Awesome! ABS should work great too. I just updated my Thingiverse page with a link to the Aluminum angle extrusion I used for the support structure. I also added my 24mm tower here:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3712223
Let it be known that if you break any of my altitude records using my launch tower design, you owe me a beer.
Here's the 24mm tower in action:
View attachment 386867
Haha, sounds great. I'd rather meet up for a multi-day launch and celebrate your record over a few drinks though.Definitely appreciate it, if by some miracle I do I will send you a couple six packs of your choosing [emoji869]
Awesome!First print complete and 2nd started. Turned out beautifully.
I use this:IIRC UHMWPE is what's wanted here, quite slippery and reasonably tough.
BDB requested a 4-fin version of my 29mm launch tower 3d-printed brackets. I was bored on the couch, so I slapped one together. I haven't printed it, so this is completely untested. However, here it is: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4092607
You're welcome. I hope it works great for her Aspire.Thanks!
The plan is to use it for my daughter's Apogee Aspire. I'll print it this weekend and report back to tell you how it works.
Some of this tapes should help:Has anyone added something to the inside of the rails to reduce scraping on the rocket?
Hi Chris, I’m just seeing your post now, and the link shows the freakin’ AWSOME tower you engineered and built as unavailable. Is it something you would make again? I hope so.I designed my tower systems to handle 3 or 4 fins, 29mm - 5" OD. It can be reconfigured in about 15 minutes. It uses 3/16" steel rings and 1" EMT conduit for the rails. I changed the design to use a solid 3/16" steel base plate instead of the ring pictured here. It isn't cheap, but it's probably the easiest to configure tower of any on the market.
https://ape-rc.com/#!/Adjustable-Launch-Tower-System/p/52604059/category=11909535
Dave, is “friction” measured in ‘thousandths’ or do you stick your tongue out and tilt your head? What do YOU prefer as ‘proper clearance’? No criticism, just asking. Someone mentioned using felt, is that a bad idea? Granted that you’ll have to change them as they get scorchedHi, Ralf !
The tension on the screws is pre-adjusted by the Rocketeer. Usually, the friction is sufficient and no re-adjustment is needed.
Dave F.
Dave please send me the LT information you have also. Thanks!Ralf,
If you send me an email, I will send you a Dropbox invitation to a large amount of tower information.
[email protected]
Dave F.
Dave, is “friction” measured in ‘thousandths’ or do you stick your tongue out and tilt your head? What do YOU prefer as ‘proper clearance’? No criticism, just asking. Someone mentioned using felt, is that a bad idea? Granted that you’ll have to change them as they get scorched
Dave please send me the LT information you have also. Thanks!
My, that's some pretty machining work. Are those fine-thread screws and turnbuckles? Who did those fancy green rings?
Sent you an email Dave. I am VERY interested in purchasing the 4 halos you have. Please advise. Thanks!I did that all, myself, using common hand tools.
Rings :
12" diameter PVC / 3/4" thick walls . . . ( I have 4 more, if anybody is interested - See Pic )
Rings were "sliced", by hand, using a Hack Saw ( about 30 minutes per cut / 1 hour per ring ) . . . An "arm buster" !
The Lightening holes were done, using a 2 1/2" Doorknob Hole Saw on a 3/8" Electric Drill.
Alignment / Support Bars :
1" square aluminum tubing. Double through-bolted to each ring, for rigidity.
Rails :
1/2" Aluminum U-Channel, with Brass "Hurricane / Storm Shutter mounting insert, screwed into the channel and braced with epoxy.
Adjusters:
L-O-N-G 1/4" bolts, with Long Hex Nuts and a Wing Nut to lock-in final adjustment.
Dave F.
View attachment 426918
Sent you an email Dave. I am VERY interested in purchasing the 4 halos you have. Please advise. Thanks!
Steve
Thanks Dave! What is the largest airframe you launched with your tower?Steve,
Congratulations on your recent acquisition of the 4 "Halos" . . . ENJOY !
Dave F.
Sneak peak of the redesign of my 38mm 3d printed tower. I only have a Prusa Mini right now, so this is designed to fit on a 180x180mm bed. It'll fit rockets as big as a Go Devil 38.
Yep, no problems. I've flown up to J1026s off a similar tower with zero problems using PETG printed parts.How do you think the plastic will hold up to the heat ?
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