this post was submitted on 10 Aug 2026
131 points (98.5% liked)

Woodworking

8872 readers
450 users here now

A handmade home for woodworkers and admirers of woodworkers. Our community icon is submitted by @inquanto@lemmy.world, winner of the Christmas 2025 gift contest with a lovely series of hardwood cutting boards.

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
 

My toddler is obsessed with rockets at the moment, so I decided to use an extra length of dowel to make him a sturdy one.

I'm currently brainstorming the best way to attach the fins, figured I'd see if anyone here had any ideas

Currently, I'm thinking of cutting perpendicular grooves from the bottom that the fins will slot into, with each pair of fins being a solid piece. But keep in mind I haven't made the fins yet, so that's definitely not set in stone.

Modeling after the v-2 because it looks as stereotypical as a rocket can

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[โ€“] DarrinBrunner@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

I'd make it from a larger dowel, 1.5" to 2" diameter, with a rounded nosecone and chunky fins from 1/2" stock, so they don't break when it's tossed in the air. That way you could attach the fins with a screws and glue, no fancy milling needed.

Before shaping, drill a hole half-way through for a window port, don't go all the way through or they'll get their finger stuck someday.

A large dowel would simplify this a bit, but I've got what I've got

They'll probably just be itty bitty fins to keep them strong