How to Build Rocket Fins
Just as a car's tires point a vehicle in the direction it will travel, a model rocket's fins will guide it through the air. But poorly constructed fins can reduce the aerodynamics of the rocket or create a drag force that slows the craft's ascension. Model rocket fins are generally constructed out of light, hard wood such as maple or soft but easy-to-cut balsa wood. Fins can be fashioned in many shapes and sizes.
Things You'll Need
- 1 foot of modeling hardwood, about 1.5-inches wide and 3/32-inch thick
- Model sanding sealer
- Sandpaper
- Hobby knife
- Tape measure
Instructions
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1
Choose the type of wood for the fins. Maple, basswood and balsa can be used.
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2
Choose the shape of your fins and how many you wish to attach to the rocket. Several different styles will work, including an elliptical shape or a simple rectangle. Those made of rectangles or parallelograms are the most effective, says model rocket maker Apogee Rockets. Your model can have three or four fins.
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3
Mark the wood in the shape of the fins with a pencil, drawing lightly. The fins must be of identical shape and size, so measure your fin design carefully. Alternately, you can cut one fin from the wood, then use it to trace the other fins.
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4
Cut the fins from the wood using a sharp knife.
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5
Stack the fins on top of each other so that they are in the same position. Sand the fins by running the edges of the stack across sand paper. Sand until the fins are of identical shape and contour.
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6
Sand each fin individually. Keep the edge that will be attached to the rocket body flat. Sand all other edges to have a rounded surface, which will improve the aerodynamic capabilities of the rocket. Sand the flat surfaces also.
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Coat the entirety of the fin, minus the edge that will be attached to the rocket body, with model-grade sanding sealer. Sand the fin again to remove the roughness of the sealer, but do not sand away any of the fin material. Repeat the sealing and sanding process until the fin is smooth. This step is not necessary if you do not wish to paint the rocket fin. The fins are now ready to be attached to the rocket and painted, if desired.
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