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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.
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Since the Saturn V is an actual rocket, I started by researching the size and markings for the Apollo-configured Saturn V. I used a variety of sources, including NASA's website, Boeing's website, and several books that had pictures of the Apollo launches. From there, I made a series of drawings that I could annotate with measurements and construction notes.
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I also did a series of test cuts to see whether I would use my table saw or my router to create the staves for the striped sections. In this case, I opted for the router.
Photo 3
I chose maple (light sections) and wenge (dark sections) as the species for the rocket components. I also made two test blanks (far left) from poplar so I could experiment with equipment set-ups on them instead of on the actual project pieces. It's important to cut everything at the same time so the stave widths are identical. If the widths are off, the stripes won't look right when they're turned.
Page last updated 7 August 2009