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  #1  
Old 05-20-2020, 11:26 AM
RobVG RobVG is offline
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Default Pics of your DIY fin alignment tools?

I searched but didn't find any.
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  #2  
Old 05-20-2020, 02:01 PM
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ghrocketman ghrocketman is offline
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I use a pair of accurately calibrated eyeballs as my DIY alignment tools.
TLAR, SWAG, and KISS certified.

If you need a definition of those acronyms, I can gladly provide.
Just make sure to avoid SNAFU, FUBAR, and BOHICA.
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  #3  
Old 05-20-2020, 02:15 PM
RobVG RobVG is offline
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BOHICA eludes me...
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  #4  
Old 05-20-2020, 02:33 PM
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Tau Zero Tau Zero is offline
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Exclamation Payloadbay.com, Gary Crowell's VCT program

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobVG
I searched but didn't find any.
Here are a couple of mine, generated from Payloadbay.com and Gary Crowell's VCT program.

Attach the printout to *corrugated* cardboard (I use double-sided tape) and cut out the unnecessary bits (notice the triangular cuts where the fin meets the body tube).

HTH,
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"I think about organizing things all the time. Never seems to happen. I find something that piques my interest and I'm off on a quest. Or a Centuri. "

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03 Sept 2014
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  #5  
Old 05-20-2020, 02:37 PM
RobVG RobVG is offline
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Thank you Joe.
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  #6  
Old 05-20-2020, 03:15 PM
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Earl Earl is offline
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Rob-

I know you said “DIY” and what I’ll list below is a commercial product (and one I have never used, at that!), BUT, I have contemplated getting some of his guides for some time because they are fairly cheap and look very easy to use and look like they might work pretty well.

Here’s the link: http://qualmanrocketry.com/Fin_Guides.html

Now, if someone here HAS used these guides before, please chime in. Rob would probably like to know and I’d be interested also!


Earl
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  #7  
Old 05-20-2020, 03:31 PM
BARGeezer BARGeezer is offline
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Coincidentally, I just used a Qualman jig last night on my Kram fins.
They are my go to fin alignment tool.
My Estes fin alignment guide is gathering dust.
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I like the unusual, the off beat, the avant-garde. No 3/4 FNC for me!
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  #8  
Old 05-20-2020, 05:07 PM
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ghrocketman ghrocketman is offline
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BOHICA= Bend Over Here It Comes Again.

By the way, who is JOE ?
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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!!

Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL
, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't !

Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY.
ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, and HAVOC !
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  #9  
Old 05-20-2020, 05:13 PM
snaquin snaquin is offline
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For smaller rockets I use either the gray Estes Fin Alignment Guide or the yellow Estes Tube marking Guide has a little slot in it and rubber band it around the tube. Sometimes I get lazy and just print off a few of the old skool Centuri positioning guides.

https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bi...AA EgItiPD_BwE

https://www.acsupplyco.com/estes/es...rking_guide.htm

Someone made me a few custom fin alignment guides from plywood for LOC 1.5" tubing and for Semroc Series 125 & Series 13 tubing for three fins. I have a LOT of scratch builds to complete in those sizes and since a couple of those projects are multi stage I wanted the fins straight.

Also, like Jay I have used the rocketry tools at Payloadbay.com .... they have some pretty cool online tools there.
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  #10  
Old 05-20-2020, 05:16 PM
snaquin snaquin is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BARGeezer
Coincidentally, I just used a Qualman jig last night on my Kram fins.
They are my go to fin alignment tool.
My Estes fin alignment guide is gathering dust.

Man, those are cool ... I like that!
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TRA# 677 L2
NAR# 85518 L2
SAM# 0052

🚀 In Construction: Der Blue Maxx/Minie-Magg 5.5” & Vander-Burn MDRM Clone w/Stickershock23 Custom Decals
🚀 In Paint & Detail: USR Banshee
🚀 In Build Queue: Estes Doorknob w/Vander-Burn Rocketry Upgrade Kit [Sport Decor], Semroc Centurion-F, Semroc Egg Crate
🚀 In Repair: SLS Lil’ Hustler, SLS Aero-Dart 1969 Trim
🚀 Stay Tuned For Fall 2021 Launch Dates
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