Estes Fin Alignment Guide Model Kit

This is kind of pricy for what it is, but it is very nice when it comes time to put the fins on a kit such as the V2. For kits that have grooved placement of fins, this jig makes it way easy. For kits that directly glue balsa to the body tube, there is some technique involved with getting one fin aligned and held at a time. This would involve patience to let the fin set up a little more before using the included clips. The alignment plates are helpful, but you really need to read the instructions on which side of the plate to use depending on whether the rocket is using 2mm (common) or 3mm thick fins. This jig also uses the motor mount to line things up, so you may need to change your order of building to get the motor mount in first before the fins get put on. This jig has helped me on the V2 and Magician build that uses D-E sized (24mm) motor mounts. It can be used on 18mm (ABC) motor mounts and micro motor mounts. There is nothing included for 29mm motor mounts. But, you can probably rig it to take larger motor mounts.This is definitely my "go to" fin jig now that I have it. I plan to use it on all my future 18mm and 24 mm motor builds.

Arrived in good shape, worked as advertised

This tool helps a great deal, however, mine wasn't quite ready to go to work out of the box. The plastic that holds the fins is firmly held to the base(expected). But, after the plastic is inserted in the base, mine wasn't sitting straight, they had a lean. This lean would translate to a twist in the fin on the rocket. This is fixable after the jig is assembled. The plastic will need to be bent by hand to obtain correct fin positioning. I would check this at every fin installation.

This jig makes building model rockets so much easier. It mashed sure the fins go on straight. I would definitely recommend this jig.

After some figuring out, this thing works great. I scrapped the directions and now go with my gut. Contrary to other review and comments about this guide, it makes my fin alignments literally straight as can be. Once the initial glue bead is dry (which is still often flimsy), I leave it in the alignment guide and apply numerous fillet coats of glue to "lock in" the fins. In short, works great, it's very quirky, a little flimsy, and worth the money. I'm on my 4th rocket with it and each one gets easier.