Guillotine Fin Tool review

[3boydad]

Bought this, so i thought i would give a review here. Okay, to start with it has changed a little since the video at Apogee or youtube. it's basically a box, which honestly i believe it adds a lot of strenth, it just makes sense. What i did not like about it was for the price i believe it should be finished, as in some kind of protectant instead of raw splintry wood. Some may not mind, but it disappointed me in that aspect. Well and possibly the fact it only goes up to bt80 tubes? That said, that is absoletly the only complaint i have about it. The thing works PERFECTLY, everytime. What a fantastic product, and concept. Ted, really did a great job engineering this tool. I recomend you buy one if you can afford a benji. Face it, if you are into making lots of rockets like I am, the hundo you drop is pretty darn minute compared to how many times you will use this thing.

When you get it, I reccomend sanding it well, but not much where the guillotine function is, it fits pretty good stock. Then i would add some sort of wood protectant, like an oil. I would also go to your local Ace and pick up some wing nuts, they are easier to adjust and not plastic like the ones it comes standard with. After that, you should have a great tool for you, your kids, your grandkids for many, many years. Buy one you will not be disappointed!

[RodRocket]

I did finish my fin tool. Took apart what I could, basically just unscrewing the nuts and separating the parts. Then sanded everything down staying away from the laser cut V's. Sanded down to a really smooth surface and then wiped and blew off all dust. For finish I chose to use Tru-oil gun stock finish. Just wipe on and let dry. Then buffed with a OOOO steel wool pad and applied a second coat. Buffed again after second coat was dry and reassembled the tool.

Works smooth and looks great. Maybe even staining the wood first and then apply the Tru-oil would look good to. If you wanted to add some color to the tool.

I use the tool on every model now. Just make sure your fins are ready, sealed and straight. Shorter rocket tubes are no problem, just extend tube with a coupler.

Yes it is an expensive tool, but you will get many years of service and enjoyment out of it.

Two thumbs up from me.

See ya,
Rod

[cwbullet]

I do not disagree.

[DM1975]

I have his plan pack. I can't wait to build one either. They are very complete and easy to understand if you have had any dealings with blueprints, and probay even if not. The design is absolutely wonderful in my opinion and sure beats the heck out of all the little jigs and masking tape contraptions I have ever tried in the past.

[rockets4kids]

Just out of curiosity, is there any interest in a kit version of one of these? I have access to a CNC router and laser cutter and could probably put together parts kits on one or more sizes. This way you can sand/stain/finish to your desired level of perfection and save a few bucks in the process.

I have been very happy with MicroMeister's beveled-style fin jig (search the forms for a description) but I have been thinking about building something in the Guillotine style for comparison.

[chadrog]

Just out of curiosity, is there any interest in a kit version of one of these? I have access to a CNC router and laser cutter and could probably put together parts kits on one or more sizes. This way you can sand/stain/finish to your desired level of perfection and save a few bucks in the process.

I have been very happy with MicroMeister's beveled-style fin jig (search the forms for a description) but I have been thinking about building something in the Guillotine style for comparison.

Here we go again - brace yourself...

[DM1975]

Just out of curiosity, is there any interest in a kit version of one of these? I have access to a CNC router and laser cutter and could probably put together parts kits on one or more sizes. This way you can sand/stain/finish to your desired level of perfection and save a few bucks in the process.

I have been very happy with MicroMeister's beveled-style fin jig (search the forms for a description) but I have been thinking about building something in the Guillotine style for comparison.

You do know this is someone's patented product right? Not an obscure company, but an actual person who is a forum member right?

[rockets4kids]

In that case, never mind!

Got a link to the patent?

[kruland]

My understanding is it is copyrighted and not patented. However copyright protects written materials and not concepts or things.

[DM1975]

I don't have any numbers, but I also have enough class not to care.

[cwbullet]

Hoe much did the blueprint cost?

[DM1975]

Hoe much did the blueprint cost?

If I recall, maybe $5-$15? Somewhere along those lines.

[rockets4kids]

My understanding is it is copyrighted and not patented. However copyright protects written materials and not concepts or things.

Exactly. That is why I was surprised by the patent issue.

I have been using a jig nearly identical to the guillotine to cut fin slots with my router, and I designed that jig based on quite a number of similar jigs that go back at least ten years.

