I've attempted in vain to research the answers I'm seeking on this forum, Google searches, etc. So here goes nothing. Pardon the newbie questions.
I'm attempting to build my first ever rocket with a carbon fiber airframe. The desire isn't based on flight profile, but rather aesthetic reasons. I want to build an entirely black rocket using a mixture of elements (nose cone and fin can) that are painted flat, matte black, and an airframe that has a polished, carbon fiber black color.
It will be a minimum-diameter bird, build from parts that I had laying around (except for the airframe which I purchased.) 38mm, using a fly away rail guide instead of launch lugs.
My questions are many:
1.) Any special precautions when working with CF? Should I bath the airframe in Dawn dish soap like fiberglass?
2.) Recommendations on how to sand or prep the airframe? I want to cover it with a gloss clear finish after decals are applied?
3.) Best way to bond the fiberglass fin can to the airframe? I'm assuming sand and bond with epoxy as normal? Rocketpoxy is my adhesive of choice.
BTW, the rocket is called "Blackout." I was inspired by a hot rod build that I saw at a local speed shop. The car was a Dodge Charger (late model) that had been extensively modified with carbon fiber elements. Every inch of the vehicle was either CF black, or a matte flat black. The result was striking. I immediately thought that an MD rocket would also benefit from this treatment.
Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations.
I'm attempting to build my first ever rocket with a carbon fiber airframe. The desire isn't based on flight profile, but rather aesthetic reasons. I want to build an entirely black rocket using a mixture of elements (nose cone and fin can) that are painted flat, matte black, and an airframe that has a polished, carbon fiber black color.
It will be a minimum-diameter bird, build from parts that I had laying around (except for the airframe which I purchased.) 38mm, using a fly away rail guide instead of launch lugs.
My questions are many:
1.) Any special precautions when working with CF? Should I bath the airframe in Dawn dish soap like fiberglass?
2.) Recommendations on how to sand or prep the airframe? I want to cover it with a gloss clear finish after decals are applied?
3.) Best way to bond the fiberglass fin can to the airframe? I'm assuming sand and bond with epoxy as normal? Rocketpoxy is my adhesive of choice.
BTW, the rocket is called "Blackout." I was inspired by a hot rod build that I saw at a local speed shop. The car was a Dodge Charger (late model) that had been extensively modified with carbon fiber elements. Every inch of the vehicle was either CF black, or a matte flat black. The result was striking. I immediately thought that an MD rocket would also benefit from this treatment.
Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations.