You could also use pieces that have been damaged or scavenge a R.I.P. bird.

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Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

Pieces that have been damaged? That's my whole fleet!

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Bill Eichelberger
NAR 79563

http://wallyum.blogspot.com/

I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Centuri Mini Dactyl Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II, Xarconian Cruiser Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Groonie Der V 1/2

Now, that's a fin jig! Nice!

The problem with fin jigs is that they don't work well with exotic designs - think Estes Interceptor, Orion Starfighter or Torellian Invader just to name a few. I think separate cardboard jigs that are made specific to a kit are better. These could be included in the kit or offered separately. Alternatively, they could be printed on the instructions and the modeler could cut them out and glue them onto card stock.
James

I totally agree!
James

Yep! I have standard tube marking guides for two, three and four fins that are printed onto paper. Less storage space and it saves me a little time when building a kit - I don't have to cut out the provided marking guide. When one wears out, I just cut out another from that rather than searching through previously built kits for the leftovers. I have the same thing for the paper shock cord mounts. I am probably one of the few that prefer the paper shock cord mounts, only because I like to be able to inspect the attachment before launching. I do use Kevlar for the portion of the shock cord that stays inside the body tube, then elastic attached to that. I make a knot in the Kevlar right at the point of exit and cover with a thick glob of yellow glue to minimize abrasion to the tube. I also wick in CA into the top 1/4" section of the tube to also minimize abrasion.
James

Try using all thread and a nut rather than an eye screw. Epoxy the all thread into the nose cone like you would a screw eye. Then you can add fender washers to put on however much weight you need, loop the shock cord end over the all thread and then tighten the nut over everything. Use another loop in your shock cord to attach the parachute.
James

Don't get me wrong, I love balsa cones. They're what I grew up with, and I can put a finish on one that will make folks think it's plastic. That takes time, though. The problem with plastic cones is the seam lines, much harder to finish than with balsa. One manufacturer has a nose cone that is extremely smooth with only a small dimple near the base where the plastic was injected. Only minimal finishing was required to produce excellent results! I'm in favor of that kind of plastic cone. Also, plastic allows a lot more design options. That said, though, for environmental and the Made in the USA aspects, I'm all for balsa!
James

Heh, be careful. The tree huggers will start crying about all the balsa trees being cut down!

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Scott D. Hansen
Ye Olde Rocket Shoppe - Your One Stop BAR Shoppe!
Ye Olde Rocket Plans - OOP Rocket Plans From 38 Companies!
Ye Olde Rocket Forum
WOOSH NAR Section #558

Acck! That's true!
Seriously, I do worry about our rain forests. Any manufacturer should check out their vendors to be sure they are friendly to the environment. At least, as much as that is possible.
James

Actually, I doubt it: In the places where balsa trees grow, they're almost considered a weed...

They act as "nurse trees" in forests, protecting younger trees from the elements until they become mature.

Just a bit of interesting, if otherwise useless, trivia...

See this URL: http://jimsrc.com/other_info.html

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Craig McGraw

BARCLONE Rocketry -- http://barclone.rocketshoppe.com
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BARs helping BARs

SAM 0044
AMA 352635