Rough End Launch Lugs TIP

Here's how the launch lugs come now from some vendors.
The ends are laser cut - burnt uneven and rough.

This lug won't look any better with paint on it, it should be trued up before gluing on a model.

The lug end above is how it was sent.
The lug end (inset picture) is how it should look after sanding square, lifting out the rolled over Mylar and sanding again.

These pictures and directions show how to smooth the inside lip of the lug.


First sand down the lug end removing most of the burnt end.
Use a block with 400 grit sandpaper.

Keep the lug at a 90 degree angle to the block, unless you have already cut the lug ends at an angle.

After sanding square, the lug end wall will look thicker.
This is the Mylar wrap that is turning out and inside the lug edge.

The rolled Mylar edge could get caught up on a launch rod so it should be removed.

Inset Picture:
Use a sharpened dowel to pick and roll up the inside Mylar wrap that was turned inside the lug.

Only lift one quarter of the lug edge at a time. If you lift all the way around, it'll just fold back inside when sanding.

Lift one quarter, sand off that lifted quarter lip.

Turn the lug and lift and sand the next quarter lip.

The picture at the right shows the edge still hanging on the next quarter area to be sanded.

After lifting and sanding the inside rolled lip off, run a small piece of 400 grit sandpaper around the outside to take off the outside lip.
Sand lightly, it doesn't take much to remove the lip on the inside or outside of the lug edge.

Use the sharpened dowel in the lug end to round it if needed.
Your finished lug should look like the inset picture at the top.

This may seem like a ridiculous step to some, but it's better than having the rocket stuck on the launch rod for the entire "flight".