could I use mailing tubes like the ones on the following link as body tubes? what is the BT# inch equivalents? I have watched a lot of videos on youtube on building your own rockets and wanted more input please. thanks in advance
You can use mailing tubes however, they are heavier wall than rocketry standard LOC airframes. iirc a 4" mailing tube will work with LOC 4"couplers and nosecones but there is a lip where the cone meets the airframe. 3" mailing tubes are similar to 4" in compatabilty with LOC parts iirc. Honestly the LOC airframes are only slightly more expensive than mailing tubes, weigh less, and are designed to work with standard rocketry components. The additional cost is offset by the capability to build lighter and use less expensive motors in larger rockets.
could I use mailing tubes like the ones on the following link as body tubes? what is the BT# inch equivalents? I have watched a lot of videos on youtube on building your own rockets and wanted more input please. thanks in advance
Thanks guys. Awesome information. HPR is something im interested in, but not enough space for safe recovery. I will be sticking to the commercial parts for a while. If there is anyone around my area that would be kind enough to show me some tips and tricks and launch some rockets with us please hit me up. I am located in the manatee/Sarasota county florida area.
I am located in the manatee/Sarasota county florida area.
what is the BT# inch equivalents?
My 3.1" Optima upscale that I flew for my L1 was made with mailing tubes. And I did make my own nose cone for it. Overall a fun process where I learned a lot. Nearly 2 years ago now, wow. The first tubes I used were a hair thicker wall than LOC tubes but same ID, the mailing tubes I used on the rebuild were the exact same ID/OD and weight as an LOC 3" tube, but not near the strength. After several flights I'm getting those spiral wrinkles from too much flex.
If you're curious, here's the thread(now "photobucket ransom" fixed):
https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?131246-Estes-Optima-3-quot-upscale
Note: Don't use elastic on a 2.5 lb rocket. I got one good use out of it before I had no choice to switch to nylon & kevlar.
Don't do mailing tubes unless you really like making nosecones.
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