After assembling the fins for the Der Big Red Max, I was reminded of the amount of "product" these (3) biggies take to finish them nicely. Therefore I'm going to attempt to paper one of the assemblies and see what happens. I've scanned the completed fin assembly in case the papering attempt tanks, warps the fin terribly, or just doesn't look good. A single sheet of 8.5" x 11" paper will barely cover both sides of the fin assembly--folded over the rounded leading edge.

I'll try 3M Super77 spray adhesive for this.

Here goes!

TBC

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

With the 120 grit-covered Corian sanding board laid across my Herculean thighs I first sand the surfaces of the fin assembly smooth. I then scrape in the rounded leading edge.

TBC

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

To prevent the adhesive-backed paper from adhering to the fin's mounting tab I cover the entire mounting tab with delicate surface painter's tape.

TBC

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Now for the active ingedients:

I'll try using HP 22 lb polished printer paper for this. I first put a gentle crease in the middle of the paper. This will indicate where to lay the fin after I've sprayed the paper with the adhesive.

I then spray the paper with (2) coats of the 3M Super 77 spray adhesive and let it dry until it "feels right" to the touch (tacky, but not wet.)

I then lay the rounded leading edge of the fin into the crease and slowly lay it onto the srayed paper.

I then lay the other half of the sprayed paper onto the obverse side of the fin.

TBC

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

After smoothing the paper onto both side s of the fin I lay the fin between (2) slabs of Corian and I'll leave it here for a couple of hours. While its between the Corian slabs the fin won't be able to warp.

TBC

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

You always can mash them between those herculean thighs as a backup.

__________________
-Wolfram v. Kiparski
NAR 28643 - TRA 15520
MTMA Section #606 President

I suppose I could, but I'm too busy slaying hydras and Nemean lions, picking golden apples (out of season,) and other assorted labors.

I think I'll save the cleaning of the stables of King Augeas for last! P.U.!

__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078

Sorry I'm late to the party.....

You don't want the paper where the fin attaches to the body tube, or on the fin tabs. Otherwise you're attaching the structural glue to the paper... not the fins.

__________________
John Simmons a.k.a. "Lakeroadster"
NAR 113985
My Fleet with Build Data: Lakeroadster's Rocket Shop

I'd just use the proper amount of filling/sealing products and DITCH the paper idea.

__________________
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, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC !

Using a fresh #11 blade I've now trimmed away the scrap and it looks acceptable. I'll do the other (2) fins this way.

I have to go now. "The Vixen" has instructed me to drink the Black and Tan that she made for me. Yes Ma'am!

Good night.

TBC

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__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078