Wednesday we were without an internet connection or phone service. Our local provider was doing some scheduled work on the utilities on our street. So what do you do when the internet is down and you can't help customers? We did rocket training for our new teammates and gave them the experience of building rockets. We want them to go through the process, just like a brand new customer. They seemed to have a lot of fun, and it was a great learning experience for everyone. You can see a very short video of the build on YouTube (here).

Our 609th Peak-of-Flight newsletter was released on Tuesday of this past week. What did you think of it? It told the story of the development of the Draco BG model rocket kit. This was a complex kit that took much longer than normal to iron out all the wrinkles, as it has so many moving parts. There are 6 pivot points on the wings, and a sliding piston in the booster. The result was a phenominal rocket, because the experience it provides during construction and when launched, is pretty amazing. After reading this, you'll have a great story to tell others how it was created.

The newsletter also contained an update on what we've been doing this summer, and what new projects we're working on for the rest of the year. You'll also get a glimpse into my personal life, and some of my activities that I have planned for the comming year.

October Rocketry Tool of the Month - Machinist Square

Coming Saturday night after 12-midnight...

Our October Tool-of-the-Month is a heavy-duty steel Machinist Square. What this tool is used for in rocketry is to measure squareness of the parts you build. If you need a component mounted at a perfect 90° angle, and you wish to check it, this is the tool for the job. An example is the T-tail on a glider. It is also great to make sure the corners on your balsa fin sheets are perfectly square when you are cutting them. I also use them like a third hand to help hold parts in position while you're building the rocket. The heavy steel mass of the square stays put when you set it down on your table, so you can lean fins up against it.

It is all-steel, and comes in a plastic storage case, which helps protect it and keep it looking like new for years to come.

We only have a limited supply in stock. In September, we sold out of our Tool-of-the-Month by the 15th. So be sure to order early to get yours. Once they are sold out, this offer is over.

Why are we offering this Tool-of-the-Month?

We believe that if you find construction of rockets fun, easy, hassle free, and that it goes quicker because you have some simple tools in your arsenal, you'll stick with rocketry for a longer time. You'll have the skills to make really great rockets, and you'll want to show off your models to other modelers. You win because you have a more enjoyable experience, and we win because you'll be a customer well into the future. We're investing in your skills, because we want you to be our customer for a lifetime. And maybe you'll recommend us to your rocketry friends and any newbies that you mentor.

While you can buy this set of drill bits separately, you can have them free when you order $80 worth of other merchandise before October 31st. Visit this link for additional instructions to claim your free machinist square.

What is Coming Up Next Week?

In our next Advanced Construction video that comes out on Tuesday, we'll start building the engine mount that goes into the bottom stage of the rocket. Since the fins nest between the rings, we'll check the distance by using the fin itself as a distance gauge. The TTV rocket was created as a way for us to inexpensively test the "Simple Timer." This electronic staging device is perfect for those that wish to stage composite propellant rocket motors.

Check your email inbox next Tuesday.