All Rocketry Blogs

 Rocketry Product: Semroc - IQSY Tomahawk {Kit} (KD-2)

Model Rocket Building: Semroc I.Q.S.Y. Tomahawk Build Part 1 Parts (2011-02-21)

Here's the parts layout for the Semroc IQSY Tomahawk. Of particular interest are the laser cut basswood fins. I can appreciate Semroc using the basswood. It'll be easier to sand the wedge taper on ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc I.Q.S.Y. Tomahawk Build Part 2 Engine Mount (2011-02-22)

The instructions would have you install the 24" elastic shock cord under the coupler holding the two body tube pieces together. I was concerned about the elastic making a bulge under the body tube ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc I.Q.S.Y. Tomahawk Build Part 3 Fin Shaping (2011-02-22)

The 1/16" basswood fins are to be thinned down to .05" thick. I'd recommend sanding the fin thickness to .05" before tapering the leading edge. This is a piece of scrap basswood taken from laser cut ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc I.Q.S.Y. Tomahawk Build Part 4 Fin Shaping (2011-02-23)

I've started sanding the fins to the scale thickness of .05". When working it down to the right thickness, I only sand one side of the fin. To be sure I was only sanding one side, I'd restart with ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc I.Q.S.Y. Tomahawk Build Part 5 Fin Shaping (2011-02-24)

TIP: Before sanding the taper, I brushed on a coat of CWF and sanded it smooth. I would be sanding through the CWF coat when tapering the leading edge taper. The bare wood underneath is a little ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc I.Q.S.Y. Tomahawk Build Part 6 Fin Shaping (2011-02-24)

When sanding up to the pencil line, I made sure the edge of the sanding block didn't go beyond the line. This way I'm just sanding up to the line and hopefully maintaining a definite start of the ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc I.Q.S.Y. Tomahawk Build Part 7 Engine Hook (2011-02-25)

I went back to the engine mount and removed the extended engine hook. This rocket will end up with a friction fit engine. If I'm taking the extra time to get it closer to scale, it wouldn't look ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc I.Q.S.Y. Tomahawk Build Part 8 Tube Joining (2011-02-26)

In Step 12 the two lengths of tube are joined with a coupler. 1/2 of the coupler is glued into the lower tube. Before the glue in the lower tube dried, the upper tube was slid in place, no glue on ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc I.Q.S.Y. Tomahawk Build Part 9 Tube Joining (2011-02-27)

I found I still had to build up more to fill the seam joint. A bead of super glue was made on the seam. After drying I sanded it down with 400 grit on a sanding block. Sometimes I'll use the super ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Semroc I.Q.S.Y. Tomahawk Build Part 10 Fin Prep (2011-02-28)

I decided to prime the fins off the model. Because the primer seals the fins, the fillets wouldn't be as strong. So, a little masking was done done the root edge. This mask would leave just less ... [Read More]