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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 4
The spaceship, finish turned and sanded. I went to P800 grit sandpaper and then buffed with ultrafine synthetic steel wool. Synthetic steel wool comes in different colors that indicate its grade. Grey is equivalent to 0000 steel wool. The ultrafine white pads are equivalent to 000000 steel wool.
Photo 5
Here, I’m testing the look of the fins I want to use with the spaceship. The tail fin is just a smaller version of the wing fins.
Photo 6
These are the fins, drawn onto a thin sheet of mahogany and ready to cut out on the bandsaw. Note that I line up the edge that will be along the spaceship body with the straight edge of the wood. I’m also careful to align the grain so both wings and the tail fin will look the same.
After cutting, I’ll sand the curved edges and hollow out the straight side to match the spaceship.
Page last updated 16 June 2007