Fins Assy

Discussions about rockets, construction materials, adhesives, nozzles, nosecones and fin design.
SaskAlex
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by SaskAlex »

nunopt wrote:Good jig ideias (Alex unfortunately the link to your jig pic is wrong).
Ah, that's embarrassing. Here's the correct link (above post is corrected now, too)- http://www.wra2.org/forum/viewtopic.php ... +jig#p6966. Unlike the designs you are talking about, it won't do all three fins at once, but it is nice and simple.
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ptx
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by ptx »

Yes, very nice and simple, only requires 2 parts, a board and a tube.
Usually the simple ideas are the ones more difficult to achieve and also the more efficient.
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U.S. Water Rockets
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by U.S. Water Rockets »

You might be interested in looking at our simple "Box Fins" tutorial, which includes a nice template you can download to make a set of portable fins that you can move from one rocket to another. This design is intended to be affixed to the rocket with "hook & loop" (Velcro) tape that you get at the hardware or craft store. The design is pretty much self aligning and does not flutter because of the closed shape.

http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construct ... torial.htm

We also have a second tutorial explaining how to modify the standard "Box Fin" set so that it will adjust to various bottle diameters, so you can use the same fins on several size rockets. Also mentioned are ways to increase the fin count for a different look and a neat rubber band attaching scheme that does away with the velcro to allow the fins to shear off. This can be a big help in getting a rocket out of a tree!

http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construct ... torial.htm

Enjoy!
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Blenderite
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by Blenderite »

nunopt wrote:
Now I see what you meant DogLover. That band is an interesting concept, I suppose that it will work like a sleeve that Asupremeflight mentioned above. Isnt it too flexible? I may try it later after my Sykaflex tube dry.

Thx
No, the duct tape will not be too flexible. The way it works is that the pressure from the rocket holds it in place and keeps it on during the acceleration phase which is when the sleeve is most likely to come off.

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Asupremeflight
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by Asupremeflight »

Yea when I look at that video I posted it is way too intricate for our uses. Not to say it wouldn't work but just too elaborate. Alex that looks like a great tool. Simple and easy to make. Nice work. I would think it would not take much work to set that jig up to do all 3 fins, or four for that matter with just another board or 2 that could be detachable some how.
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ptx
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by ptx »

I have just finished the jig for 3 fins and made it adjustable for various sizes.

Thank you all for your help!
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Asupremeflight
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by Asupremeflight »

Very nice. Did you fabricate the brackets or just another hardware store find?
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ptx
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by ptx »

thx
the L brackets were bought
I only made the wooden board
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Blenderite
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by Blenderite »

Wow! You made wood? Impressive.

Seriously, that looks pretty nice. Good job!

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Asupremeflight
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by Asupremeflight »

I was also wondering about the board. That is alot of work but it looks so nice . Well done.
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bugwubber
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by bugwubber »

Elegant design, nice and simple!
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U.S. Water Rockets1
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by U.S. Water Rockets1 »

DogLover wrote:Wow! You made wood? Impressive.

Seriously, that looks pretty nice. Good job!

-DogLover

We make wood all the time. It's EASY.

It just takes a seed, some soil, water, sun, CO2, and patience. :razz:
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ptx
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by ptx »

Thx!
After using my divine powers to make wood, now I am back to my first (mini) rocket.
Sikaflex data sheet states a final cure between 3 to 5 days.
How long do you usually wait?
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Blenderite
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by Blenderite »

U.S. Water Rockets1 wrote:
DogLover wrote:Wow! You made wood? Impressive.

Seriously, that looks pretty nice. Good job!

-DogLover

We make wood all the time. It's EASY.

It just takes a seed, some soil, water, sun, CO2, and patience. :razz:
Good point!!!
nunopt wrote:Thx!
After using my divine powers to make wood, now I am back to my first (mini) rocket.
Sikaflex data sheet states a final cure between 3 to 5 days.
How long do you usually wait?
I personally haven't used Sikaflex, but I know that PLP takes several days to achieve full strength. I would assume that Sikaflex is similar.

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Muzza
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Re: Fins Assy

Post by Muzza »

I have had some success with hotmelt glue for fins by sticking a strip of 3M micropore tape to the bottle and glueing to that. Still often lose fins on ballistic returns, but never lost fins on takeoff.
Came up with the technique when I had to do a "make and fly" session with the local cub scouts. Only had an hour to work with so any wait for glue to cure ideas were out.
Still use PL Premium (actually Liquid Nails Platinum Construction Adhesive, as it's called in these parts) for fins on 'proper' rockets