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Photo 1
The whole process starts with a design. I prefer graph paper to plain to work out the proportion and dimensions. Then I choose wood species appropriate to the design. The design may change as the rocket is built, but it’s still essential to have something to start from.
In this case, I chose maple (light sections) and bubinga (dark sections) as the species for the rocket components.
Photo 2
Once glued up, I prep the rocket body blank. Using a sled-like jig to support the blank, I cut the corners off on a bandsaw to save turning time. The ½” diameter hole in the base of the rocket body blank will hold a decorative piece later on, but, for now, it helps to hold the rocket body blank on the lathe.
Page last updated 26 January 2007