Search results

I've used Minwax Wood Hardener with great success as well. It leaves the balsa very hard, but more easily sandable than CA. I'll usally apply it after I mount the fin, and usually just around the edges to a depth of 1/4"->1/2". It's a bit easier to deal with than CA as well. FWIW, -bill

Just tried to go to the RATTWorks site (www.rattworks.com) for some specs and there's a URL redirector/consolidator there now. Anybody know what's going on here? (sorry, been out for a while..) -bill

Well, I for one will say Thanks! I appreciate you taking the initiative and then putting it out for others to use. Keep us updated as you continue to improve it. -bill

These folks have a great selection, and decent prices. I've purchased from them and recommend them highly. -bill

Um, not that you shouldn't name your rocket that, but that line is: "Got our sights set straight ahead But ain't sure what we're after" 'scuse me while I KISS THE SKY, -bill

Heck, I'll stump my alma mater as well. Check out Rice, it's a great engineering school. Small, private and has a reasonable tuition and pretty good financial aid programs. Ever heard of bucky balls? They were discovered at Rice by Nobel Laureate Dr. Richard Smalley (et. al) (R.I.P).

Something else to consider w/ (APCP) commercial vendors is that they have significant overhead when compared to EX vendors. They have to obtain and maintain a LEMP and all the various expenses that go along w/ that (storage, etc.) including DOT registration. They probably carry fairly massive...

As far as I'm concerned, just go ahead and lock it, Dick. I've got the info I needed and it'll probably just head off into the weeds again.... -bill

The whole question was "can you succesfully laminate fiberglass to a tube (meaning it will bond, and not delaminate) without peeling?" I don't want to peel, as it adds considerable weight when glassing because the tube soaks up much more epoxy than required to merely wet out the 'glass. While...

MMMM.... tubes. I have a Rivera TBR-SL (with Telefunken and Mullard 12AX7s in the first two stages), a Rivera S120 and a H&K Tube 100. Nothing beats tubes. But for starting out, they're way overkill. Get something cheap and solid state, maybe even used. If he stays with it, he'll develop...

Take a piece of thermalite about 1/4" long and push it up into the slot using a thin dowel. Place any thin igniter up against that. Works for me on old, oxidized grains. -bill

much appreciated, Nate.

Just to clarify, I know how to peel glassine and 'glass a tube. I've done it and know that it's not difficult. I understand that it bonds better. In this particular case/design, I don't want to do that because of the added weight (which is real and significant). I was looking for real life...

Or better yet, get a full size Thumper and do your L2 cert on a big J or small/medium K. No one said you had to cert on a J350 like (almost) everyone else. BTW, a 75mm MMT is great in the Thumper. AMW 75-1700 and 75-2500 loads are cheaper than their 54mm counterparts, and have longer burns...

yup, it will. I've seen it first hand 'glassing smaller (3" and 4") LOC tubes. Have you actually glassed one like this before, or is this a supposition? thanks, -bill

One thing that's important to consider up front with this kit is can you even get a 5.5" Diablo? BSD was having serious issues shipping kits earlier this year, and I don't believe (someone correct me) they've cleared up yet.... If they haven't, your decision just became a whole lot easier...

I generally don't like these. The heavy brass ones are OK, but in any case you're depending on threads that you're cutting in thinnish wood to hold the whole unit. Ever notice how lag bolts have really deep threads and tend to be very long? You're generally missing that w/ this type of insert...

Am planning on 'glassing a LOC 5.38 tube, but don't want all the extra weight that you get when 'glassing a peeled tube. Anyone have experience (good or bad) 'glassing unpeeled tubes in this size? thanks, -bill

Check out yazoo, they stock very large tubes (but no 7"). You could, however have one custom made. Also check out the sonoube selection at Home Depot. 8" sonotube actually comes in several diameters (so they can ship it nested). The smallest may be close to 7", borrow their tape measure to...

Filling 'em w/ candle wax before hand works well too... Once they're epoxy'd, drill and tap is your best option. -bill