Determine the furture location for the fins. HINT: on a two liter bottle with three fins, measure 4.5 inches around circumference between fins.
Trace position of fins with permanent felt tip marker.
Sand marked surfaces with 240 grit, or coarser sandpaper.
Apply small bead of PL Premium along area where fin will be attached.
With practice, you'll get accustomed to the amount of glue to apply.
Smear small bead of PL Premium into a thin film. Use rubber gloves or small paper towel as shown in illustration.
CAUTION: If you get the adhesive on your fingers, wipe off immediately. Wash off with auto mechanic hand cleaner, alcohol, or some kind of a non-water cleaner. Remember, water is the ingredient that makes this glue cure.
Insert nozzle into holes on sides of fins, and squirt PL Premium completely through. Repeat for all holes.
Sample showing all six holes filled and some excess of glue.
Apply a generous (about 1/4" dia) bead of glue on edge of fin
Spread bead of glue evenly over edge of fin.
ATTACHING THE FINS
Fins attached to bottle with the outside edge of the "plastic rivets" showing. Most glues of this type need "whole day" or "over night" time to cure.
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Close up views of the "plastic rivets". I used a solvent to dissolve the styrofoam fins to expose the skeletal remains of the hardened polyurethane adhesive.
This process has worked very well for anchoring the fins to the plastic rocket body. It's the result of months of determined experimentation with many adhesives, So, my fellow water rocketeers, here's another tip, developed, JUST FOR YOU.
Thanks for your launcher order, (and telling others about it). Gary Ensmenger [HOME | return page 1 ]