L3 Project Construction Tips

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

I should have started this a long time ago. This is from Tim in another topic:

Bruce, if I may jump in at this point. I am in the design of my Level 3 also. What is the best way to deploy? Is it better to have the booster on its own recovery, and bring down the front half on its own? Or do you keep them together on a long shockcord? And what about a deployment bag? Art, Con, John S. and anyone elce, you guys see and fly the big boys alot, we could you your thoughts.

This was my response:

Personally, I’m not separating anything! I want it all to come down together, so I can find it. Tim’s L3 is going to be really spectacular, BTW.

Now, we can call talk about our L3 projects on topic. Sky’s the limit! 🙂

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

I’m posting a reply to myself… 🙂 Got the fins glassed, and I’m saving any fillets for just before finishing, moving on to construction. Stopped at the Big Blue Monster (Lowe’s, as opposed to Denverdoc’s Big Orange Monster, Home Depot… have no preference :)) and bought two 3/8″ All-thread, nuts, washers, etc.

I need the aluminum plates, and–while I haven’t committed myself yet, I still may use 4 all-threads at 1/4″/20 instead of one at 3/8″. I’ll also admit that just unscrewing one would be a lot easier than unscrewing four… hmmm… still want the plates, but I may rethink this.

Decided on going the 3/8″ route (also after re-reading Canepa’s second book). With the Schaefer-Plattner metal redundant plate, the old SPMRP, either way I’d be covered. That’s my status. Anyone else constructing an L3 bird, and want to ask a question or give an update?

[Ken PlattnerParticipant]

Not necessarily related to L3, but for those folks who live in the Broomfield/Lafayette/Louisville area, ACE hardware on 287 and S. Boulder Rd. almost equals McGuckins for bolts, nuts, threaded inserts, etc. They have it all. And for custom paint (in the spray cans) go to NAPA at 96th and S. Boulder Rd. Sure beats driving into Boulder!

Sorry for the digression.

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

Hey, Ken, all levels need that information! No digression.

[Conway StevensParticipant]

I belive that Bruce has allready checked it out but for anyone else that wants to look at my L3 project and the progress I make until its done can go here

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>http://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27663

I am currently working on the booster section and update it with pics pretty muchly every week.

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

Well, spent this week cutting an ebay hatch… took five attempts and five hatches, but that’s just me. 🙂 When cutting G10 fiberglass, I recommend using the ol’ Dremel #409 cutting wheel. While you go through a few, it cuts the FB like butter after you’ve scored it. When it begins to stick slightly, replace the blade. Gets dull and full of FB. If you don’t, it’s going to break. 🙄

[Conway StevensParticipant]

Actually My favorite blade for cutting FG with is a diamond cutting blade/wheel. Makes the #409’s look very dull. If you necer have tried one you should Bruce.

[Chris LaPanse]

Agreed 🙂

The diamond wheel goes through phenolic, glass, carbon, and kevlar (not cloth, but layups) like butter. Never seen anything else that cuts quite as cleanly and smoothly as it does.

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

I’ve got to have them somewhere. My section of the garage with my tools is so cluttered (hey, there’s a project) that I know I have them… somewhere. I just knew where the 409’s were. Hmmm… next time, guys. 🙂

Checked my tool stash, and I DON’T have those! But soon I will. Thanks!

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

Okay, my L3 can fly in three configurations: with a payload section, without the payload section, and using the payload section for dual deployment. Now, the question I have is… has anyone had a zippering or splitting problem with 1/16″ G10 fiberglass tubes? I can glass the top sections that will be stressed by the parachute harness. One of the options separates just above the booster with the chute pulling out of the next section–the ol’ zipperless design. But other options will expose the BT to taking it. I could also build an L3 version of GLR’s Fireball. Love those! I zippered once, and am really and rightfully paranoid about it. I haven’t used fiberglass tubes since the late 80’s. Never zippered then though. Any input?

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