TRF Tips and Techniques Comments Thread.

[prfesser]

Re: aluminum angle uses; small tubes (say, up to an inch or so) use 3/4" angle; 1 1/2" for larger tubes up to 3-4" diameter. Small angle on a large tube tends to "wiggle" a bit, the larger angle straddles a wider portion of the tube for better accuracy.

 

[cwbullet]

Re: aluminum angle uses; small tubes (say, up to an inch or so) use 3/4" angle; 1 1/2" for larger tubes up to 3-4" diameter. Small angle on a large tube tends to "wiggle" a bit, the larger angle straddles a wider portion of the tube for better accuracy.

I added your suggestion. I agree that you need to adjust the size of the angle for the size of the tube.

 

[Tobor]

Well, not a thread but while working on my Estes Shuttle, I came up with a better way to dispense Titebond III onto Estes parts...

I used masking tape to close off most of the tip, leaving just a ~18 gauge sized hole (Blue speck on the left end of the tip).



Now I have really fine control of the dispensed glue.

 

[neil_w]

I have done this, it is very effective.

 

[ONAWHIM]

When mounting railbuttons using weldnuts try this method I learned on TRF some time ago.

To find the predrilled rail button hole I cut a piece of machine screw of the right thread size so I have what is essentially a small threaded rod (all thread) to locate the hole with.

To reach inside the airframe when attaching a weldnut for rail button put a pea-sized ball of putty on the end of something you can get down the tube, here an aluminum angle.
Using a toothpick add epoxy or JB Weld
Mark the angle beforehand at the distance to the hole so you can find it easily.

Once the JB or epoxy sets up a bit I swap out with temporary extra long screws so the weld nut thread is perfectly aligned with the center of the airframe as well as lined up with the other rail button nut. A parallax view if you will
.

 

[Sooner Boomer]

Well, not a thread but while working on my Estes Shuttle, I came up with a better way to dispense Titebond III onto Estes parts...

I used masking tape to close off most of the tip, leaving just a ~18 gauge sized hole (Blue speck on the left end of the tip).

View attachment 578253

Now I have really fine control of the dispensed glue.

View attachment 578254

Swap out the top to the glue bottle

Tips and Technique of the Day Thread

Tacking down wires: Contributor: @OverTheTop CA glue is good for tacking down wires at intervals, but is fairly permanent. Hot-melt glue works well for wires too and can usually be sheared off when changes are needed. Heat with a heat gun also works but is a little more messy.

www.rocketryforum.com

 

[KenECoyote]

If anyone has a great thread that they feel should be added to the list, please post a link.

Blaine's Kevlar Anti-Zipper using Foam Ear Plug

Hello all, In the "totally over engineered LPR department"... I just wanted to share my Kevlar Anti-Zipper using a Foam Ear Plug. Producing motorsports television, I have an over abundance of foam ear plugs so, to put them to good use... please see description below pictures... 1. I...

www.rocketryforum.com

 

[Grog6]

On the ignition end of things, I've found that the Gold-plated alligator clips aren't as susceptible to corrosion from propellant And that the silicone-insulated wire from amazon is also impervious to the heat. Digikey has gold- plated clips in two sizes.

 

[cwbullet]

On the ignition end of things, I've found that the Gold-plated alligator clips aren't as susceptible to corrosion from propellant And that the silicone-insulated wire from amazon is also impervious to the heat. Digikey has gold- plated clips in two sizes.

Can you send me a link to the Gold plated alligator clips that you use?

 

[Bravo52]

One way to dress up any basic rocket is with paper wraps. I use them for Command Service Modules on the Estes Saturn kits that are my "flyers". Other kits like the Dr. Zooch kits were perfect for making realistic semi-scale rockets that fly really well.

The one problem I have with paper wraps is the printing doesn't go all the way through the paper. If you have seam on a dark background, you might end up with a white paper line on the print.

To avoid this, one day at the bench, I took a break and snuck into my wife's scrapbooking stash and grabbed a black acid free marker and "edged" the paper wrap. It instantly disappeared against the dark background. The "acid free" is important so it won't bleed over time and stain the rest of the paper wrap. Avoid using a regular "Sharpie" as they can bleed through the paper. Sharpie does make an acid-free version, you just have to look out for it. I've upped my game a little by using the appropriate color when called for on the design. However, you can't go wrong with basic black. It tends to fade away into the rest of the design.

