Showing posts with label Build Book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Build Book. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Estes Black Brant XII, Kit # 9723 Build, Part 6, Gluing The Fin Laminations

THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT POST. 
Don't just glue up the layers and leave them to dry for a few hours. You have to check the laminations every few minutes, reposition and slide the laminate sides back into position.
Gluing up the laminations is tricky! Read this entire post before layering up your fins.

You've got to use enough glue to guarantee complete side to side coverage. On the left is how much glue I used. On the right is the glue smoothed out with a fingertip.
But -
The glue makes the layers slippery!

When the glued pieces are pressed together, they will slide.
Line up the first two layers as best you can, use your block to get the root edges flat or slightly recessed as shown in the last post.

Some would be tempted to use Super Glues from the outside of the joint seam - don't!
Super Glues won't give you a strong complete seal. When the fins are sanded and shaped, you might find the layers opening up.
 
You'll need a heavy, flat weight to set on the glued up pieces, like a few very heavy books. I used a marble slab from my leather working days.

After placing the weight on the aligned glued fins, the pieces can slide from their original position.
YOU HAVE TO GO BACK AND CHECK THE ALIGNMENT EVERY FEW MINUTES before the glue sets up. I set the audible timer on the Microwave for three minute intervals.



When checking the laminates - 
The outside layers can open up, warped from the wet glue.

I set a bit more glue inside and spread it out with my knife. Back under the weight to dry. 




 





As you are checking the fin layer alignment, remove any glue that has squeezed out at the root edge.
It's easier to remove the glue before it dries. That glue bead won't allow a close fit against the body tube.

Monday, January 25, 2021

Saturn 1B Build Book Available!

A disadvantage of a blog build is it goes from finished model back to start!
If you wanted to follow and build along, you'll end up scrolling back to the first post.

But . . . 
If you are a Patreon Supporter you can have the new Estes SATURN 1B BUILD BOOK
Sent to you via DropBox! 
There are over 190 pictures and 37 blog posts.

You aren't a Patreon Supporter?
You can join and support the blog for as little as $1.00 month.
Most members subscribe with a $2.00 a month pledge.
You'll have access to many carded downscale models, decal re-draws and build templates.
Decal placement and masking template PDFs for a new Estes kit (yet to be released) is coming soon! 

If the blog has helped you through a tough build or if you've learned a thing or two,
Please consider joining and supporting through Patreon.

If you are a current Patreon supporter,
Email me at oddlrockets@bellsouth.net and ask for the Saturn 1B build book. 
The Build Book is in a Word Pad or .docx format.