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Lots of discussion of building masking tape thrust rings on Estes motors. Some do friction fit, with the thrust ring, and some build the thrust ring to the same diameter as the BT, then wrap the thrust ring and BT with a layer of tape to prevent ejection.
I'm wanting to use tape retention on a MD rocket with a CTI or AT motor, but was thinking I'd like to stay away from friction fit. Like tape around the BT and also the OD of the aft closure. Problem is, the rings appear to be somewhat larger diameter than a MD BT. The CTI, in particular for a 24 or 29mm motor, is knurled, so there's virtually no surface for the tape to adhere to. The AT ring is narrow, so not a lot of surface for the tape to adhere to. I guess it might work better with aluminum tape wrapped over the edge.
One idea I had was throw the CTI closure in the lathe and turn down the tips of the knurling until it is the same OD as the BT. This would increase adhesion area and couldn't possibly reduce the strength of the part, as the bottom of each knurling groove is the weakest part and the points are not loaded. Would it get me in trouble with the "no modification of the motor" rule?
Are people who use tape for these just going with friction fit? Any advice or pics of things that work?
I'm wanting to use tape retention on a MD rocket with a CTI or AT motor, but was thinking I'd like to stay away from friction fit. Like tape around the BT and also the OD of the aft closure. Problem is, the rings appear to be somewhat larger diameter than a MD BT. The CTI, in particular for a 24 or 29mm motor, is knurled, so there's virtually no surface for the tape to adhere to. The AT ring is narrow, so not a lot of surface for the tape to adhere to. I guess it might work better with aluminum tape wrapped over the edge.
One idea I had was throw the CTI closure in the lathe and turn down the tips of the knurling until it is the same OD as the BT. This would increase adhesion area and couldn't possibly reduce the strength of the part, as the bottom of each knurling groove is the weakest part and the points are not loaded. Would it get me in trouble with the "no modification of the motor" rule?
Are people who use tape for these just going with friction fit? Any advice or pics of things that work?