[fyrwrxz]

I know Ted, and he's a hell of a nice guy. Hard working middle class guy like you and me with a knack for invention and a shop most of us would envy, but appropriate for a first class cabinet/carpenter kinda guy. Not a spring chicken and he's paid his dues and has the chops thru good ole experience. I'd rate this prolly just under reloads as far as improving hobby rockets are concerned. I do mostly scratch building and this thing just rocked my world when I saw it. He's upscaled it for bigger guys out there that can afford epoxy by the bathtub and carbon fibre by the acre. I'm not sure if he has a web site but his name is Ted Macklin. I do believe he sells autographed plans-at least I hope he still does. oh, and "not a paid spokesperson". Never played one of TV either. ( I'm so ugly they won't even let me on the radio...)

[cwbullet]

I bought one of his jigs. It works. I like it. I also bought on of the other guys jigs. It works also. They are about the same but one is larger. I will also likely buy the bigger version of Ted's that is sold by apogee because it works for slotting tubes.

I thought about buying his blueprint to replace my jig if I need to.

[tmacklin]

I appreciate all of the comments in this thread, whether positive or negative. Perhaps a FAQ is in order?

Q. Is the Guillotine patented?
A. No. I explored the issue and have decided that both the process and cost of prosecuting a patent is not worth the effort, at least for me. Personally, I'd rather eat sawdust.

Q. What about this copyright business?
A. All of my original designs and drawings are copywritten by their author (me) with all rights reserved. If you want a signed set of these documents for your own personal, non-commercial use, feel free to PM me.

Q. How much for the documents?
A. Ten dollars US and I'll eat the postage in the continental United States. Feel free to PM me.

Q. What if I just copy your design off of the internet to save a few bucks? What then?
A. Imagine that you planted a peach tree. You dug the hole, fertillized it, watered it and sprayed it for bugs. Finally it began producing some nice peaches but you discover that someone has been plucking your peaches without your permission. Now that might be a real good deal for the peach plucker, but he needs to Beware of the Dog!

Q. Why does this thing cost so much?
A. High quality materials, skilled labor, tools and shipping costs. Make one and keep track of your time and costs. Then you will know why.

Q. For this price why isn't the wood sanded and finished?
A. Labor adds cost. Worse yet, VOC's and governmental regulations. Think of it as "unfinished furniture". DIY and save money.

Q. So what should I finish it with?
A. Any good penetrating oil like Tung oil, Watco Danish oil or gun stock finishes. Apply and wipe off the excess. Don't use paint, varnish or Linseed oil as these can form a thick, gummy coating that will interfere with the operation of the device. Before you apply any finish, use a sanding block with 150 grit or finer sandpaper on the flat surfaces. You can chamfer or ease the edges, but be carefull not to remove too much wood from the edges of the operable sliding end panels as this could effect the accuracy of the device.

Q. Do you cut the slots, v notches and square openings with a LASER?
A. No. I use a Porter-Cable router in conjuction with a home made routing pattern. The basic parts are cut using a DeWalt table saw. The various holes are drilled with a Ryobi benchtop drill press. They are all hand built, by me.

Q. How much will the new, large Guillotine cost?
A. That decision will be made by Tim Van Milligan of Apogee when he returns from NARAM.

Q. Macklin, aren't you just a greedy, money grubbing capitalist pig exploiting your fellow hobbiests for all they're worth?
A. Yes.

[o1d_dude]

Ted, you should put a decal on your jig that says "Made in Texas by a real Texan" and autograph it.

"One riot, one Ranger."

[cwbullet]

Ted, I will likely buy you new large Guilotine for my wife for Christman. Thanks for the hard work.

[tmacklin]

Kit,

I've got an old friend up in Illinois who makes metal art for his amusement. He crafted a branding iron as a wedding gift for my nephew's new bride. The preacher used it in the wedding ceremony. It reads, "MINE".

Seeing as how I live in Texas, perhaps a branding iron would be appropriate?

[tmacklin]

Ted, I will likely buy you new large Guilotine for my wife for Christman. Thanks for the hard work.

I assume your wife is either a rocketeer or has a very good sense of humor! Better include some slippers and a box of candy, just in case.

[cwbullet]

I assume your wife is either a rocketeer or has a very good sense of humor! Better include some slippers and a box of candy, just in case.

She is a level 2 and better builder than I am.

[AfterBurners]

I appreciate all of the comments in this thread, whether positive or negative. Perhaps a FAQ is in order?

Q. Is the Guillotine patented?
A. No. I explored the issue and have decided that both the process and cost of prosecuting a patent is not worth the effort, at least for me. Personally, I'd rather eat sawdust.

