CJ's "HOW TO BUILD A DARKSTAR 3 OR ANY GLASS KIT BUILD" STARTS

[Wayco]

Since we are on the subject of finding hardware, how about those eyenuts? I found them on Amazon.com through "Fix find" and ordered them for $2.89 each. Never shipped as far as I can tell, and they aren't responding to my emails. So I'm looking for another source. Graingers lists them, but want $26 each for them, so that's not gonna work. Anybody have a line on a reliable source for 1/4 x 20 eyenuts for the nosecone?

 

[JordanT]

Since we are on the subject of finding hardware, how about those eyenuts? I found them on Amazon.com through "Fix find" and ordered them for $2.89 each. Never shipped as far as I can tell, and they aren't responding to my emails. So I'm looking for another source. Graingers lists them, but want $26 each for them, so that's not gonna work. Anybody have a line on a reliable source for 1/4 x 20 eyenuts for the nosecone?

I got mine in 2-3 days from Fix Find - nice hardware. I ordered them off ebay, and quick links from them off their website directly https://www.fixfind.com/

 

[Green Jello]

Since we are on the subject of finding hardware, how about those eyenuts? I found them on Amazon.com through "Fix find" and ordered them for $2.89 each. Never shipped as far as I can tell, and they aren't responding to my emails. So I'm looking for another source. Graingers lists them, but want $26 each for them, so that's not gonna work. Anybody have a line on a reliable source for 1/4 x 20 eyenuts for the nosecone?

I got this one from my local Fastenal
https://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0501514

Someone posted these earlier in the thread
https://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=170912282935
https://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=170912780626

 

[Pantherjon]

How should these line up with the fins below? Rivet in line with fins? Vent holes in line with fins? All three on different lines? Doesn't matter at all?

It doesn't really matter..Jim does it so the rivets line up with the fins- just how he marks the coupler/avbay ..Just be sure the rivets are NOT above the vent holes for the altimeter..

 

[Yoehahn]

I've had rivets interfere with buttons/rods before... Make sure you don't do that!

 

[beezwax]

Since we are on the subject of finding hardware, how about those eyenuts? I found them on Amazon.com through "Fix find" and ordered them for $2.89 each. Never shipped as far as I can tell, and they aren't responding to my emails. So I'm looking for another source. Graingers lists them, but want $26 each for them, so that's not gonna work. Anybody have a line on a reliable source for 1/4 x 20 eyenuts for the nosecone?

Unfortunately I'm having the exact same difficulty with FixFind right now. I placed a hardware order through their Amazon webstore 17 days ago for eye nuts and eye bolts, half a dozen different sizes. After 12 days I wrote to ask why the order had not shipped yet, since all items were supposedly in stock. They responded that their records indicated that they had shipped it, but for some reason it was being delayed by USPS, and they offered to "re-ship" the order or give me a refund. Sounds fishy right? Why would you re-ship an order that is supposedly in transit but being delayed by the carrier? So I wrote back and said I don't know why it would be delayed by USPS but they obviously had tracking info and could they please provide it since according to Amazon the order hadn't been shipped. Their response to that was to say sorry but the item is currently on back-order, I should have received an email regarding the status of my order, they expect the item in soon but again offered a refund. They didn't actually say which item was back-ordered (I ordered 6 different items, total quantity of 14) and I did not get an email regarding my order status. So I'll give them a few more days to try and actually get this order out before I give up and claim the refund, but needless to say I probably won't be a repeat customer. Too bad, the prices sure look nice. Commonwealth Rocketry (CDI) used to be my source of eye nuts but unfortunately they haven't been taking any orders for some weeks now.

 

[Dad Man Walking]

Similar issue here. I ordered via their eBay store and they haven't shipped even though PayPal payment went through. I did, however, get an e-mail from them saying that the part was backordered. I will sit on it for a while longer since I don't feel too exposed with the PayPal, and it's only an $11 transaction (I got three of 'em )

 

[Green Jello]

Hey Jim....what size and length kevlar did you use for the Y mount you put on the MM? If you said, I'm sorry, but I can't find it back on those steps anywhere. I assume the length is just long enough to reach the top of the body tube?

Edit: I found the size. You said 3/8" Kevlar.

 

[blackjack2564]

How should these line up with the fins below? Rivet in line with fins? Vent holes in line with fins? All three on different lines? Doesn't matter at all?

I put them in line with fins.....when I remember to. Never had issues with location.

Also, a question for Jim--you said that we can get anything at McMaster-Carr. I've looked in vain for a bulk source of the nylon rail buttons, hoping thayt they are some industrial product. Besides our rocketry vendors (who I do support with kit and motor purchases), are there other places to get these?

Ok I changed that to ALMOST anything.LOL
No idea on where to get buttons. Ya might see what Wildman would charge ya for 500. Bet it would be reasonable.
......................................................................................................

The "Black Pearl" lives!

After sanding all morning & a pirates lunch of sardines & grog, I test painted left over tube section with Rustoleum Midnight Black Metallic.

Final sanding 220 wet, then the paint...NO....primer. Test sample looks good & I tried to scrape off paint ,with fingernail, but couldn't.
Unfortunately getting a good pic is nigh on impossible. The flakes shimmer so much in the light, the pics turn out grey.

You can see in the 1st pic painted test tube with metallic next to raw section.It's definitely blacker than the raw.

