Kick Me' sign off your back? Haha, or maybe cuz it's they -like- you?! Eh, who knows, we're rocketeers, we're ALL a little bit unstable at times

 

[BDB]

I like the idea of PVC. One of my rocketry goals is to build something entirely from stuff that I can buy at Home Depot.

Here is a video of an L3 certification flight using a PVC rocket:

[video=youtube;U6JBVRkGq-s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6JBVRkGq-s[/video]

 

[RocketNerd]

I like the idea of PVC. One of my rocketry goals is to build something entirely from stuff that I can buy at Home Depot.

Here is a video of an L3 certification flight using a PVC rocket:

[video=youtube;U6JBVRkGq-s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6JBVRkGq-s[/video]

You sir give me inspiration! Your camera man tho deserves a pay cut.
Nice rocket!

 

[degreaser]

Your rockets look great. Nice paint jobs.

You don't have to spend a fortune to get started with fiberglass. Ebay is one place you can find some deals. Look for things like "fiberglass cloth" and "fiberglass epoxy resin". For example:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/fiberglass-woven-roving-cloth-6oz-x-50-x-18feet-/221696432762
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-1-Two-Pa...n-Fiber-Fiberglass-1-33-Gallons-/131717086504

That's enough material to do a half dozen HPR rockets at least for ~$100. Or a few dozen LPR rockets.

Tfish used to have a video series here on working with fiberglass. JC Rockets has one too. Dig around, there's lots of info.

 

[rharshberger]

For Epoxy resin look at the US Composites 635 Med cure 3:1 epoxy resin, its about $45 per half gallon, and its great to work with. Fiberglass cloth generally I find Raka Inc has the best prices and service.

 

[degreaser]

US Composites is great stuff. I use it too. Ebay is cheap. You can find remnants and other stuff there fairly inexpensively for someone just getting started on a budget. The ebay resin was 1.33gal for $68. Cheap

 

[TopRamen]

You can even start glassing for a lot less, like I do.

Bob Smith 20 minute epoxy and a yard of lightweight cloth will only run you around $25.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NIC3VW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4MS4Y/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20


The folks here that are buying epoxy by the gallon are doing large HPR stuff mostly.
I can usually do 1-2 MPR and a and maybe a couple LPR rockets out of a single yard of cloth and one order of BSI epoxy.

I glass everything now, and when I get back to building, I will be doing some MMX rockets that will be glassed with .75oz cloth.

 

[danielsadjadi]

I don't know if it's just me or what, but PVC just feels stronger and sturdier than flimsy fiberglass and cardboard rockets, also you avoid filling in dumb fillets. I've never made a PVC rocket cause to me they just don't make sense, PVC is heavy and you don't need the added strength of it.

 

[McKailas Dad]

I don't know if it's just me or what, but PVC just feels stronger and sturdier than flimsy fiberglass and cardboard rockets, also you avoid filling in dumb fillets. I've never made a PVC rocket cause to me they just don't make sense, PVC is heavy and you don't need the added strength of it.

Flimsy fiberglass?!

Unless your talking someone's failed attempt at making one, I can't see how you would refer to even the 'thin wall' tube as "flimsy"

 

[danielsadjadi]

Fiberglass is strong alright, it can withstand some major shocks and lawn darting, but it can be easily damaged as well. In 30 MPH winds (at our club) someones fiberglass rocket tipped over and hit a table corner, and it put a nice big dent right in the middle of the rocket.

 

[rharshberger]

Fiberglass is strong alright, it can withstand some major shocks and lawn darting, but it can be easily damaged as well. In 30 MPH winds (at our club) someones fiberglass rocket tipped over and hit a table corner, and it put a nice big dent right in the middle of the rocket.

Must not be a NAR club as wind anything over 20mph is a launch cancellation for NAR. Fiberglass like any other material does't react to high speed impacts well. A PVC rocket in the same situation probably woul have shattered or at the very least have folded like a cardboard tube, either would have ruined the rocket.

 

[danielsadjadi]

Yes, it's a NAR club. Austin Area Rocketry Group, it isn't that uncommon for us to launch in the windy weather. Fiberglass is actually easier to damage than most people think, it can be easily dented because it is much more malleable than materials like phenolic tubes. PVC is also very malleable, so it can fold, bend, or dent, and in some thinner walled tubes PVC can crack. PVC is more dense than most types of tubes, so as a trade-off it has a little added strength to resist minor damage.

 

[samb]

Fiberglass is strong alright, it can withstand some major shocks and lawn darting, but it can be easily damaged as well. In 30 MPH winds (at our club) someones fiberglass rocket tipped over and hit a table corner, and it put a nice big dent right in the middle of the rocket.

Yes, it's a NAR club. ...

I think maybe you mis-read the wind meter that day. Maybe it was set to the metric scale. Maybe that was the upper level wind speed :wink:

NFPA 1122
...
4.17.1 A model rocket shall not be launched in a wind of more than 32 km/h (20 mph).
...

NFPA 1127
...
4.17.2 No person shall launch a high power rocket if the surface wind at the launcher is more than 32 km/h (20 mph).
...

NAR and Tripoli clubs don't hold official launches in 30 mph winds, right Daniel ? :handshake:

 

[danielsadjadi]

I think maybe you mis-read the wind meter that day. Maybe it was set to the metric scale. Maybe that was the upper level wind speed :wink:

NFPA 1122
...
4.17.1 A model rocket shall not be launched in a wind of more than 32 km/h (20 mph).
...

NFPA 1127
...
4.17.2 No person shall launch a high power rocket if the surface wind at the launcher is more than 32 km/h (20 mph).
...

NAR and Tripoli clubs don't hold official launches in 30 mph winds, right Daniel ? :handshake:

The club was sanctioned by NAR, it's not like top NAR officials were there to enforce some super important rule that it is "highly illegal" to launch a rocket in 20 MPH winds. It wasn't me who made the decision to host the club on that day, we have a launch every month and with all the vendors set up we didn't really care.