Rocket Fin Alignment Jig

A jig for aligning and gluing fins and launch lugs onto model rockets. This version is for BT-20 rocket tubes and cardstock fins for rockets such as the Estes Viking. The jig can also can be used to mark the fin and launch lug locations prior to gluing. There are two versions here, one for 3-fins and another for 4-fins. There is also an optional stand to lift the jig up slightly so fins can extend down for gluing. I use this jig system when teaching a lot of young kids with short attention spans as the fins can be perfectly aligned, glued and the jig removed within 5-10 minutes. 

To use:

Slide body tube into the jig.

Mark the body locations for the fin and also the launch lug.

Rotate the body tube in the jig to align the marks with the fin “clips”

Optionally tape the lug marking section of the jig to the tube to prevent it from moving.

Glue the fins, taking care not to glue the fins to the jig as well as the body tube.

Let glue dry and then carefully slide the jig down away from the tube body.