How to build an all Carbon composite airframe on an aluminum mandrel.

Results

The finished airframe tubes fit nicely with standard phenolic coupler tubes (PML shown here).

The outside surface has the fabric texture but can be wet sanded and filled to get as smooth a surface as you want.

Making your own airframes allows you to customize the wall thickness for your applications. Using 195 gsm (5.7 oz./sq. yd.) material, two wraps will work for engine tubes or ultra light rockets with adequate centering rings and bulkheads. Three wraps  (about .033 inch wall) is probably enough for most HPR rockets other than minimum diameter. Six or more wraps (.066 inch wall and up) is good choice for minimum diameter rockets.

If you read through this, are you ready to clear off the workbench and get started? Let me know how it goes.