ballmill Posted January 31, 2011 Posted January 31, 2011 (edited) I'm getting started in rockets and would like to go right ahead and make some 3-6 lb whistle rockets. As I understand I will need a press for the whistle mix.. could I get away with using a big arbor press work or will I need a hydraulic press? Also, I see Wolter makes some nice tooling however I'm a machinist and would like to make my own tooling. Is there a way to get dimensions such as the spindle taper? If this is against the rules please delete this part of my post. Thanks in advance. Edit: Harbor Freight carries this press for a good price, would it do the trick? http://www.harborfre...press-1666.html Edited January 31, 2011 by ballmill
dagabu Posted January 31, 2011 Posted January 31, 2011 BM, Sorry but you need a lot more depth on the press, the overall stroke on that one is only 4", you will need about 8" for a 1/2" with one ram or 6" with three rams. The two larger A-frame presses are a much better choice but the 12 ton is better if you are going to stay with the smaller rockets. The 20 ton will take you all the way to 12# rockets. PM me, I think I have something for you that will help.
WSM Posted February 1, 2011 Posted February 1, 2011 I'm getting started in rockets and would like to go right ahead and make some 3-6 lb whistle rockets. As I understand I will need a press for the whistle mix.. could I get away with using a big arbor press work or will I need a hydraulic press? Also, I see Wolter makes some nice tooling however I'm a machinist and would like to make my own tooling. Is there a way to get dimensions such as the spindle taper? If this is against the rules please delete this part of my post. Thanks in advance. Edit: Harbor Freight carries this press for a good price, would it do the trick? http://www.harborfre...press-1666.html Hi ballmill, Don't forget to have a strong safety shield on your press. Many use a stout piece of polycarbonate mounted to the press. I believe the best way to apply it is to mount the plastic in a steel frame and solidly mount that to the press. I have seen where some have drilled mounting holes in the plastic and noticed the material tears from the holes inward in a blast. Avoid compromising the integrity of your shield. Some also use a solid plate of steel mounted to their press frame and work around it. Either method can save your skin if something goes off while pressing. Have fun and show us a photo of your press when it gets built. WSM
GregWoloshyn Posted February 1, 2011 Posted February 1, 2011 Thank for the advice. Im a bit uneasy about this aftering hearing about possible explosions. Is this not a matter of "if" but "when"? Or should i be ok if i do everything exactly right? Either way, ill be installing a safety sheild. I have 2 accounts right now, im going to delete this and use ballmill soon.
dagabu Posted February 1, 2011 Posted February 1, 2011 I have a 1/4" piece of aluminum diamond plate as a shield. the press sits away from the wall and I have an X marked on the plate where the tooling goes. I will be installing a web cam in the future so I can watch the operation from behind the plate.
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