Bryan Chuck, LUNAR #885

For the longest time, I've been hesitant to apply any fiberglass to my rockets. Until recently, I had done it once before with horrific results. The body tube yielded more bubbles that are found in a Jacuzzi, much to my dismay. On my workbench sat the makings for a LOC Onyx clone, which I planned of flying with I impulse motors. I did the RockSim homework, and realized it would be in my best interest to glass this rocket. I lagged in my progress until fellow rocket buddies and LUNAR members Tony and AJ Alcocer shared a fiberglassing tip with me that they have used numerous times on their incredible rocket projects. Most of the Alcocer projects are composed cardboard tubes, which have the glassine finish. This is that shiny, slippery coating found on LOC/Precision, Aerotech and Estes tubes. Hence, this technique speaks to tubes of that flavor.

The key the Alcocer flight team shared with me is to peel off the glassine coating from an airframe. Since these tubes are spiral-wound, there will come a spot on either end of the airframe that the glassine coating comes to a sharp end-point. To peel off this material, just take your hobby knife and pick at where the sliver like end point is. Once it starts to come free (in a matter of about 5 seconds or less), pinch it with your fingers and pull it off. Surprisingly, it will peel free as your rotate the tube around. Better yet, it will pull free in one piece Then you're good to go. It's that simple.

The stripped airframe will have a fuzzy peach skin texture, but you need not sand it. All of this will flatten out because your tube will now readily accept epoxy and fiberglass. Furthermore, the epoxy will actually soak into the airframe, which is what you are aiming for in the first place. When using tubes that are white, like the Aerotech tubes and some of the tubes from LOC, the tube will still look white when peeled. Once you glass it, though, you will know you did it correctly per the Alcocer team's technique because the tube will turn natural cardboard brown.

As for my Onyx clone, it's just needs paint and an I161 motor. I applied my glass using this approach and was beyond pleased with my results. For those folks who are ready to try fiberglassing or, have been a bit reluctant, the Alcocer tip might put you at ease. If fiberglassing is not presently on your agenda, when you are ready to give it a try, you'll have a tip worth remembering. Thank you to the Alcocer team for their generosity in sharing this great tip with me. Good luck and great flying all!

Bryan M. Chuck

LUNAR #885, SARG Member, NAR 73541 L2