We sent out a new "introduction" video of the SwingShot RC rocket glider just after lunch today. If you're subscribed to our YouTube channel, you should have got a notifiction. If you aren't, why not get on the list here. You can also see the new video on our website, at the SwingShot webpage.

On Tuesday, we also sent out our Peak-of-Flight Newsletter. It featured an article about RockSim that described how to adjust the final mass of the rocket. You want to make sure that your design weight in RockSim matches the real-world rocket you're about to launch. That way your simulations will be the most accurate, and you'll be assured that the delay you pick for the flight will be the correct one. There are three ways to adjust the weight, and in this article, I tell which way is my favorite.

Also this past Tuesday, just in case you missed it, we released two new fin alignment jigs. They both will fit over the 74mm (3-inch diameter) thin-wall body tubes. They are both made from laser-cut cardboard, and are perfect for getting your fins space evenly, and that they are perfectly straight along the tube. The big benefit is that they hold ALL the fins while the glue dries, so you save time during assembly. We have both a 3-fin and a 4-fin alignment guides. If you already have our other sets, you'll need these to add to your collection so your ready to build any size rocket.

Rocketry Tool of the Month - 20pc Micro Drill Set

Our September Tool-of-the-Month is a 20 piece set of micro drills, along with a convenient dispenser case. The set includes a range of bit sizes (from 0.3mm to 1.6mm) to accommodate various needs in your rocketry projects. The bits are made from high strength steel (a very hard tool steel), granting them exceptional resistance to wear and tear. Whether you're working with balsa wood, plastic, fiberglass, aluminum or other materials, these micro drill bits provide reliable performance.

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 $50 worth of other merchandise before September 30th. Visit this link for additional instructions to claim your free set of micro drill bits.

What is Coming Up Next Week?

Next Tuesday is the release of Part 7 of the TTV video instruction series. In the video, we'll put fin fillets on the fins to lock them to the tube and to create aerodynamic fairings that actually smooth out the airflow and reduce the drag of the rocket. Then you'll see the attachment the launch lug and finally we'll attach the parachute tube and the nose cone to the fin-can using the shock cord. This is a different method of attaching the shock cord than you probably used in other rockets. It allows quick disassembly so you can inspect things between flights better.

Check your email inbox next Tuesday.