Part 7. Install the Fins:

You don’t have to do this..but the javelins really will fly better if you do. As I mentioned earlier, whether or not to use the long or short fins is up to your style of use.

OK, you want them. Turn the javelin 180 degrees so the thrusting tip is at your feet and hold it between your feet. Have some espresso as installing fins takes some fine fingernail work and patience.

The best place to mount the fins is about 1/2 to 1” above the butt end of the javelin. Remember that in order for them to spin properly, you will be mounting them diagonally. Look at the finished pictures of the fins so you can get an idea of what you are going to do. Pull two 2 foot pieces of strapping tape.

Take your first fin and line it up with one end of each fin on opposite sides of the javelin: ie the leading edge on the right and trailing edge on the left. Be sure to line them up exactly equally. Tape the leading edge down with one piece of your pulled strapping tape and let the rest loosely stick to the pipe. Now take your second fin and place it equally forward and on opposite sides of the pipe; ie the leading edge on the left and the trailing edge on the right. Tape them down along the length of the pipe, pressing firmly to compress the foam a little. It won’t hold but don’t worry, we’ll get to that in a minute.

Pull four 1 foot pieces of strapping tape. Take the first piece and begin to wrap it around the pipe just in front of the leading edge of the fins. Pull it tight, so tight the foam compresses. With the second piece, repeat at the back ends of the trailing edges.

Now comes the tough part. The fins also have to be tape wrapped around the pipe just behind their trailing edges. Pull the fins up a little so you can get your fingertips under them and wrap the tape around tightly so the foam compresses behind there. You will rediscover a few cuss words as you do this. Do both inside corners, front and back. Now your fins will not come off!