Launch rod storage...

[Brer Shaygetz]

Nothing quite like bending your launch rods between flight sessions. I used a piece of 3/4" pipe to store my rods for a long time, then I got a E powered rocket requiring a longer thicker rod.

Working at a foundry led me to these packages of alloy rods we used in making sand molds for large castings. The empty case makes a perfect, near water proof case for all my rods, regardless of length, with plenty of room to put fellow modeler's rods as well.

Might be worth looking up a local foundry or welder for one yourself...

 

[lakeroadster]

Slick re-purpose! Hit up your local welding fabrication shop. They should have a bunch of those. Or go here: TIG (GTAW) welding electrode storage containers.

 

[WillMarchant]

Slick re-purpose! Hit up your local welding fabrication shop. They should have a bunch of those. Or go here: TIG (GTAW) welding electrode storage containers.

Nice! Are the inside dimensions a little over 36” to guarantee it will accommodate 36” welding rods?

They make a 1m version, too. https://www.arc-zone.com/tig-rod-wire-holder-one-meter-container

 

[JimByrne]

I use 1/2" PVC pipe

 

[Brer Shaygetz]

I use 1/2" PVC pipe

My original one was 3/4" pvc...it just got too short with my E rod and this was available and free.

 

[Brer Shaygetz]

Nice! Are the inside dimensions a little over 36” to guarantee it will accommodate 36” welding rods?

They make a 1m version, too. https://www.arc-zone.com/tig-rod-wire-holder-one-meter-container

Yes, it's 37" long.

 

[lakeroadster]

My original one was 3/4" pvc...it just got too short with my E rod and this was available and free.

Ya can't beat free!

 

[MikeT]

+1 on the PVC.

Mike

 

[augendoc]

3/4” pvc with a slip cap on the bottom and a threaded slip fitting on the top, so you can cap and uncap it. Mine is just over 6 ft long to accommodate longer launch rods. I also glued a coin inside the bottom and top caps so when i drop a rod in from the top or the rods slide back and forth inside, they won’t eventually poke a hole through the end cap.

 

[Brer Shaygetz]

I also glued a coin inside the bottom and top caps so when i drop a rod in from the top or the rods slide back and forth inside, they won’t eventually poke a hole through the end cap.

Funny...I glue stacked pennies into my trains to add weight because, pound for pound, it's the cheapest thing going. So our coinage is worth more as wear resistance and dead weight than as...you know, money?

 

[BABAR]

I mixed it up between mini buttons and 1/8” rods. I have a four foot rail, the rod slips perfectly inside the middle hole In the rail, not only protects it but tends to straighten out an bends or curves.

 

[Rktman]

Nothing quite like bending your launch rods between flight sessions. I used a piece of 3/4" pipe to store my rods for a long time, then I got a E powered rocket requiring a longer thicker rod.

Working at a foundry led me to these packages of alloy rods we used in making sand molds for large castings. The empty case makes a perfect, near water proof case for all my rods, regardless of length, with plenty of room to put fellow modeler's rods as well.

Might be worth looking up a local foundry or welder for one yourself...
View attachment 490939View attachment 490940View attachment 490941

Awfully shiny. Are those stainless steel launch rods?

 

[neil_w]

Awfully shiny. Are those stainless steel launch rods?

That's a big 10-4 on the 310.

https://www.pennstainless.com/resou...less-grades/300-series/310-s-stainless-steel/

 

[Brer Shaygetz]

S

Awfully shiny. Are those stainless steel launch rods?

Stock Estes...I do burnish them with steel wool every so often to keep them slick.

 

[Brer Shaygetz]

That's a big 10-4 on the 310.
View attachment 491998
https://www.pennstainless.com/resou...less-grades/300-series/310-s-stainless-steel/

I only use the box, not the rods, though I have been tempted to try them.

 

[neil_w]

I only use the box, not the rods, though I have been tempted to try them.

Whoops, my bad.