This step of the great rocket building caper involves the formidable task of sanding the myriad fins.
First, all of the edges get squared up, and laser/die cut marks removed.
My standard method of operation for this involves clamping a sanding block vertically in the shop woodworking vise. A sheet of plate glass provides a great bearing surface to slide the balsa stock back and forth against the block. This results in a perfect ninety degree edge on all surfaces.
The beverage shown is an additional essential requirement for this operation.
Tip: This is also a very efficient method for gang sanding stacked hand-cut fins so that they are of identical shape and size. I followed this procedure for the set of Big Bertha fins.
Next, a medium grit sanding block is used to round the leading and trailing edges of all the fins.
Finally, the components get a once-over with 400 grit sandpaper to smooth things out.
Here are all of the completed fins for six model rockets ready for assembly:
Moving on....
