Which fin to make next? Poll

So, here are four fin templates which we are keen to make, I'm wondering which one is the most popular and which to make next as I'm having trouble choosing.

The plan is to do them in 3 or 4 sizes with three different foil types, no BLEF just as drawn.

 

Sb?

 

Right.

We have a variety of shortboard fins for FCS and Futures, in Spitfire BLEF and Bonzer5 templates.

Some standard shortboard fins will have to be done too at some point, I thought that we might start with quad speed diallers.

 

Will do.

Doing them all is a big order but we'll get there.

The thing is that say we do a pivot fin for example. there's no point in doing just one size with one foil, Instead we do six sizes with three different foil options, that's 18 fin drawings and 18 times whatever test prints and bench test victims. It all takes a lot of time. with side fins it is even more complex due to different fin tabs and cants, plus some fins need double and single foiled options.

So far we have about a hundred different fins but it doesn't look like that many on the shop because some are just drop down menu options. It's pretty crazy but the ability to have a large variety and custom fins is one of the main advantages of 3D printing.

Hence my desire to get help choosing the next one.

 

With the log fin a 10" and a 9" would suffice although I'll do some smaller ones as well, they could be good for mid length pintails of the early 70's variety.

Better foiling is going to make a big difference on the log fin, most of them are very thin for their base and chord length, ( due to the usual 10mm panel plus long base length) and wind up being pretty flat sided. Some makers ( Tom Wegener and I think Jim Phillips for example, typically those with a wood core are thicker) make them thicker with a nicer foil, but overall they are a type which deserves a good foil to get their capabilities shining through. They tend to be dismissed by the 'HP' crowd as prehistoric rudders but we can make 'em rock.

So, why not go the whole hog and do them with three foil sections, namely Eppler168, RAE102 and NACA16-012 ? We have them loaded up already, and it's a buzz having the choice.

The log fin would be sweet in a root beer colour, we have to order a swag of material to get a new colour though.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

Yeah it's a good free resource. Giving credit where it is due should involve George Greenough, Steve Lis and I don't know who else... who came up with the 'D' fin and the pivot?

How many people make speed diallers without Rich Pavel being mentioned? How many make thruster fins without paying homage to Simon? Do you get on their case? if not time to get to it, report back when you are finished please.

 

We'll see, everything takes time.

 

Lol so it's ok to lift a planshape from a fin like everyone does but not to use a free template resource?

Anyway there's no name attached, so who knows who drew them?