Next 2 pics were taken just seconds apart...I didn't even move....but yet they color looks so different.

Anyhow.... its BLACK even though the camera may not show it correctly & it sparkles really well. So shiny a clear coat isn't needed. I will CC it after the vinyl just to keep the edges from lifting.

So here's the first coat...... the paint combo is working much past expectations!

Tomorrow another coat & the bones go on. By the way this stuff is "coat anytime" me likey!:dark:

 

[dixontj93060]

Hey, I picked up that same black metallic for my Binder Stealth a couple weeks back!!

Looks great in the pics above!!!!

 

[bill2654]

I have been using the Rusto metallics lately and I love the stuff. I like the quick drying time.

 

[Wiley]

IMO the Rustoleum metallic paints (particularly the bright colors) are finest ones in their whole lineup. So easy to use and they all yeild a beautiful finish.

 

[Pantherjon]

Looks awesome Jim! Can't wait to see it in person...I just might 'drop by' after work some night!:roll:

Weather looks awesome for this weekend too! Mid 70's, light wind..Only fly is the 'mostly cloudy' part...Have fun!:wink:

 

[beezwax]

Anyone know if those Rusto metallic paints cause any kind of trouble for RF signals?

 

[blackjack2564]

Just about every high flier I have is painted with it,[for 8yrs] I have never had any problems flying Comm_Spec & Marshall trackers.

 

[o1d_dude]

That Rusto Metallic "Midnight Black" was tailor made for your Darkstar, Jim.

I've been using it for the past couple of years and it requires a delicate touch to keep the flakes from "pooling" if you apply it too heavily. It can also blush a little if the weather is borderline cold.

 

[beezwax]

Just about every high flier I have is painted with it,[for 8yrs] I have never had any problems flying Comm_Spec & Marshall trackers.

Good to know, thank you. I was wondering because I've seen a number of cautionary posts about various brands of paint with metal flake absorbing RF signals...

 

[JordanT]

Oh, Jim, that last pic of the fincan makes it look like you forged the whole thing out of a single piece of pure awesomesauce. I was planning on doing just a clearcoat on mine, but this is making me re-think that.

 

[Green Jello]

Hey Jim....what size and length kevlar did you use for the Y mount you put on the MM? If you said, I'm sorry, but I can't find it back on those steps anywhere. I assume the length is just long enough to reach the top of the body tube?

Edit: I found the size. You said 3/8" Kevlar.

Hey CJ, if you have a sec this morning, would you mind answering this question? I'm about to place an order for some kevlar and need to know how much to get. Thanks so much.

 

[Pantherjon]

Hey CJ, if you have a sec this morning, would you mind answering this question? I'm about to place an order for some kevlar and need to know how much to get. Thanks so much.

Not Jim, but I will answer..Yes, just long enough to reach the top of the tube where the drogue cord attaches.

 

[Green Jello]

Not Jim, but I will answer..Yes, just long enough to reach the top of the tube where the drogue cord attaches.

Ok, thanks so much. Off to spend more money......

 

[blackjack2564]

Well it just looks so good, I had to share.:dark:

In the short mode for flying motor eject with smaller motors. Yep, ya can get your L-1 this way! Add the payload and go for L-2.

Font is "pieces of eight". Red is Dupli-Color, Body is Midnight Metallic Black Rustoleum.

I just got my NC painted. [Finally back from tour]

Tomorrow will drill & fit shear-pins & prep for first flight at ROCC, NC. Yeeppp I'm heading that way this week end & bringing the flying circus!

First time there & hoping to meet a bunch of you guys. Looks to be way too much fun.

Builds back on track and will show full size after getting some shots outside at the local nudist colony.:grin:

Jon....Don...what ya doing this weekend? Ya'll should come along to ROCC & show 'em how the "usual suspects" have fun!

 

[dixontj93060]

Looks sweet!!

 

[jpummil]

Jim, that thing is AWESOME! Great choice in finishing :wink:

I still hope to do mine as a clear coated polished fiberglass, but we'll see how that turns out. I know you showed in a previous post that the paint was considerably "blacker" than the native 'glass.

 

[Green Jello]

Beautiful Jim!

Thanks one last time for doing this thread. It has become a reference tool for me.

 

[jpummil]

Beautiful Jim!

Thanks one last time for doing this thread. It has become a reference tool for me.

Definitely!!!

I still need to re-visit the part about standard vs snap ring motors and the tailcone retainer. I primarily fly CTI, but have a bunch of Loki cases for EX that I want to use as well. HOWEVER...Loki cases have the built up area rather than the thin thrust ring that you find on Kosdon, Gorilla, etc. Guess the best thing to do is to throw it up on the bench and trial fit, huh :grin:

 

[Aksrockets]

Looks fantastic Jim. I just love the Rustoleum Metallic series. They are easily some of best paints I've used.
Great build thread too, I've been following the whole time.

Alex

 

[Pantherjon]

Jon....Don...what ya doing this weekend? Ya'll should come along to ROCC & show 'em how the "usual suspects" have fun!

Looks awesome Jim! Just might join ya..Will have to see how the finances look...

 

[jus_rockets]

Love the scheme, should go nice with a Dark Matter motor.

 

[Dad Man Walking]

Oh, Jim, that last pic of the fincan makes it look like you forged the whole thing out of a single piece of pure awesomesauce.

Ain't that the truth...