Rockerty Works is Going out of Business 30% off Sale

[bchaltraw]

Found out yesterday Rocketry Works in Tucson, AZ is closing its doors. There are a bunch of Estes motors, a few Aero motor cases, and lots of parts and kits. https://www.rocketryworks.com/ If you are looking for something, try there. I got a 98MM-75MM spacer for $50 and a whole spool of Kevlar shock cord. Shipped was only $10 too!

 

[crossfire]

Why are they closing the doors?

 

[Tractionengines]

Why are they closing the doors?

Here is his letter that gives a detailed explanation of the business, and his decision to close. It's worth reading. It gives some background about supply issues that are affecting all the vendors to some extent.

 

[crossfire]

Here is his letter that gives a detailed explanation of the business, and his decision to close. It's worth reading. It gives some background about supply issues that are affecting all the vendors to some extent.

Don't see a letter

 

[OzHybrid]

https://www.rocketryworks.com/rocketry-works-is-closing/

 

[justforfun]

All to do with plywood.

 

[SolarYellow]

F Putin.

 

[Peartree]

All to do with plywood.

Somehow I have to think that the Canadian, Finns, Swedes, or somebody ought to step in to the entreprenurial gap. Surely there's another country with birch trees and a lumber industry.

 

[DragonRocketry]

Somehow I have to think that the Canadian, Finns, Swedes, or somebody ought to step in to the entreprenurial gap. Surely there's another country with birch trees and a lumber industry.

There are other manufactures of the baltic birch. I just got 50 sheets in this morning. Price has increased but so has everything else. Quality is challenging but can be found. To me it sounds like they were just looking for a reason to close up shop.

 

[Tractionengines]

Price has increased but so has everything else. Quality is challenging but can be found. To me it sounds like they were just looking for a reason to close up shop.

I agree with the first two lines, but the third is a reach.... My "real job" is a project manager for a company thats sole product is contract manufacturing for other companies. For almost 3 years I have had to chase parts, every day. From the simple off the shelf available by the thousands pre-pandemic "widget", that suddenly has 102 week lead time. To the "custom made" and "qualified" items that were 26 weeks, that are now "send us your NC/NR (Non-Cancelerable / Non-Returnable) order with a blank delivery date and blank price ... and we'll make them when we can, and we'll tell you the price at time of shipment"....

"Burnout" for doing this is REAL, so while it can be done, it can take an enjoyable job, and just run you into the ground.

I am glad you have a supply of material, and are able to keep the designs, and products flowing. Please take it easy, on the ones who throw in the towel. If they are burnt-out and rundown, it may be best for their mental and physical health, plus family relationships.

Mike

 

[Peartree]

Often the reason for quitting isn't just one thing. It's when there's "just one more thing" that gets thrown on the pile. The "one more thing" doesn't even have to be a big thing. It's just the "last straw."

 

[kuririn]

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/rocketry-works-closing.182032/Now 50% off remaining stock.
2 pack of D12-5 is $6 and change.

 

[mh9162013]

Probably a combination of diminishing business returns and James finishing his grad degree.

 

[cerving]

Burnout is a real thing, especially if you're still below retirement age and it's not "what you do". Just because you like baking cookies doesn't mean that you can run a bakery... there's a lot of things that can get tedious and boring after awhile. In my case, I'm not a kid anymore, and I actually like playing with the reflow oven and the pick and place machine, so the production side of things still holds my interest. I think if it was like "Damn, I got to burn 100 boards today... I'd rather be watching The Price is Right" then it would be time to hang it up. Maybe they got to that point... they didn't view the search for alternate material sources as a "quest" anymore, plus they had other things to do.

 

[bad_idea]

30% off put the motors up against AC Supply. 50% off is pretty compelling.

 

[Pinetree]

Today (10/15) is the last day to order.

I picked up a Toobish XL kit.. sorry to see them go.

 

[OC-Patrick]

Officially closed. Will miss this vendor. Had great hardwood fin upgrades and centering rings. Couldn't beat the 50% off motors towards the end. James always included a handwritten thank you note on the invoice and a RW keychain.

 

[Pinetree]

Indeed.. received my kit yesterday, and I'm very happy with it.. too bad it was the last one.

 

[cwbullet]

Sad to see them go.