| Tube Couplers and Centering Rings |
| Most likely your rocket will require these to complete its construction. But where will you find these? Some, but not all, are available commercially. Estes still offers tube couplers for BT-50 thru BT-80 tube sizes but that's about it. Fortunately we have other sources. Jim Fackert at Totally Tubular has not only body tubes but coupler tubes as well for all the body tubes he sells. You can see an online catalog here: |
| Tube Couplers |
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| A note of caution: This price list from TT is almost 2 years old. I would suggest e-mailing Jim Fackert for a latest version. Jim seems to be very busy so patience is a must when ordering. |
| Centering Rings |
| In this area we have several options. You can make your own or order some custome made ones. For whatever reason Estes has decided to discontinue their centering ring pack. Who knows, they may decide in the future to offer it again. Fortunately both BMS and Totally Tubular offer centering rings. They come in various materials from .050" blach matte board to aircraft ply. Once again check their websites and catalogs for sizes and prices. BMS makes up their CR's when you order them while TT's are pre-made. The advantage to BMS is that you can order custom sizes. If you decide to cut your own then a good investment to make is a circle cutter. Most better art and drafting supply stores will have these. There are several different designs availiable. My personal preference is the compass beam style using a regular No. 11 X-acto blade. The Fiskars circle cutter is good as well for making solid discs from posterboard material. Keep in mind these cutters work well for poster board or cardstock. For heavier material such as matte board, masonite or ply you may have to step up to a drill press with a fly cutter attachment or just order the custom rings. |
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