really easy nose cones

Nov 21, 2003 5 Replies
J

I was thinking about an idea for a cheap and easy (really quick) nose cone:


-Make the cone shape out of paper (poster board) - the original cut out would be a packman shape with tabs on each side of the 'mouth'



-form the cone with tabs both bent into the middle of the cone (the tabs are instead of overlapping the edges to avoid an uneven flat spot along the seam of the cone)



-then fill the tip with expanding foam (and weight if necessary) place in a tube (to minimize use of foam) and fill around the tube with foam. Then place in a bulkhead and coupler at the base



-I would fill and sand the seam and then fiberglass



I'd like to try this for a 5" cone about 18"-20" long because it seems to me to be easier than shaping pink/blue foam. I think the biggest problem would be getting an imperfect cone due to the seam.



Any ideas? anyone ever tried this on something over 3"?



Thanks for listening, Jonathan Battat


Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
J

U.S. Rockets El Lubbo uses at ube section for the nose cone. AMR series kit. AIR-4 report explains it. instaship page.

Jerry

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

Jonathan, I recently made a nose cone out of expanding foam. I used a piece of paper to make a mold and then put expanding foam inside. This was for a light weight (D class) rocket so I wanted it light. I removed the paper mold (and did have a small seam that I sanded. I then put a thin layer of acetate over the foam, glued and painted. I also added a balsa bulkhead at the base. It turned out prettey well. One thing I have noticed about the foam is that as it expands, it has a lot of force and will turn symmetrical (cylindrical) objects into elliptical objects if you arent' careful. Even heavy cardboard molds can be bent out of shape by the foam.

Good Luck, Chuck

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
T

Hey! Looks like my shop last week.

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
I

sweet!

I like that jig!

- iz

The Other James wrote:

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
T

Kevin, thanks for the inspiration on the foam cutter and jig. I'm finishing up one now... made my first test cut at 12V 2.25A tonight! Groovy!

James

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required