Step 1

I started with the aft section of the rocket, where the 3 centering rings are located, along with the narrow tube for the cardboard. The first step is to dry-fit the centering rings onto the tube and use 400-grit sandpaper to ensure a proper fit.

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Step 2

On the centering ring with two holes, pound the circular metal pieces with threads and teeth into the wood. These will be on the aft centering ring and the metal with portrude forward.

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Step 3

The three centering rings also came with a metal loop. The metal loop comes with a washer and nut included. I used epoxy glue to secure the loop to the wood of the forward centering ring (which has one hole), positioning the washer closest to the loop, followed by the ring, and then the nut, with epoxy applied to the threads. I ensured that the loop's hold points were towards the centering ring's hole.

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Note

The epoxy glue I used was a 5-minute epoxy glue. For this glue, it's essential to mix up minimal batches at a time because it only offers five minutes of working time. 15-minute and 30-minute glues also work, but they require longer waiting times before being handleable.

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Step 4

I then slid the forward centering ring back onto the motor tube. I epoxied it on at the edge, with the loop facing out. I applied glue where needed and rotated the ring around while pulling it into position for a snug fit.

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Step 5

Now, after waiting for the glue to dry, I slid the other two centering rings back on and measured so that the aft and center centering rings would slide against the fins when installed, while leaving a 3/8-inch gap between the aft centering ring and the end of the tube for motor space.

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Step 6

I marked the exterior ring position and pulled it back out. I then used that position to mark the centering ring and glued both of them onto the tube into their positions using the same strategy as with the forward tube.

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Step 7

Now that I was finished with the motor assembly, I looked at the brown payload tube. With it was another circular bulkhead with another metal loop. I placed the loop onto the bulkhead in the same manner as the other loop.

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Step 8

Using the same glue and 'push into place' strategy, I placed the dried bulkhead at the end of the brown payload tube, with the loop facing out. 

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Step 9

Now, while the top portion dries, we can go back to the aft section. I then insert the motor tube into the main body. I put a dollop of epoxy in the main body just below where the forward ring would sit, and slid the tube in. It's essential that no glue is between the middle and aft rings, as it will cause issues when installing the fins. Also, ensure that the metal brackets of the aft ring do not overlap the holes where the fins will be installed. Now I used more glue to cover the aft ring and secure it to the body.

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Step 10

Now, I went back to the nose section where I took an Exacto knife to cut away some of the mold marks from the nose cone. Then I glued the cone onto the smaller white nose tube. I also glued the payload tube half in, with the metal loop facing aft.

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Step 11

Now, before attaching the fins, draw a straight line where the rail buttons will be placed for later reference. One should be positioned at the aft centering ring, and the other should be located an inch below where the payload tube will slide into the main body tube, approximately five inches from the edge.

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Step 12

Now it's time to put the fins on. I placed a little epoxy at the end of the fin where it slides in and slid it into its hole, making sure it's straight. I held it for a minute for the glue to harden, then I added some glue to where the fins meet the main body to create a stronger grip. I did this for all three fins.

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Step 13

Finally, I was at the last bit that I needed to install. I screwed in the rail guide buttons at the previously marked locations.

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Step 14

The final step is putting the cords together. I took the shock cord and put one end into the main body loop. I put that loop inside the other end and pulled it through to the inside of the main body. Now, three feet from the end, make a knot for the cone piece. Somewhere between, tie the corner of the chute protector in. Using the metal bracket, tie the parachute strings in an overhand knot from the middle to the end of the shock cord. 

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Step 15

I wrapped the parachute finally. I folded it in half and made sure the strings were equal length and did not tangle. Then I folded it into thirds and tucked the excess string in. Then I folded it into thirds, but from top to bottom. Then I rolled it up, and put it on the chute protector. The left side folded into the right and I tucked it in. Then i put the top down and right to the left, and put that cord bundle into the main body and closed the rocket. Finally, it was done.