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Rating: 
Summary: Great introduction to solid propellant motors
Review: "Amateur Rocket Motor Construction" by David Sleeter (Teleflite Corporation) is an extremely-detailed description of the construction of blackpowder-type rocket motors, from C8 (3/4" diameter, 3 1/4" long) to I65 (2" diameter, 14" long).It's a big book, 500+ pages, beautiful photos, extremely clean and clear drawings (and lots of them). Information on almost every aspect of motor construction including: photos of ingredients (some neat photomicrographs); making tooling without a lathe; machining instructions for those who do have a lathe; where to get and how to extract potassium nitrate; types of paper that can be used for casings and what *not* to use; formulations that use sodium nitrate (sometimes easier to find locally than potassium nitrate); stepwise photos AND drawings of the motor-making procedure. All the tested motors given in the book are coreburners, but detailed information, propellant formula, drawings of tooling, caveats, and detailed construction procedure for endburning motors are provided for the individual who wishes to experiment in that direction. One comment, not a criticism: For the individual who wishes to make large or numerous BP motors, I would strongly suggest Lloyd Sponenburg's book on milling for the amateur pyrotechician (Skylighter and others vend the book, it's about $20). A "sponenmill", properly constructed and loaded with sufficient milling media, will mill large amounts of propellant at a huge time savings. "More education is almost always better than less." For the individual who is interested in stretching his/her mind, "Amateur Rocket Motor Construction" is a must-have. (I would *really* like to see one of those H137 motors taking off...)
Rating:
Summary: Great introduction to solid propellant motors
Review: "Amateur Rocket Motor Construction" by David Sleeter (Teleflite Corporation) is an extremely-detailed description of the construction of blackpowder-type rocket motors, from C8 (3/4" diameter, 3 1/4" long) to I65 (2" diameter, 14" long). It's a big book, 500+ pages, beautiful photos, extremely clean and clear drawings (and lots of them). Information on almost every aspect of motor construction including: photos of ingredients (some neat photomicrographs); making tooling without a lathe; machining instructions for those who do have a lathe; where to get and how to extract potassium nitrate; types of paper that can be used for casings and what *not* to use; formulations that use sodium nitrate (sometimes easier to find locally than potassium nitrate); stepwise photos AND drawings of the motor-making procedure. All the tested motors given in the book are coreburners, but detailed information, propellant formula, drawings of tooling, caveats, and detailed construction procedure for endburning motors are provided for the individual who wishes to experiment in that direction. One comment, not a criticism: For the individual who wishes to make large or numerous BP motors, I would strongly suggest Lloyd Sponenburg's book on milling for the amateur pyrotechician (Skylighter and others vend the book, it's about $20). A "sponenmill", properly constructed and loaded with sufficient milling media, will mill large amounts of propellant at a huge time savings. "More education is almost always better than less." For the individual who is interested in stretching his/her mind, "Amateur Rocket Motor Construction" is a must-have. (I would *really* like to see one of those H137 motors taking off...)
Rating:
Summary: Delivers What It Advertizes
Review: Excellent, nicely done book which carefully balances the politics, the theory and the practical considerations of making your own rocket motors, from the simple but perishable Sugar based motors to huge high performnce black powder motors. Also includes the ORIGINAL 1983 formulas and methods for those who are currently forking out $135 a shot for THAT collectible volume. I think almost all will agree the revised approach and formulas look more relable and safe. Though they dry faster now, there is some time consuming, but necessary testing employed that assures a consistent product. It CLEARLY shows that the provable safety record in amateur rocket engine assembly AND amateur rocketry at all power levels is far better that has been admitted elesewhere, and the book explains why that is so. This is a safety record not approached by other products like gasoline, lawn mowers, lawn darts & air powered firearms.
For those wondering, the skills and hazards involved are not too different from those encountered by an amateur drag racer in his shop, or an amateur steam engine constructor. Access to a machine shop is helpful, but avoidable. Even if you never plan to actually build a motor, this book is still quite interesting and informative.
Rating:
Summary: A must have.
Review: This is one of the most complete books written on the subject of rocket motor construction. It is easy to read and follow.
Everyone from the beginner to the experienced Model Rocket Motor enthusiast will find this book indispensable. Mr. Sleeter will guide you through every step required to get you off the ground.
This is a must have for any library.
Thanks David great work.
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