Vintage Rocket Ship Decor | DIY Woodworking
Introduction: Vintage Rocket Ship Decor | DIY Woodworking
In this Instructable, I will show you how to make this awesome vintage rocket ship! This is a simple tutorial that is fun to make and doesn't take a very long time to complete. As always, wear the proper PPE when attempting any woodworking project, and do not attempt anything if you are uncomfortable or unsure. Time to take off!
Supplies
Material List:
* Spray-on Polyurethane
* Wood Glue
* Quick Drying Epoxy
* 220 Grit Sandpaper
* Sanding Drum for Drill
* 3/4" Spade Bit
* 2" Dowel (I used pine)
* 3/4" Dowel (I used purple heart)
* Lumber (Choose whatever species you prefer. I used a small amount of walnut, purple heart and sapele)
Tool List:
* Chop Saw
* Bandsaw
* Benchtop Sander
* Orbital Sander
* Drill
* Wooden Mallet
Step 1: Cut Wood for the Body
For this step, you will need a 2" dowel and two pieces of wood at least 2"x2". One of the pieces I had was 3/4" thick and the other was 1 1/2" thick. Both pieces were walnut.
First, cut a 6" piece from the dowel using the chop saw. Using this dowel, mark a 2" circle on both of the other pieces of wood. Carefully cut the circles out using a bandsaw.
Step 2: Sand & Assemble
Sand the two circles and glue them on either end of the dowel.
Step 3: Shape Body
Once the glue dries, mark the shape of your rocket. Cut the top and bottom using the bandsaw. Sand the rough shape of the rocket ship. I wanted the end that had the larger piece of walnut to come to a point while the end with the smaller piece of walnut have a flat base. A benchtop belt sander helped me to sand the shape pretty quickly.
Next, smooth out the rocket ship. 431
I used a 5" orbital sander and 220 grit sandpaper.
Step 4: Add Window
Cut a 3/4" dowel. I had part of a purple heart dowel, so I worked with that. Use a spade bit to drill a hole into the rocket ship towards the top. When drilling the hole, make sure to stabilize the rocket ship. Put some glue inside of the hole, and insert the cut piece of dowel. Gently tap the dowel with a wooden mallet if needed.
Once the glue is dry, cut off the excess of the window using a bandsaw. Sand the ship again to smooth out any rough spots with the window.
Step 5: Make the Flame
Draw the shape of a flame, and cut it out using a bandsaw. My wife used a scrap piece of sapele that was 1/2" thick for this piece.
Finish shaping the flame on the benchtop sander, and then sand the piece by hand at 220 grit.
Step 6: Cut Fins
To keep all three of the fins close in size, I recommend first making a template. Once the template is made, mark and then cut all three fins using the bandsaw. The piece of purple heart I was working with was 1/2".
Step 7: Shape Fins
Use a benchtop sander to shape the fins. Since they will be attached to the rocket, and the rocket is curved, I took a sanding drum and sanded a curve on the edge of the fin.
Step 8: Attach Flame and Fins
Mix some quick drying epoxy and allow it to slightly tack up before applying. Once slightly tacky, apply a small amount to the flat part of the flame and hold the flame against rocket ship until the epoxy sufficiently dries. Follow this same process for each of the individual fins.
Step 9: Apply Finish
Apply your favorite wood finish to your rocket ship! I used a glossy, spray-on polyurethane and applied three coats.
Step 10: Up, Up & Away!
Now you can use your imagination to let this piece soar! My wife and I both love sci-fi and space, so this piece fits in perfectly to our home. 959