Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Doug, are you digital yet or still using the old high-speed film cameras? I’m hoping to re-cert L3 at Octoberfest and it would be awesome to fly off your pad.
If you’re going to do Mach 2.3, I would coat the leading edges of the fins with Cotronics high temp epoxy after doing the layup with regular epoxy like Aeropoxy or West Systems. I personally use aluminum tipped nose cones, but if you’re using a straight glass cone, coat the tip of the cone too. Don’t even think about using a plastic cone, it WILL melt.
W
Pistons rule for keeping things from scorching. I’ve had blow-by with chute protectors scorch a few, but I figure that is somewhat inevitable in the end.
The video was pretty clear. I picked up some 2oz cloth and 30 minute epoxy. I have an old fin can I’m going to do some practice on. I’m still wondering what vacuum bagging does for you. Seems like you get two things: less weight of excess epoxy and a smoother finish (less sanding). Those are two, very nice advantages. But is it worth the hassle of acquiring a vacuum rig and all the associated consumables? Seems like a pretty costly investment.
When I bought my rig, I had spare cash and didn’t think about the money. The vacuum pump was bought refurbished from Blue Spruce Aviation as I recall and all the fittings and such from Fiberglast.com. The real investment was in fabrics and resin and other materials. By the time I was done, I had $1000 in the rig, but I also have enough carbon, Kevlar, S-glass and v-bagging materials to build a whole bunch of rockets or at least one decent whitewater dory – the main reason I bought all that stuff in the first place. Now if only I could afford the marine plywood and Plascore for the boat.
I’ve taught tip to tip to many folks in the club as well as vacuum bagging. I’m usually pretty available although I do work Saturdays. There are a couple articles here in the forums I’ve done on the process as well as pictures. By the way, Joe Hinton is the best T-to-T and vacuum bagging buddy you could have.
W