Q. What about this copyright business?
A. All of my original designs and drawings are copywritten by their author (me) with all rights reserved. If you want a signed set of these documents for your own personal, non-commercial use, feel free to PM me.

Q. How much for the documents?
A. Ten dollars US and I'll eat the postage in the continental United States. Feel free to PM me.

Q. What if I just copy your design off of the internet to save a few bucks? What then?
A. Imagine that you planted a peach tree. You dug the hole, fertillized it, watered it and sprayed it for bugs. Finally it began producing some nice peaches but you discover that someone has been plucking your peaches without your permission. Now that might be a real good deal for the peach plucker, but he needs to Beware of the Dog!

Q. Why does this thing cost so much?
A. High quality materials, skilled labor, tools and shipping costs. Make one and keep track of your costs. Then you will know why.

Q. For this price why isn't the wood sanded and finished?
A. Labor adds cost. Worse yet, VOC's and governmental regulations. Think of it as "unfinished furniture". DIY and save money.

Q. So what should I finish it with?
A. Any good penetrating oil like Tung oil, Watco Danish oil or gun stock finishes. Apply and wipe off the excess. Don't use paint, varnish or Linseed oil as these can form a thick, gummy coating that will interfere with the operation of the device. Before you apply any finish, use a sanding block with 150 grit or finer sandpaper on the flat surfaces. You can chamfer or ease the edges, but be carefull not to remove too much wood from the edges of the operable sliding end panels as this could effect the accuracy of the device.

Q. Do you cut the slots, v notches and square openings with a LASER?
A. No. I use a Porter-Cable router in conjuction with a home made routing pattern. The basic parts are cut using a DeWalt table saw. The various holes are drilled with a Ryobi benchtop drill press. They are all hand built, by me.

Q. How much will the new, large Guillotine cost?
A. That decision will be made by Tim Van Milligan of Apogee when he returns from NARAM.

Q. Macklin, aren't you just a greedy, money grubbing capitalist pig exploiting your fellow hobbiests for all they're worth?
A. Yes.

LOL Too funny especially the last comment! LOL

[troj]

Q. How much for the documents?
A. Ten dollars US and I'll

I assume that buying a set gives the purchaser permission to make a fin jig for personal use?

If so, please PM me the info -- not 100% sure I'll build one, but I'm 100% sure I'll send money your way for a set of plans.

-Kevin

[tmacklin]

I assume that buying a set gives the purchaser permission to make a fin jig for personal use?

If so, please PM me the info -- not 100% sure I'll build one, but I'm 100% sure I'll send money your way for a set of plans.

-Kevin

You are correct. Buy a set of plans, which will be signed by me, and feel free to either build it yourself or take it to a cabinet shop. You may also wish to copy it for use as a worksheet so long as you don't give, sell or republish it. PM sent, your inbox is full.

Ted

[troj]

You are correct. Buy a set of plans, which will be signed by me, and feel free to either build it yourself or take it to a cabinet shop. You may also wish to copy it for use as a worksheet so long as you don't give, sell or republish it. PM sent, your inbox is full.

Doh! Full inbox problem resolved.

-Kevin

[tmacklin]

A picture is worth a thousand words. This is a preview of the new larger Guillotine soon to be seen on Apogee. The black phenolic knobs will be "by owner". They cost over two bucks each, WHOLESALE!

[cwbullet]

Ted,

Those are fantastic.

[AfterBurners]

A picture is worth a thousand words. This is a preview of the new larger Guillotine soon to be seen on Apogee. The black phenolic knobs will be "by owner". They cost over two bucks each, WHOLESALE!

I wonder how much Tim is going to rape the public on this one when he sells it.

[tmacklin]

I wonder how much Tim is going to rape the public on this one when he sells it.

Rape? That's a bit strong, don't you think?

I saw the late Nipsy Russell in 1967 at the Doral Country Club with my dad. Nipsy had a famous line:
"The difference between rape and romance is salesmanship!"

Tim is a consumate salesman and we have a deal: I build 'em and he sells 'em. He's doing a good job at it too. I'm proud to be associated with Tim Van Milligan and hope he's making a good bit of income selling my creations.

[AfterBurners]

Tim has a nice website and some good information on it, but he lost my business a long long long time ago. I won't do business with him if even if its for shoe laces or a pack of gum, but hey that's me. Good luck on your endeavors.