How to Cut Curved Balsa Wood Fins

ApogeeRockets.com -

Fins with curved edges are harder to cut from a sheet a balsa wood than those that just have straight edges. The reason is that you can't use a ruler to guide the path of the knife as you slice the wood.

In this video, you'll see the two different techniques that I use when I have to cut out fins that have curved edges. The first method involves making a pattern out of stiff plastic. This method takes longer because you have to make a pattern before cutting fins, but it gives you an edge that will guide your knife blade so you end up with fins that are more consistent.

The other method is where you attach a paper pattern directly to the wood using removable adhesive. It is somewhat similar to the last how-to video on cutting out fins, but it requires a much steadier hand when you do the cutting. You'll see all of this and a lot more in this video.