First Rocket Tooling

[OldMarine]

I've searched about and only found petrified threads remotely pertaining to the subject.

I'm saving for some 3lb and maybe 8oz rocket tooling. The choices are daunting to say the least and the descriptions all seem to be geared more for veterans than boot-camp recruits.

I want something that I can use for a while through the different stages (pun intended) of rocketry. It'll be a while so I've got time to save up but I'd still like to be able to keep the lights on after purchasing.

As always I value your input.

[schroedinger]

Get a 1 lb universal tooling. The most versatile tooling you will ever have to make a real load of different toolings. (Ben universal or wolther LaDuke) else get a 1 lb bp tooling.

[FlaMtnBkr]

3 lb tooling is beyond the beginner stage IMO. It requires pressing and quite a bit of room to launch and you have to start thinking about fallout. Even 1 lb rockets can be hard to hand ram and you will have a higher percentage of CATOs which can be tremendously loud. If you slow down the BP and use tricks like tube waxing you might be able to get them reliable without the use of a press. I do like nozzle-less rockets which typically use the fastest BP you can make.

 

You might try a 3/8" or 1/2" rocket to start as they are easier to make and get reliable if hand ramming and you can make useable tooling and tubes yourself with simple hand tools. They are also more impressive than you would probably think and even the 3/8" will go out of sight and my BP nozzle-less are like a bullet going off. Just a suggestion to get you going until you decide what you want to do and get a press set up.

[Maserface]

If I could only have three sizes of tooling (god forbid) I would go with 1/2" 3/4" and 1".

 

 

I disagree about the hybrid/universal suggestion, if you are waxing your tubes (and you really should) then the H/U tooling will hold you back. I would recommend with the traditional (nozzled) black powder sets that everybody sells. I buy all of my tooling from Caleb. YMMV

Edited December 9, 2015 by Maserface

[dagabu]

I am in maserfaces camp but for a beginner, 5/8" and 3/4" would be my choice and I would go with Caleb, don't like Riche's bases and Steve doesn't make tooling anymore.

[Mumbles]

You may want to consider how you plan to consolidate the rockets. Ramming is an option for BP based rockets. If you were thinking about perhaps making whistle or hybrid rockets down the road, something small enough to be pressed with an arbor press would allow you to put off investing in a real press for a while or were ready to step up in size anyway.

[OldMarine]

You may want to consider how you plan to consolidate the rockets. Ramming is an option for BP based rockets. If you were thinking about perhaps making whistle or hybrid rockets down the road, something small enough to be pressed with an arbor press would allow you to put off investing in a real press for a while or were ready to step up in size anyway.

 

I just received my 6 ton press from Caleb today! I've already got some gerb tooling (3#) and a Wolter support. I went with 1" because I lucked into a ton of good tubes and some rammers etc..

I'd also like to make some smaller rockets so I won't burn so much powder trying to get it right.

 

I also have a customer who is a pyro guy and he's offered to mentor me a bit.

Edited December 10, 2015 by OldMarine

[OldMarine]

I don't plan on anything more exotic than BP rockets etc for the foreseeable future so I think I should start with the simplest tooling for that fuel. I'm locked into 1" but will add a smaller size upon y'all's recommendations. I like Caleb's workmanship so I think I'll stick with him.

[Maserface]

This is the set I would get

 

 

[OldMarine]

In addition to the 3# would you recommend ½" or 5/8" for a smaller less fuel gobbling rocket?

[Maserface]

1/2" for me personally, then eventually 3/4" for the middle ground.

[OldMarine]

1/2" it is.

[calebkessinger]

Just finished this 1/2 in. extra long spindle set for someone tonight.. all the bells and whistles on that set.

Stainless spindle. two first rammers, rammers drilled to the pull handles, and spindle puller.. made for a 6in. tube. That will be a fun and versatile set.

[OldMarine]

I didn't see no dollar signs there.

That usually means muy-dinero in my trade

 

Harbor Freight anti-fatigue mat backdrop?

Edited December 11, 2015 by OldMarine

[calebkessinger]

That set costs less than dinner and a movie!

Depending on where ya are and who you are taking.

Yep. My buddy makes kydex holsters and uses that a lot. I'm not too excited about them but. It's all set uP and I was too lazy to move it.

[OldMarine]

Those mats are cheap and handy. HF is my go to for expendables.

How much for a 1" and a 1/2" set of that tooling with the extra rammers?

I didn't see pricing for the sets with the flat rammers.

[calebkessinger]

This set. is just a standard bp set brass spindles

4oz. 115.00 + 20 for an extra rammer + 9 S&H. = 144 5in. tubes

3lb. 165.00 + 30 for an extra rammer + 9 S&H = 204 10in. tubes

 

EXTRA LONG SET

This set has an extended spindle Like TR uses for his gentle rise rockets, Stainless Spindles
4 oz. 165 + 9 S&H = 174 This set has 5 rammers made for a 6in. tube.
3lb. 325 + 12 S&H = 337 This set has 6 rammers made for a 12in. tube

 

 

It's a long affair making super long stainless spindles and drilling rammers to the t handles on those super long rammers. It's takes longer than making two full standard rocket sets on those big ones.

 

The people that do have the extra long sets from me, use them and LOVE them.

 

All my bp rocket kits have the rammers drilled to the pull handles, it helps release the pressure in the tube and keeps the bp from blowing out around the rammer as you slide it in.

Edited December 12, 2015 by calebkessinger

[OldMarine]

Let me get my hands on my bonus and I'll probably just hand it to you!

Standard tooling sounds more up my newbie alley for now.

Thanks for all you do and you'll be my go to guy as I progress in this damned expensive hobby.

[calebkessinger]

This can be a Very expensive hobby... Some of us were already prone to going overboard and pyro seems to bring out the best in us! There is always something else a guy needs or wants for it to be just right.

 

but. on the flip side. If a guy can get some good charcoal made or bought and a simple tool set. You can make a ton of stuff pretty darn reasonably. Charcoal stars, cheap tubes, and home made cylinder shells..

[OldMarine]

As a plumber I've learned that good tools make the work easier and I see no reason that shouldn't apply to a hobby as well. Well made tools cost more up front but save a fortune in replacement and foul up costs later.

 

I have a plan of progression in pyro and would like to insure I have what I need when I'm ready for it. I kind of enjoy the budgeting part of this hobby as well.

[calebkessinger]

My thoughts are this hobby is suppose to be fun and as easy as a guy wants it to be.

If the tools don't fit that requirement throw them out and get some that do.

[mikeee]

This is my Universal Rocket Tool, it makes any size of rocket.

 

 

 

[OldMarine]

This is my Universal Rocket Tool, it makes any size of rocket.

 

Logan 821.jpg

 

 

Get thee behind me wicked tempter!

I think I'll leave that even more expensive "hobby" to y'all:)

[lloyd]

That, and the other "universal rocket tool" that makes 'flat things with cavities in them', and you've got any rocket, gerb, comet, or star you'd ever want to make!

 

Lloyd

[OldMarine]

If we all go buy those tools who'll feed the starving pyro-machinists?