Question on Aerotech mesh

[ascastil]

Has anybody ever pulled the mesh out and reinstalled on an assembled rocket? Id like to remove the mesh on a few kits and make sure they arent all wadded up or obstructed. I imagine getting it out would be easy, how would I get it back in?

 

[Bat-mite]

Can't help you. But I will say that my G-Force was retired after 30-40 flights and I never had to worry about the mesh.

 

[ascastil]

While painting the Strong Arm, it slipped down on the rod i had in the motor mount a few times straight up into the mesh. I hoping it didn't cram it up into a ball at the top of the motor mount. Dont know if I should really be concerned. I guess I could try and get a look at it with a flashlight.

 

[Exactimator]

I pulled the mesh out of my G-Force after multiple flights. I remember thinking it didn't look too fouled.

I stretched it out and tucked it back in most of the way. I figure the next motor I put in pushed it in the rest of the way.

 

[mpitfield]

Ironically I just pulled the mesh out of my Arreaux on Sunday, the rocket is 4 going on 5 years old and has maybe 30 -40 flights on it. Although it was clear of debris, because I knock everything out after each flight, it was in bad shape, rusted and came out in pieces. There is still a bit of rusted mesh around the edge of the tube just under the cap, which I will scrape away at this weekend, as well as give the motor tube a clean out then reinstall new mesh.

I am reading the replies for tips...thanks for posting.

 

[Buckeye]

For general maintenance, you don't have to remove it. Use a pointy stick from the business end to poke around and "loosen" any compacted areas. If fully removed, I would think that shoving it back up the motor mount would be just fine. When it comes time to replace the mesh, use a simple "Chore Boy" scrubber.

 

[rcktnut]

For general maintenance, you don't have to remove it. Use a pointy stick from the business end to poke around and "loosen" any compacted areas. If fully removed, I would think that shoving it back up the motor mount would be just fine. When it comes time to replace the mesh, use a simple "Chore Boy" scrubber.

+1 Also before a flight, I take a deep breath and do a " blow test" from the fore end. If the mesh is blocked you will know it.

 

[mpitfield]

Once in a while I get a bit of debris that is embedded in the mesh and does not dislodge with knocking the base on the floor. For that, and to remove the mesh, I use one of these that I picked up from Home Depot, along with a small flashlight. https://www.homedepot.com/p/GrabEasy-Grabber-and-Retriever-PF0401/202505170 It stows nicely my field box.

 

[tightwad]

To remove the mesh from a couple of my rockets, I made a small hook on one end of a metal coat hanger and just snag the mesh and pull it out. I have done this only a couple of times, since the mesh gunk usually falls out when I tap on the rocket. I did notice that when I pulled out the mesh that it was not overly caked with gunk, so I do the blow test to gauge the need for removal.

 

[Woody's Workshop]

To clean the mess, couldn't you just put an air nozzle up the back side and shake the rocket while 90psi of air blows threw?
Nose cone off of coarse.

 

[dhbarr]

Crochet hook or bent coat hanger worked fine on my Mustang.

 

[cbrarick]

Crochet hook. Then leave it out and use nomex.

 

[Buckeye]

Crochet hook. Then leave it out and use nomex.

Nah, don't listen to the naysayers. The cooling mesh works great for MPR. Makes packing the recovery super easy. I have an Aerotech Cheetah that's flown for 15 years with the original mesh.

 

[ascastil]

Ill prabably pull it out with a coat hanger and push it back in with it. Thanks guys.