The FAQ – Questions, Volume 1

In this episode the Rocket N00b answers some model rocketry questions - some beginner's questions commonly asked on online forums, as well as a couple questions sent to him through social media. "What's the Best Glue?" Yes, we know. This question gets asked a LOT online, and some rocketeers get tired of seeing it. But it's a good sign - it means there are new people entering the hobby all the time. That's good for us, as it means more people to support our vendors of kits and motors, as well as greater awareness of this safe and awesome hobby. The long answer is on the show (the N00b does tend to ramble). The short answer: for most model rocketry applications, you want to use white or yellow glue. Brand is pretty unimportant - pick one you like. The bond formed between paper and wood with these glues is stronger than the materials themselves. If a fin breaks off, it's not the glue that failed - it's probably that the body tube's paper has ripped off, or a fin has snapped at the root. Here's a video sent to the N00b by Kirk G. showing a strength test of various white and yellow glues. Obviously the construction technique here is quite different from what you'd be doing when building a model rocket, but it does illustrate the point that these glues are plenty strong. Here's the link to the Titebond page showing the differences between Titebond I, II, and III. And here's a quick video from Titebond comparing the three glues. We also talk about epoxy, CA or super glue, plastic cement, glue sticks, and finally, hot glue (DO NOT USE HOT GLUE). The plastic cement the N00b mentioned (but couldn't remember the name) was Plastruct Plastic Weld. eRockets.biz The rockets the N00b mentioned during our sponsor segment - eRockets.biz - were by New Way. You can look at all the New Way kits eRockets carries by clicking here. "Do Engines/Motors Go Bad?" A lot of times, people will have rocket motors from a decade ago or more. Many people on the forums ask if they'll still be good. The fact is that model rocket motors, whether t