Fins n things

After having my composite sheet fail to cure because of the cold weather, I decided to go with 1/8" Lexan sheets for my fins. I got all of the stuff, and then spent the evening making them.

The Lexan Sheet


I cut the sheet into 4" strips, and marked out the angled cuts.


All cut and ready to shape and sand.


After about an hour of tedious shaping, sanding, and giving them a frosted look, this is the result. I made 10- 4 for each rocket, 2 in case of breakage or something.


I still really don't know how to attach them to the rocket. I was thinking of getting some aluminum C-channel and screwing it to the rocket body, but that would add a lot of weight. I want to use some kind of solvent glue, so I made a test piece with some leftovers and some PVC glue. I have no idea how well that will adhere the Lexan to the body, so I might have to try some acrylic glue or epoxy. If that doesn't work, then it's back to the drawing board.


I also got the two body tubes cut. The PVC is SDR 26, so it is more likely to flex and less likely to shatter than Schedule 40.


I wasn't ready to quit for the evening, so I started work on the launchpad. It is going to be a 12" concrete paving stone attached to a stand so it can be angled. I have an old CB antenna that will work great for the launch rod.

Here's drilling out the aluminum plate that will go on the bottom:


When I get the bracket done, it will be bolted to the bottom of the stone, like this:


And that's all that I got done tonight. Now to clean up the shop- I don't even remember using half of that stuff!