G10 Fin Help Needed

[iqsy59]

OK...so most of my kits are scale or sport scale and I want them to be as accurate as possible. I'm sure the answer is hidden in posts somewhere, but I haven't been successful in finding it.

My original plan was to just put a 10 degree bevel on them using the method described at jcrocket. I built the jig and practiced on scrap wood and got pretty good at it. At least I thought I was until I actually tried it using G10. I failed and promptly had to order a replacement fin from Madcow.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that even bevelling will not get me where I want to be. So now I'm thinking about laminating basswood onto the G10 to approach scale thickness, sanding proper fin contours onto the wood, and then reinforcing the edges with a thin layer of glass.

I would like input on whether this is a viable solution or if there are better techniques out there. I have about 20 sets of fins so far that I want to detail, so I would like an efficient method that won't sacrifice the scale appearance too much. Any thoughts?

First up...Madcow 2.6" FG Black Brant II for my L1 certification...

Cheers,
Michael

 

[iqsy59]

I'm guessing by the lack of response that this was a silly idea. I would be very interested in hearing how you guys do your scale fins. Keep in mind, I have neither the skill nor the equipment to build up hundreds of ribs at varying thicknesses!

Cheers,
Michael

 

[CCotner]

That sounds like it would be terrible...

It sound like you're trying to this, more or less, but on a much smaller scale: https://www.physics.hmc.edu/GL/WAC/subs3.html

It should work well just the way you described it.

 

[iqsy59]

It sound like you're trying to this, more or less, but on a much smaller scale:..."

Yes, that is precisely what I envisioned!

 

[Coop]

No good reason why it wouldn't work. They do similar practices with wood/FG cores and then foam...

Later!

--Coop