AGM 33 PIKE standard 4" Madcow kit

[crazyed]

Starting my AGM33PIKE Kit today. Test fit parts and a little sanding on the fins . I will just round the edges as the styling of these fins will take more skill than I have to get the proper airfoil design. In my view though the rounding will due fine. Going for a good H and I class motor rocket
If I am satisfied with a strong I motor launch , like an I 500. I might fly it on a baby J for my level 2 certification. Either way it should make for a great High Power Rocket.

 

[crazyed]

38 mm motor mount with the eyebolt for the 9/16 nylon cord. Sanded the ends of the tube for better epoxy adhesion.

 

[crazyed]

I'm using this for epoxy. Very thin when firs mixed for easy pouring if needed and lays out evenly . Dries even and very smooth for finishing. Also I don't seem to get the little bubbles mixed in . not sure if its the way Ive been mixing though. And there is the line on the airframe for lining up the rail buttons.

 

[dixontj93060]

Pike is s nice looking kit!

 

[crossfire]

I have been using Rocket Poxy for most builds lately. Its a lot like JB weld. What I do is mix on a flat piece of cardboard and let it set 10 minutes or so. It seems to gas out the air bubbles.

 

[crazyed]

I have been using Rocket Poxy for most builds lately. Its a lot like JB weld. What I do is mix on a flat piece of cardboard and let it set 10 minutes or so. It seems to gas out the air bubbles.

I just did the MM. I got bubbles but they go away as I dish out the epoxy( for the most part) I've heard good things about the Rocket Poxy .The JB WELD stays real workable up till the 5 min mark. Then you need to be about done with it.

 

[crazyed]

A perfect fit

 

[crazyed]

Bulk head assembly next

 

[crazyed]

Time to decide if its going to be dual Deploy or keep it simple. I could always add DD later. I can simply use screws to attach the bulkhead to the payload section instead of epoxy. It would be that way anyway if set up for DD.

 

[crazyed]

Bulkhead epoxied

 

[crazyed]

38mm Motor mount installed

 

[crazyed]

First round of epoxy on 3 fins...lookin good

 

[AZRxocet]

Subscribed! The Pike will be a nice addition to your fleet.

 

[crazyed]

With these supplies.. I will continue tonight. A beautiful big 45" chute and a 38mm aeropack retainer. And lighters for DD
.delivered today..

 

[crazyed]

Time for more epoxy on the fins

 

[Sevian]

What kind of igniters did you get and where did you get them from?

 

[crazyed]

Fins done.. Got the lighters from Wildman. They are perfect for DD When using for example.. The missile works altimeters.

 

[crazyed]

Taping off the fins for epoxy sure helps for clean fillets. I know I said I like the JB weld epoxy buts its to darn expensive. I will have $17.00 in epoxy (maybe more) this build. I think rocket poxy has a better deal.

 

[crazyed]

3 yards additional 9/16nylon shock cord to the supplied cord with the kit. A 45" parachute for nice recovery. Madcow had a 36" chute recommended but I wanted a little bigger for slower recovery at lower altitudes. I will have to add DD for the higher altitude recoveries but for now I will be in the 1K to 2500' area.If I knew how beefy the cord from wildman is I would have opted for a 25' section with loops . I'm using rope clamps to attach the cords.

 

[crazyed]

Here it is weight wise is far. Going over a bit at 64oz Additional weight in epoxy and possible ballast for stability. And paint

 

[crazyed]

Adding CA around the airframe below the ring to strengthen it up to help reduce damage on landings. Adding JB Weld to the MM prior to adding the retainer. JBWeld also for the retainer application.

 

[crazyed]

I poured gorrila glue thru the lower fin slots to add to the attachment to the airframe and MM. I can't get a photo of it but attachment is very good. Also added to forward and rear centering rings inside. These are my attachments for the shock cord and coupler as well as one more similar to the forward centering ring . has anyone experience using clamps like these to create a loop for attachment? Any and all comments welome

 

[DizWolf]

I poured gorrila glue thru the lower fin slots to add to the attachment to the airframe and MM. I can't get a photo of it but attachment is very good. Also added to forward and rear centering rings inside. These are my attachments for the shock cord and coupler as well as one more similar to the forward centering ring . has anyone experience using clamps like these to create a loop for attachment? Any and all comments welome

They may work....but personally, I've never had a knot untie itself.

 

[crazyed]

Yes.. I agree. I was trying to keep it clean without knots this time around . I cleaned it up a bit though. Eliminated one link. I will think on it some more but I think I can do without that extra 9' of cord. Here is what I have now. And thanks for the reply Dave.

 

[danielsadjadi]

Has anyone here used epoxy clay for fillets?

 

[DizWolf]

Has anyone here used epoxy clay for fillets?

Yes. my advice....don't. It's a PITA to sand.

crazyed- been enjoying watching the build....this kit has always been on my list but never pulled the trigger. I don't think it's crazy to use them, but it'd make me nervous

 

[kweaver]

I personally agree with David.
I would trust a decent knot like climbers or skydivers use.
I would be concerned about the nylon slipping the cable clamp.
Ground test.
I would pull the heck out of that connection, including a good sudden jerk, as in an early or late deployment.
Cannot recommend "G5000 Rocketpoxy" enough for fins and fillets! https://rocketrywarehouse.com/index.php?cPath=47_53&&page=2
Ken

 

[kjkcolorado]

I'm also in the camp of NOT using epoxy clay for fillets. I really like it for some applications (like bonding well nuts inside airframes for rail buttons). However, the epoxy clay I have used becomes very hard to the point of being brittle. My experience with epoxy fillets I s with Aeropoxy ES6209. It has some mild flexibility when fully cured. In the event of a hard landing a little flexibility may prevent a cracked fillet. Based on the positive feedback I have read regarding Rocketpoxy, I may give that a try after my current supply of Aeropoxy is gone.

 

[crossfire]

I use Rocketpoxy all the time. I think its great stuff. Last week my RW Rouge landed fins down on a hard packed gravel road. Not one fillet popped. Its very strong epoxy. I use it on the whole build.

 

[neond7]

Before I started using Kevlar shock cords with pre-sewn loops (from Giant Leap Rocketry), I would tie a small loop in one end of the nylon strap and then use a quick link to connect it to the eye bolts. Easy to disconnect that way vs a knot directly on the eyebolt itself. The nylon knock usually tightens itself under load, never had one untie.