I think CA would work well in this case. It will seal and strengthen the balsa. A lot tight little areas to sand. You're doing an exceptional job!
Just an FYI this is similar to what I use for sanding. They work great and can used formany applications.
https://www.amazon.com/Peachtree-Flexible-Contour-Sanding-Profiles/dp/B0041IPAVQ
Couldn’t you use that as the filler too ?
I do mind the same way. I only use epoxy on materials other than wood and cardboardOne last thing....This stuff will lose half or more of its mass. In this case it is okay as I wanted a small-tight fillet to aid in strength and make the finish really smooth when I paint. On my larger rockets....I use a MUCH larger bead. I will post what the bead looks like when it is done drying.
Andrew
Wing area scales by length squared, Weight tends to scale with Volume, or length cubed. So, if you wanted to maintain a similar wing loading, W/S, for similar gliding performance, then you would need to use some different materials that are lighter than balsa, or the weight may get too heavy for a decent glider. Check out the fairly large size and lightweight rocket-boosted gliders from Dynasoar for some examples of foam construction.Id like to get this kit and build it and then do an upscale version of it. I wonder if it would glide just as good?
Wing area scales by length squared, Weight tends to scale with Volume, or length cubed. So, if you wanted to maintain a similar wing loading, W/S, for similar gliding performance, then you would need to use some different materials that are lighter than balsa, or the weight may get too heavy for a decent glider. Check out the fairly large size and lightweight rocket-boosted gliders from Dynasoar for some examples of foam construction.
https://dynasoarrocketry.com/
In fact, I imagine his gliders perform even better than this little one.
It is a tight, smooth fillet that blends in well after priming and painting. I really like this material to do fillets. It is really easy to work with, it is inexpensive and non toxic. Good times.
You would be better off going with a single 24mm composite motor like a E30 or something similar.
Thank you so much for sharing this fillet technique. I've very much been in an improve-my-fillets mode. I was thinking of going down the epoxy route, reluctantly, as I am trying to minimize my use of that stuff. Now if I can only remember where I put my caulk gun...
My friend who showed me this technique, used it on his L3 project...and still uses it on his larger projects.
Does he use the same adhesive / glue you use? (that white caulk gun stuff?) or just the technique?
From past experiences, I've found CA to be extremely hard to sand. it will sand, but you tend to sand more of the 'bare wood' than the CA soaked wood..
Have you thought of using a light weight balsa filler, the stuff R/C plane builders use? Light, easy to use, thins with water, and no smell!
https://www.hobbytown.com/deluxe-materials-wonderfill-foam-wood-filler-240ml-dlmbd48/p253221
ONE MORE thing....I know I am getting ahead of myself, but I am seriously considering doing a cluster on the booster - (x2) 24mm mount on this. I really want a good straight boost on this. The kit, for a model rocket is big. Lots of drag and such. I was told I need a very long rod and a calm day....which almost never happens. I also don't want to "blow it away" with a composite like an E18 or F24. I think the F12 would be too soft. I was thinking two black powder motors MAY be "softer" (compared to a composite) at lift-off....yet give it more "umph" and give it a better boost. YES...I have to study the thrust curves and look at all the profiles......I am simply thinking out loud to maybe get some thoughts from you all. After all this work....I will want a good-straight liftoff that does not lumber into the wind and is a "under-powered white knuckle ride". All the videos I have seen of liftoffs on the web of this kit...show them sorely under-powered and arcing over badly....thoughts?
Thinking of 2-E9's or 2-E12's
Andrew
Does he use the same adhesive / glue you use? (that white caulk gun stuff?) or just the technique?
From past experiences, I've found CA to be extremely hard to sand. it will sand, but you tend to sand more of the 'bare wood' than the CA soaked wood..
Have you thought of using a light weight balsa filler, the stuff R/C plane builders use? Light, easy to use, thins with water, and no smell!
https://www.hobbytown.com/deluxe-materials-wonderfill-foam-wood-filler-240ml-dlmbd48/p253221
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