Darkstar DD Build Thread

blackjack2564 said:

NO.

The external fillets take the brunt of landing and flight punishment. Ya just add weight where you don't want it by adding more inside.

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Oh...ok. Note taken! I have two internal fillets done, and I think they turned out really well if I do say so myself. I was rushing with the epoxy on one of the fins and didnt sand it, so I am hoping that even if the internal fillets dont hold to it, it will at least immobilize the tab and fin as a whole.

Sooo...I ran out of epoxy.

On the bright side, I managed to get all of the internal fillets done on the lower fins, only leaving the externals. I am thinking about just getting WS epoxy, but am not sure I am willing to put forth that big an order (spend that much $) on it.

I am also aware of the fact that either way, I will need an epoxy thickener. The local hobby shop up here sells micro balloons...will they work? I have never done ANYTHING like this before, so I need as much help as I can get. If time runs out, I'll just ask around at the next local club launch, which I plan to attend.

Might even fly the Fantom on a G motor now that I can in the meantime...

Yep microballoons will work. Colloidal silica from West works good too!

Rushing doesn't help for sure, and a thickener is a must, read this thread here:

https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?t=34085

Be grateful your DS build didn't go like mine! It's looking great so far man, keep it up

Take your time with it. I am still smoothing out some external fillets. It is a lot more rocket than I was expecting. Just got my level two so I will be able to finish and fly the beast at NERRF

Mick2b said:

Take your time with it. I am still smoothing out some external fillets. It is a lot more rocket than I was expecting. Just got my level two so I will be able to finish and fly the beast at NERRF

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Hahaha love your signature.

Updates!!! After I FINALLY got some new epoxy and micro balloons, i finished the internal fillets and started the external fillets. The externals took three tries to get right, but they turned out pretty good for my first time doing this method. I decided to fill in the low spots with some wood filler and then thought better of it, but it was too late. I sanded everything smooth and then coated the fillets in a coat of epoxy with a sponge brush, and then wiped away the excess with a paper towel. The result appears to be a smooth fillet, but I wont be sure until the paint is on. In any occasion, they look good enough for me! I will try to get another set done tomorrow and the last done when i come back from Archery JOAD Nationals and Olympic Qualifier in Ohio next Sunday.

Well, I had some down time today and completely finished the fillets, or so I hope. I will drill the holes for the buttons and vent holes today, and add some primer next week. I also added some metal screws to take the place of rivets and need to tack down the nuts, which will also be done today.

Nice fillets. I usually add some filled silica or milled fiberglass to my fillets to add strength.

cwbullet said:

Nice fillets. I usually add some filled silica or milled fiberglass to my fillets to add strength.

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Thanks! I actually had to dremel out a fillet because it was my first try and it didn't turn out good, but the rest went smooth once i got the hang of it. I didn't have any fiberglass or kevlar or carbon laying around so i just used regular epoxy and thickener to make the fillets. They are large enough that they should hold up, or that I am at least comfortable flying this thing fast.

Yeah it's looking great! Keep up the nice work.

So i skip around a bit and end up with this...

Well...did you qualify for the Olympics? Nice job on the Darkstar by the way!

bill2654 said:

Well...did you qualify for the Olympics? Nice job on the Darkstar by the way!

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No, i didnt qualify. I did better than I expected to though. I was top ten indoors, just missed top twenty outdoors. Oh well.

Nice looking Darkstar.

It has a shock chord and Nomex (stolen from my Fantom), Rail buttons and a 50" parachute from Rick, and all it needs is the retainer, which I have on hand but no JB Weld to put it on...ALMOST ready for its first flight. I tihnk itll be an I345 White drag race against my friend if he can make it to the launch.