Masking Tape Centering Rings

[lakeroadster]

I've been using 1/8" wide strips of masking tape to make thin centering rings for my LPR rockets.

I know others here do this also and I'm wondering what motor's you've used these on?

Just trying to get a feel for how strong these are.

I apply wood glue fillets to them, just like if they were wood centering rings.

 

[DigBaddy]

Slick. A F44 will let you know if they're strong enough, right?

 

[lakeroadster]

Slick. A F44 will let you know if they're strong enough, right?

You Tell Me....

 

[Hobie1dog]

That's pretty creative.

 

[dhbarr]

Fairly heavy compared to cardboard ?

 

[lakeroadster]

Fairly heavy compared to cardboard ?

Hmm... that's a different topic?

Just trying to get a feel for how strong these are.

Your reply begs the question: Is carboard stronger than masking tape? Given equal thicknesses, one would reason single ply non corrugated cardboard would tear easier than masking tape.

To your question, all things being equal in regard to thickness, diameter and glue amount, the weight should be nearly identical.

I only use this technique for centering rings which don't have much wall thickness.

 

[waltr]

With the glue fillets those rings are plenty strong.

I have made centering rings from strips of card stock (100#) attached with with glue. These work well but as lakeraodster said, only when the rings don't need much thickness (MMT and BT diameters are not too different).

 

[Grant_Edwards]

I have made centering rings from strips of card stock (100#) attached with with glue. [...] when the rings don't need much thickness [...]

I've done the same thing with ordinary 20# printer paper cut into strips 3-4mm wide. Just apply a thin layer of glue and wrap until it's the right size.

 

[Dane Ronnow]

If the fillets extend all the way to the edge of the tape, those rings are as strong as plywood, let alone the cardboard rings that come in most LPR kits.