SpudFiles

Following this discussion, I am building a long range ammo using my Sherline lathe and mill.

Here's the plan that I am following:



And what's already done





If people manifest some interest to learn about how it is done with a machine that can be used on a kitchen table, just let me know and I'll be happy to post detail photographs of the whole process.

[edit] I'm wrinting a howto at the same time here

I you want to, do a 'How To' and member's can work with what tools they got off of your plan/How To. Looking real good so far.

LeMaudit;
Looks great so far!
I started a 3D version of your original drawing as you can see attached.

I did a paper cutout to determine the CP (Center of Pressure).
For stability in flight, the CG should be about 1 caliber (18 mm) ahead of the CP point. This CG must have any payload included.

The fins are interesting. I realize you can do shapes not cylindrical on a lathe (like cubes, etc.), but I'm not seeing how you did the fins. Care to enlighten me?

I you want to, do a 'How To'

That's a good idea

I started a 3D version of your original drawing

Drawing was not mine really, a copy/paste of the technical drawing JSR posted about the real Tall Boy bomb.
That's interesting! I'll provide weight and exact dimensions of the final missile (I didn't try to do absolutely exact dimensions, more respect and overal shape). So far the diameter is 19mm, I might reduce it when I machine the central part. I'm sure MrCrowley will be interested as he'll be the one that fill the nose and body with weight, as the nose is partially hollow. I made it in brass just to be able to withstand the final hit (hopefully)

The fins are interesting. I realize you can do shapes not cylindrical on a lathe

I made them with 2 brass plates that interlock together like the drawing... using the mill I know... I cheated... I will prepare a How To and post there at the same time so people interested can see the machining process, without clutering this thread with a gazillion pictures

[edit] it's done in this thread

Another piece of the puzzle is done

Me like

You absolutely MUST give this thing a once-over with a polishing compound... It looks good enough to be a desk ornament or paperweight!

Not to mention the reduction in drag...

Would it be worth beveling the edges of the fins to reduce drag?

You definitely want to have a slight radius or chamfer on the fins to reduce any drag.
If you look closely at my 3D drawing you will notice the radius on the fins.

If you beveled one side of the fins leeding edge it would give it enough spin to eliminate any cross wind wobble that might devolop if flight. Accuracy means you'll get it back to shoot again...

In that case do the trailing edge on the same side also, make each fin an airofoil, lift induced spin

Just to be sure I understand, you suggest to do something like that to induce rotation? No problem

Which side? Like the picture or the other side? Maybe it's not important, but I'm not sure...

(to anticipate some sarcastic remark , the thingy is not 100% symetrical, one end flat is larger than the other)

do it like that at the front but have the bevel on the other side at the back of the fin

Really!
But it will not spin like that, or is it? I'd like very much to understand