Here is an example of a marker from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/ZIG-Memory-System-Writer-Marker/dp/B01DOG3Q3E/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2XFDJACM9ZXCI&keywords=acid+free+marker&qid=1682997214&sprefix=acid+free+marker%2Caps%2C376&sr=8-7

I'll warn you in advance...if it says; "scrapbooking" anywhere near it, it will be pricey

 

[cwbullet]

Well, not a thread but while working on my Estes Shuttle, I came up with a better way to dispense Titebond III onto Estes parts...

I used masking tape to close off most of the tip, leaving just a ~18 gauge sized hole (Blue speck on the left end of the tip).

View attachment 578253

Now I have really fine control of the dispensed glue.

View attachment 578254

Added today - proof that there is more than one solution to the problem.

 

[cwbullet]

Ok, I ran stats for the first 90 days. I removed myself from the stats.

Leaders:

1. @dr wogz - 19
2. @KenECoyote - 7.33
3. @prfesser - 7

Thanks for you help and keep it coming.

 

[KenECoyote]

Ok, I ran stats for the first 90 days. I removed myself from the stats.

Leaders:

1. @dr wogz - 19
2. @KenECoyote - 7.33
3. @prfesser - 7

Thanks for you help and keep it coming.

 

[KenECoyote]

If you use plastic zip ties for your altimeter bay (and not already doing so), use releasable ones.

• No need to cut old ones and find new ones.
• Quickly change batteries even in the field without cutting tools and new ties.
• More ecological and sensible (no worries about taking bits of cut zip tie trash off the field).

I found these at Walmart:

 

[cwbullet]

If you use plastic zip ties for your altimeter bay (and not already doing so), use releasable ones.

• No need to cut old ones and find new ones.
• Quickly change batteries even in the field without cutting tools and new ties.
• More ecological and sensible (no worries about taking bits of cut zip tie trash off the field).

I found these at Walmart:
View attachment 578564

Nice one. I wish they made them smaller.

 

[KenECoyote]

Nice one. I wish they made them smaller.

Thanks!

The package I have actually included 8" as well, but the 11" were at the top as I pulled some out to show. I use mostly the 8" ones.

 

[KenECoyote]

ORIGAMI BLACK POWDER FUNNEL/ TRICKLER/ SCOOP

Learn origami while working with explosives!

Material required: Index card.


Step 1: Fold index card upwards in half lengthwise.


Step 2: Fold one corner upwards.


Step 3: Unfold the corner and open the card, then flip the corner in and viola... you've learned origami!


Pour the BP into the card and the crease allows precise pouring (this is actually my setup and method).

You can tap it with a finger to slowly trickle a bit in.

If you overshoot it, it's very simple to just pour the extra bp out back into the card.


I made one years ago for pouring out bp on a scale and I'm still using the same one!

 

[cwbullet]

On the ignition end of things, I've found that the Gold-plated alligator clips aren't as susceptible to corrosion from propellant And that the silicone-insulated wire from amazon is also impervious to the heat. Digikey has gold- plated clips in two sizes.

Added as yesterday's tip

 

[cwbullet]

One way to dress up any basic rocket is with paper wraps. I use them for Command Service Modules on the Estes Saturn kits that are my "flyers". Other kits like the Dr. Zooch kits were perfect for making realistic semi-scale rockets that fly really well.

The one problem I have with paper wraps is the printing doesn't go all the way through the paper. If you have seam on a dark background, you might end up with a white paper line on the print.

To avoid this, one day at the bench, I took a break and snuck into my wife's scrapbooking stash and grabbed a black acid free marker and "edged" the paper wrap. It instantly disappeared against the dark background. The "acid free" is important so it won't bleed over time and stain the rest of the paper wrap. Avoid using a regular "Sharpie" as they can bleed through the paper. Sharpie does make an acid-free version, you just have to look out for it. I've upped my game a little by using the appropriate color when called for on the design. However, you can't go wrong with basic black. It tends to fade away into the rest of the design.

