The original Estes Mark doesn't even mention using glue fillets:
http://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/estes/k-02.pdf
The Estes Sky Hook shows fillets but doesn't mention smoothing them out:
http://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/estes/k-08.pdf
Step 13 of the Estes Farside instructions say to: "Wipe off all excess glue leaving only enough to form a smooth fillet":
http://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/estes/k-12.pdf
Then - The Golden Age of Glue Fillets:
The familiar fickle finger of fillets was shown. This well drawn illustration was used for years!
Now we've seemed to slip back a step or two:
There is no mention of removing the excess by smoothing the glue with your finger.
Chris, I build mostly vintage kits and have noticed the same thing. Heck, the Gyroc and other vintage kits don't even mention using balsa sealer, directions just say to paint rocket. For years Estes does not even mention the use of primer, just paint after brushing on balsa sealer, though some instructions did say to apply a white base coat first. Here is my thought. I think back in the 70s most builders were not as concerned about a smooth grain free, spiral free build like most are today. I know back in the day I just wanted to build a rocket and fly it as soon as I could. I only brushed on balsa sealer because the instructions said to. I could fly my rockets whenever I wanted and where I wanted. This included local parks, fields and schools. These days there are so many restrictions on flying I have to wait until a club scheduled flight, or whenever I am able to drive out to the desert. This extra time gives us the ability to pay more attention to details. Now don't get me wrong, most rockets I saw at the parks and schools flying still looked good. The construction was clean, paint smooth and correctly applied decals but sure there was balsa grain/spirals showing. I am having a blast building, but it would sure be nice to fly whenever I wanted to. Right now I am 5 years out from retirement and starting to look at purchasing property outside of California. It will be nice to fly my rockets and RC planes whenever I want to, right on my own property.
ReplyDeleteHi Scigs,
DeleteThis post was just an observation. I always thought glue fillets were part of the build process. Some early kits didn't mention them.
In my teens I didn't build and finish as carefully as I do now. Then it was 4 coats of sanding Sealer, sanding between coats and then color paint.
It was always convenient to walk over to the Elementary School in my hometown in California to launch. But, too many vandals and gang action led to fences and locked gates. My Grandparents 150 acre Strawberry ranch was great for D engine models back then.
I'm lucky to live where I am at now - There is a schoolyard soccer field close by for small things. I just have to wake up early enough to beat the winds.
The Orlando ROCK club is a B6-4 field for me. NEFAR is about 1 1/2 hour drive, but the launch fees are pretty high.
I was amused by that diagram on the Olympus instructions myself.
ReplyDeleteEver since I first saw a post about that thick Titebond (whatever it's called this week) I've been using it for fillets. The post also suggested moistening one's finger tip with water before smoothing the fillet down. That plus a paper towel to wipe off one's finger tip between smoothings works REALLY well.
Hi Bernard,
DeleteI still use wood glue for the first fillet pass, then follow with the Titebond Molding and Trim Glue for rounder fillets.
When I first started using the Titebond M&TG I had trouble getting smooth fillets so I went with a wet finger. Now I'm used to how quick it sets up and wipe down with a dry finger. I do keep a damp paper towel handy to clean up between fillet passes. When I was younger I'd wipe my glued fillet finger off on my pant leg. That led to some crusty jeans.
Then there are the overkill fillets. Those that take it to the point where you cannot tell where the body tube ends and the fin starts. Many are well done, but its just seems like a lot of unnecessary weight.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
DeleteI agree! On the forums, I've seen some wide epoxy fillets on BT-50 size models. Overkill and overweight.
I like to have my fillet size relate to the size of the rocket. Smaller rocket, smaller radius fillets. Large rocket, wider fillets.
launch fees?...........good thing I live in a rural/country area ......I can fly RC or launch whatever I want .....
ReplyDelete