Okay, so admittedly, I'm just getting back into the hobby, but one thing that has surprised me is the lack of a "intro" level fin alignment tool. I actually remember having good results from the old Estes plastic "Fin Alignment Guide" back in the day (certainly better than my youthful Mk.1 eyeball was able to produce). I've read about a couple of products that might be coming soon, and one that's available now, but a bit pricey and that doesn't handle larger tubes (I'm working on a BT-70 project right now). I've discovered the Rose Fin Jig - which certainly seems like the cadillac of fin tools, but at a Cadillac price. I've found options such as:

Model Rocket Fin Alignment Jig

But those appear to be OOP...

So are there any options that I've missed? I can mark tubes straight, and can use the old Mk. I Eyeball approach, but for whatever reason, I like the idea of having a tool available.

Any suggestions welcome! I have at least two projects that are waiting on fins while I try to find a fin-alignment tool. Perhaps I should just pony-up and purchase the Rose product...

Paul

I dunno about the OOP part of what you linked to...check out the BMI CAD website for the Fin Jig.

http://www.bmibay.net/finjig.html

Not cheap but pretty much the best simple product around. Just don't use the binder clips to hold your balsa fins.

Let us know what you find out.

__________________
Kit (aka Cranky Kong)

I'm just a roadie for the banned...

You could check out this as well:

http://forums.rocketshoppe.com/showthread.php?t=4209

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Scott D. Hansen
Ye Olde Rocket Shoppe - Your One Stop BAR Shoppe!
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WOOSH NAR Section #558

I know I am very much in the minority on this but for sport rockets I really like the cheap yellow Estes Fin Marking Guide. I use it frequently. If you are not in a hurry, the guide works well.

The jig on the end of the guide does a good job of keeping the fin length in line with the tube (if the fins aren't too long) and does a good job of keeping the fin at a right angle to the tube (no so important flight-wise, but esthetically pleasing).

I've used the old Estes fin guide (grey plastic) and find it far too wobbly to be helpful.



(photo below, of the Fin Marking Guide in use is copied from the US Rockets website)

Attached Thumbnails

 

Excellent! Thanks - multiple Google searches only turned up the Amazon link for that item, so having the link to their site is MOST helpful!

Paul,
ghrocketman here---is actually Jerry Heffner !
Glad to see you here !!!!!

I have never had any sort of fin alignment jig in all the years of building since 1977.
I still use the carefully calibrated eyeball !

I don't think there are any sources yet of an affordable equivalent to the old metal Estes jig from the 70's.

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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 !

I've always used my calibrated eyballs too....TLAR method (that looks about right).

I got one of those yellow Estes guides when they came out. Mine was warped. I did a better job with my eyes, so I chunked it.

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I love sanding.

Here's the one I want!

http://www.hightechrocketry.com/FinJig.html

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Mike Fields