Here is an example of a marker from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/ZIG-Memory-System-Writer-Marker/dp/B01DOG3Q3E/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2XFDJACM9ZXCI&keywords=acid+free+marker&qid=1682997214&sprefix=acid+free+marker%2Caps%2C376&sr=8-7

I'll warn you in advance...if it says; "scrapbooking" anywhere near it, it will be pricey View attachment 578390 View attachment 578392

Added as today's tip!

 

[prfesser]

Re: Better Paper Wraps: Check out cardstock models as a possible source for images for such wraps. Adjust the print size (probably takes some fiddling) to get a wrap that fits properly.

 

[OverTheTop]

Also great for wraps would be AXM Paper Space Scale Models

AXM Paper Space Scale Models.com – Space Shuttles, ISS and more paper rockets

axmpaperspacescalemodels.com

 

[KenECoyote]

Ever get to the launch lug/ rail button install at the end and realized that you forgot to mark it off (or painted over the markings) and there's stuff in the way of using your nifty angle stock tube marker?

Just tape on an Estes lp launch rod to the outside edge of the angle stock marker to extend it through narrow areas for marking!

 

[KenECoyote]

Ever grab a can of paint to spray outside only to see that it requires a screwdriver and you don't have one with you? Annoying, isn't it?



Here's a trick. After opening it, use something to cut a slit in the inside ring that holds the lid in place. Now you don't need a screwdriver!

Note to store safely away from children (small children, not grown children ).

 

[cwbullet]

When mounting railbuttons using weldnuts try this method I learned on TRF some time ago.

To find the predrilled rail button hole I cut a piece of machine screw of the right thread size so I have what is essentially a small threaded rod (all thread) to locate the hole with.

To reach inside the airframe when attaching a weldnut for rail button put a pea-sized ball of putty on the end of something you can get down the tube, here an aluminum angle.
Using a toothpick add epoxy or JB Weld
Mark the angle beforehand at the distance to the hole so you can find it easily.

Once the JB or epoxy sets up a bit I swap out with temporary extra long screws so the weld nut thread is perfectly aligned with the center of the airframe as well as lined up with the other rail button nut. A parallax view if you will
.

Added today.

 

[KenECoyote]

How many of you have forgotten to attach a link before flight?

How many almost forgot? Recently?

Now ( ) I attach a piece of streamer or flagging tape to one or both ends as a temporary reminder that they're NOT attached.


Small step to take to avoid a big disaster!

 

[cwbullet]

Thanks for all the tips. I have a couple to add from the past.

If you are building rockets or flying and think of a small tip, post it here. If you know of another post that already exist with a tip you use all the time, send me a link.

 

[Sooner Boomer]

Clear plastic coin tubes are useful for organizing small parts. They come in a variety of sizes. They're good for keeping the smalls organized at home, plus a good way to take a small amount of spares to the range. I also take several OTC meds in small amounts (allergy meds, tummy meds, etc.). Labeling is really important in all of the above.

 

[cwbullet]

Clear plastic coin tubes are useful for organizing small parts. They come in a variety of sizes. They're good for keeping the smalls organized at home, plus a good way to take a small amount of spares to the range. I also take several OTC meds in small amounts (allergy meds, tummy meds, etc.). Labeling is really important in all of the above.

Added for today.

 

[hcmbanjo]

Well, not a thread but while working on my Estes Shuttle, I came up with a better way to dispense Titebond III onto Estes parts...

I used masking tape to close off most of the tip, leaving just a ~18 gauge sized hole (Blue speck on the left end of the tip).

View attachment 578253

Now I have really fine control of the dispensed glue.

I remove the flat slot nozzle and screw on a nozzle from an Elmer's Glue All bottle.
Both glue bottles have matching threads.

TIP: Better Nozzle for Titebond Molding & Trim Glue

Here's a tip suggested by Jeff Roberts (Luke Strawwalker or OL JR) on the Rocketry Forum: "... Grab a few of the regular "school glue" type ...

modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com

 

[cwbullet]

Ever get to the launch lug/ rail button install at the end and realized that you forgot to mark it off (or painted over the markings) and there's stuff in the way of using your nifty angle stock tube marker?

Just tape on an Estes lp launch rod to the outside edge of the angle stock marker to extend it through narrow areas for marking!

View attachment 578935

Added for today.