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Please note: Woodworking is an inherently dangerous activity. The non-woodworking techniques described here aren't all that safe, either. Sharp tools, powerful motors, big lumps of wood, chemicals, fumes, etc. can cause you serious bodily injury or even death. These pages are NOT meant as a substitute for instruction by a qualified teacher, just as an illustration of how I do certain things. I take no responsibility for any mishaps you may experience during a fit of inspiration. You've been warned.
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