ACME conformal rail guides and fin-to-fin layups.

[DarthMuffin]

I'm finishing up a Wildman 3 with fin-to-fin Kevlar/CF layups and getting ready to mount the rail guides. I have a set of aluminum GLR ACME conformal guides to go on next and I'm worried about the thickness of the layup making the rail guides out of alignment since one will be down there and the other on naked fiberglass tube. Is this something I should be concerned about? Best measurements I can get put the layup at about .75mm thick.

 

[Handeman]

Check the tolerances of the guide and the rail. I doubt you have anything to worry about.

 

[conneryc]

In the past I have ordered a length of 10-10 rail just to have it on-hand to verify that my lugs were straight with no binding

https://www.amazon.com/80-20-Inc-T-Slotted-Extrusion/dp/B001F0K4KA

 

[Rocket86]

I would worry about that much difference in height. If the rocket is very long the nose cone could drag on the rail, and it won't come off the rail cleanly. I'd shim the top to make them level.

 

[SDramstad]

Maybe move the lower guide to just above the tip to tip. It doesnt have to be on the bottom of the tube

 

[DarthMuffin]

I decided to mask off a square and sand down where it mounts. Sanded off about 2 of the 3 layers. Hopefully it works.

 

[manixFan]

I decided to mask off a square and sand down where it mounts. Sanded off about 2 of the 3 layers. Hopefully it works.

Or, you could go the other way and build up the section where the guide is on the bare tube to match the fin can. I've done both, really depends on what seems best for each build.


Tony