The Thrifty Rocketeer

 The Thrifty Rocketeer Blog continues... So we're chatting with fellow rocketeers on Zoom tonight, (something we've started doing since the Pandemic hit) and one of my fellows asks, "Has anyone tried this new 2-part clear coating for your rockets?" Now, the attempt to seal your rocket with "Clear Coat" has been an ongoing fad for many years, and seems to go in cycles, as various new rocketeers enter the hobby, and want to preserve their paint job, especially as they take more time and effort with their painting. So he goes on to describe how this is a two-part mix, and how you take the cap off the top of the bottle, and then reinsert it in the base, puncturing the seal and adding the hardener to the mix.  Some vigorous shaking, and the spray is ready. He even claims that the spray nozzle is set up to give a nice, even fan from top to bottom when sweeping left to right.   He says this is near automotive grade, and is frequently used for preserving the paint o

 The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... You know, I've often wondered why we're allowed to use metal engine hooks under the NAR safety code. I mean, I know it's not much, but it IS a metal part that is being launched in the rocket configuration.   (And for that matter, sometimes we add washers...or BB's... or lead shot...as well.  Oh well...) So, I was skimming a favorite Facebook page of mine, and I came across a link to a brilliant entry that suggests how to improve the quality of your rocket's engine hook.... and where to find replacements. So, rather than pirate this idea, let me just share it once again and link to the original blog entry.  Enjoy.... Replacement Engine Hooks

  The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... I want you to look at this picture and see if you can tell me what's wrong with it. Now first of all, ignore the fact that the bat symbol is upside down.  And you can ignore the tattered remnants of a red leather tassel. The obvious remainder are two tools that every high power rocketeer will want in their arsenal. a straight blade screw driver and a Philips head bit. Now, there's nothing wrong with having these in your jump box, field kit, or whatever you call your tackle box of supplies. It's when you place them (and the heavy bat symbol as well) onto your keyring, you're inviting disaster. The reason is because they're dead weight.  When inserted into your ignition, the key presses up against the lock and tumbler mechanism, and with every bounce on the road, they press against and wear on both the key and the lock. Usually, when the ignition/starter lock on a car fails, it's because the owner has a huge ring of keys,

 The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... So, I was scrolling through Facebook when two things collide. First, there's a notification of someone else's thread, and a picture of their latest paint job.  But it's the stand that interests me.  How do they come up with these things?  Second, my wife comes downstairs and throws a few empty egg-cartons ahead of her... plus a couple of oddly colored paper mache/cardboard forms.  She says to me, I thought maybe you might use these to hold your rockets instead of the foam egg cartons. Now, I'm not sure why she thinks that I need to change what has worked for many years for me, as I don't leave them laying around, but stacked on top of our fridge.  That way, whenever I need a stand or construction support for my latest build, I know right were to get them from. And, I've written about these things before. How helpful they can be to hold low-power rocket body tubes in place, as you attempt to glue on fins.  Also, how you ca

 The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... So just the other day, I was standing in line at Lowe's trying to check out with a quart of paint.  I had been quite careful to select the proper paint, weather resistant, mildew resistant, exterior with a little semi-gloss it the finish. I was a little annoyed that only one check out lane was open, and none of the four self-check outs were up and working. As I pivoted, looking around, bored, I spotted the man behind me, a scruffy looking character who said, "Oh, hi there."  So I found myself drawn into a conversation with him.  He was also holding a pint of paint, but it was different from mine. So I  quipped, " looks like you're painting too." "No, he starts in, "I'm rebuilding a 1953 furnace and trying to coat the connections." At least, that's why I THOUGHT he had said, I glanced again at his quart in his hand, and recognized that it was "Flex-Seal".   You know, the kind that alway