Today's rocket building exercise involves a continuation of preparing the Protostar's fins.
This step consists of providing the first bit of 'Steampunk' detailing - specifically, poking a series of holes in the fins.
I have no idea what these holes are for, other than serving as fancy detailing.
The Victorian design engineers probably know, but they're not divulging any secrets!
I'm only the project's construction grunt. Those other guys are probably off somewhere in their 'smoking parlor' tipping back a glass of Sherry and engaging in 'merry talk' and 'sallies of wit"!
Anyway...the fins.....
The first step is to mark out the hole locations. This is done by making a cardstock template of the upper fin section, drawing a guideline using a French curve drafting tool, and spacing the hole locations. (Wait a minnit...French curve? This is supposed to be strictly an English build!)
The four hole sizes will be graduated from 5/16" diameter to 1/8" in 1/16" increments.
Here, the 3 upper fin sections and the template are stacked, aligned and pinned into position, ready for drilling the holes.
In the interest of keeping this build true to the Victorian-era spirit, I had originally intended to use one of my antique 'egg-beater' hand drills to make the holes in the fins.
But, for the sake of precision and accuracy, I opted out, and resorted to the electric drill press instead.
A plywood backing board placed under the bottom fin helps to prevent drill bit 'tear-out'.
Here is a pic of the drilled fins. Balsa wood is generally very unforgiving with the use any kind of power tools, so there is a bit of tear-out material in the holes that must be cleaned out and smoothed. Sandpaper and fine needle files will be used here.
Just noticed another interesting vintage tool appearing in the photo's upper left corner. Yep, kiddies, a good old fashioned scratch awl can be effectively used in model rocket building!
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