I am offering a sneak preview of a Fin Jig to be introduced before Christmas.

Shown is a CAD model of it. This tool is different than the typical fin jig. Rather than mark fin lines, and clamp fins in place, this jig allows the rocket to lay flat, and the fins are glued on one at a time, laying them flat on the table. The rocket is rotated, with the fin inserted into a slot on one of the arms, and the next fin is glued on. Like most typical fin jigs, this tool is limited to 3-fin or 4-fin rockets. The table is the common element, and different arms are attached for different tubes. Shown is the set of BT-50 arms. Arms for most popular sizes of tubes will be offered initially (probably no smaller than BT-20), probably starting with Estes sizes, but Centuri and others are all possible.

This tool allows for standard fins thicknesses of 1/16", 3/32", 1/8", and a 4th size that is really undefined today (maybe 5/32", or 3/16", or even custom, depending on user need).

Built from HDPE, an excellent, low-cost material, this product will be affordable for most hobbyists. Prototypes will be built and tested this month, and I will post pictures and updates. I do not have pricing set, and I am not ready to take orders, but I've seen enough posts on fin jigs that this product moved ahead of other tools planned.

Thanks for your interest. I welcome your feedback.



click image to enlarge

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Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp

Quick feedback: it looks great and looks like it would be quite affordable, Lee. And we sorely need a high quality but affordable fin jig for LPR and MPR, too. My one concern is with the slots in the vertical supports. If they only have one width, then they will not hold all fin thicknesses at exactly 90 degs to the airframe.

I have an idea for how to fix this, though. My idea will keep it simple, it will accommodate multiple fin thicknesses, and it will absolutely preserve your design concept. PM me if you want details.

Mark \\.

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SAM # 0011

DO you need a prototype tester? I have a lot of unbuilt rockets.....

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Don
NAR 53455
"Carpe Diem"

Me, too! Can you say, Beta Testing? Volunteer here!!!

I have a feeling we'd all like to beta test it.

Shims would fix the different fin thickness issue. Interchangable rails with the correct size slots would also take care of it.

Nice try Don.

Hehehe.....We really need a chuckling icon....

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Don
NAR 53455
"Carpe Diem"

I will be figuring out a way to get one out to someone for testing. But hang in there and let me test it first. Yes, this CAD model just shows a slot, and it will probably be tapered to capture varying thicknesses. For the first, I may use shims, just so we can wring out any other issues., as we see how troublesome it will be to mill out very small tapered slots.

I probably made a mistake since I posted over on TRF as well, so I'll try to keep up with questions on both forums as best I can.

(My alter ego is posting over there -- Spaceman Spiff ...)

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Lee Reep
NAR 55948

Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp

I can't see tapered slots working unless thin fins are much longer than thick fins.

If someone can find one for me (along with any others you might like to see) I'll see what I can do to insert it into the system.

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Scott D. Hansen
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