Rocket Finishes

[Chukaru]

Hi People,
I'm new to the rocket thing and getting ready to build my first one. It's gonna be the Jaguar (80X2.6). When I get it built I will join the NAR and then go for my L1 cert.
What I was wanting to use for the finish is a thinned gelcoat/paint mixture. I've been to some club shoots and noticed the rocket finishes don't hold up well. I was talking to a friend of mine and mentioned the abuse the rocket can take when it hits the ground. He recommended the gelcoat/paint mixture.
If anyone has experience with this please post, or any ideas. I see alot of nosecones chipped.

Thanks Chukaru (a nubee)

 

[astrowolf67]

Most nose chips I've experienced are from poor prepping. The plastics that nose cones are made of, don't take paint very well. What I do now, is wash the cone to remove any casting resins, then "fuzz" up the cone with sandpaper. I sand it till its fuzzy looking. Then prime and sand until smooth. The "fuzz" gives the primer something to hold on to. I still get chips every now and then when the body and nose hit during ejection.

 

[astrowolf67]

Oh, Welcome to TRF!! You'll find lots of help here!

 

[sandman]

Welcome to the Forum...I think???

Let me see if I got this right...

Your new to rockets...

Your first rocket is going to be a Level 1.



Why?

Just asking.

sandman

 

[Vance in AK]

I'm curious like Sandman why you want to jump straight to level 1. I just hate to see you miss out on the fun of low power. To each his own, & welcome!
Vance in AK.

 

[Chukaru]

Sorry,
But I have a friend that's about 40 yrs old and he's getting ready for his level 2 cert flight. I kind of admired the larger rockets at the show. I also did enjoy the a-d flights and the f, g flights. BUT you gotta admit......the I-L flights are awsome!!!! This is something my son and I are gonna play with, he has a couple D motor rockets he's gonna fly. I just wanted to start a little bigger is all. but thanks for posting. Chukaru

 

[Vance in AK]

I'm sure you & your son will have a ball together. Glad you're here.
Vance in AK.