Reasons to modify Rocket Tool Sketcher standard dimensions.

[killforfood]

I intend to make some 1lb BP rocket tooling based off of Rocket Tool Sketcher plans.

 

My question is how many of you would stick with the stock dimensions as is or would you alter them and why.

 

 

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/killforfood/Pyro/75BPEndBurnerjpg-1.jpg

 

 

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/killforfood/Pyro/75BPCoreBurnerjpg-1.jpg

 

[Peret]

The only dimension I might want to change would be the length, and then only the rammer for the end burner. It will work just as well with tools cut for a tube 10 inches long, but if I wanted to use it for a 7 inch gerb I'd be SOL with the standard dimension.

[dagabu]

I have three spindles (four really) for my 1# rockets, same length but different tapers and different nozzle sizes. I use both NEPT tubes and pulpy ones, I can easily press 75:15:10 (hardwood charcoal) in the NEPT tubes and get fast launches but the pulpy ones pop about 50' up. Instead of cooling the BP, I open the nozzle up 1/32" and they fly.

[WSM]

I intend to make some 1lb BP rocket tooling based off of Rocket Tool Sketcher plans.

 

My question is how many of you would stick with the stock dimensions as is or would you alter them and why.

 

Hi KFF,

 

I find in practice the holes in the rammers should be deeper than the length of the spindle. If fact, the last rammer for the cored rocket is the one most prone to jamming with powder. So often, when making multiple rockets with the same tools in one session, if you don't pay attention and the hole jams with powder; it's in so tight it's like using the solid rammer and likely to bend the spindle! I know, I've seen it happen several times.

 

One solution is to drill the hole in the last rammer all the way through the rammer. If you do this you need to keep your thumb over the hole when inserting the rammer into the tube after adding the next increment of propellant, so the composition isn't squirting through the hole (and all over you and the work area) as the rammer goes in. This solves the jamming problem fairly well but requires a slight modification of your technique in rocket making.

 

Polishing the hole ID's in the rammers helps remove any residual composition or clay that finds its way into the holes during manufacture, also. I'm an old rocket guy and these tips have helped me. They'll help you too, if you implement them. Good luck and have fun.

 

WSM

[WonderBoy]

I apologize for posting, what I thought was his design, without permission. I assumed that dimensions posted on a forum such as PF made them fair game. I made some guesses/generalizations to fit the program on the collar, which apparently I got wrong. My apologies.

 

Another to consider would be nozzle-less BP tooling. Specs by Dan T. with an added .5 degree taper for ease of removal.

(under review)

 

As to why, The H/U spindle is easily used for multiple different fuels, including a standard BP cored fuel, although the H/U BP version is, I believe, less powerful than standard BP spindle that you listed, and I think the H/U spindle produces less of a bushy tail. Also, there is a lot of info out there about all of these variations.

 

And for the nozzle-less version, it is easy to start with because it is pretty tough to cato a nozzle-less BP rocket. They are known for large carrying capabilities, upwards of a pound, and you can make a pretty awesome "howler" rocket. The drawback is that you have to use milled fuel, or otherwise augmented fuel ie. added whistle to the mix.

Edited January 13, 2011 by WonderBoy

[dagabu]

I jumped on Wonderboy without cause and want to apologize for any hard feelings. Edited January 13, 2011 by dagabu

[killforfood]

Peret, Dagabu, WSM, Thanks for the good tooling tips.

I'm finally getting a better understanding of the spindles relationship to the rockets performance. Spindle length seems to do with the energy density of the fuel. BP being less dense than Whistle needs a longer grain and spindle to achieve the needed power levels. It's kind of a relationship of how much of the grain will be exposed to flame based on spindle size vs what size nozzle are we going to force it through. The overall goal is to maximize the fuels performance but not to the point of catoing. Of course boys being boys, the limits will be pushed.

 

Wonder Boy,

Don't go into hiding just yet unless you're actually producing Ladukes design for profit. Yah, its bad form to post copy written material but you would have to personally profit from it (cause financial damage to Steve) before they'll scramble the black helicopters.

[dagabu]

Wonder Boy,

Don't go into hiding just yet unless you're actually producing Ladukes design for profit. Yah, its bad form to post copy written material but you would have to personally profit from it (cause financial damage to Steve) before they'll scramble the black helicopters.

 

Nope, I just protecting a friend, that's all.

[killforfood]

I acquired the raw materials for my 1 Lb rocket tooling. The stainless was more than twice the price of aluminum. 3ft of stainless cost $20. The aluminum only cost $14 for 6ft. I bought extra materials so that I can make other flavors down the road.

 

My tool & Die friend is kind of swamped right now with paying customers so a little patience may be needed. For now he'll use the End Burner and Core Burner drawings as is and modify later if needed.

[Guest no6]

I acquired the raw materials for my 1 Lb rocket tooling. The stainless was more than twice the price of aluminum. 3ft of stainless cost $20. The aluminum only cost $14 for 6ft. I bought extra materials so that I can make other flavors down the road.

 

My tool & Die friend is kind of swamped right now with paying customers so a little patience may be needed. For now he'll use the End Burner and Core Burner drawings as is and modify later if needed.

 

Nice.