Quick answer
Custom airframe slotting is a laser service that cuts fin slots into your rocket airframe to match your fin thickness and placement. For 1.5 to 7.5 inch airframes, order the slotting service alongside your airframe, then provide the slot width, length, and distance from the aft end in your order notes. This ensures precise fin alignment and saves you from error-prone manual cutting.
What custom airframe slotting covers
The service is a laser slotting fee available for 1.5-inch to 7.5-inch cardboard airframes, 1.5-inch to 4-inch phenolic airframes, and all quantum tube airframes up to 36 inches long. It does not cover other materials or lengths. The price is per slot, so a four-fin rocket requires four slot fees. This is a cutting service only; the airframe itself must be added to your cart separately.
cardboard airframes
How to order slotting with your airframe
Add both the airframe and the slotting service to your cart. In the order notes, clearly state three measurements: how far the slot should start from the aft end, the slot width, and the slot length. Without these details, the order cannot be processed. Allow 3-5 business days for custom slotting on top of standard shipping time.
Why precise slotting matters for high power rockets
Misaligned fin slots cause the rocket to fly unpredictably. Laser slotting removes the guesswork of manual cutting, ensuring each fin sits at the correct angle and depth. This is especially important for high power rocket airframes that experience greater stress during flight. Factory pre-slotted airframes like those on the Phoenix 4 are an alternative, but custom slotting lets you use your own fin design and airframe choice.
Step-by-step: ordering custom slotting
- Confirm your airframe is eligible: Check that your airframe is cardboard (1.5"-7.5"), phenolic (1.5"-4"), or quantum tube (36" or less). Other materials or sizes cannot be slotted with this service. If your airframe doesn't match, you'll need to cut slots manually or choose a different airframe.
- Measure your fin slots: Determine the slot width (match your fin thickness), slot length (fin root chord), and the distance from the aft end of the airframe to the start of each slot. Measure twice to avoid errors. Incorrect measurements will result in a useless airframe. Double-check with calipers.
- Add the airframe and slotting service to your cart: The slotting fee is per slot, so add the correct quantity (e.g., 4 for a four-fin rocket). The airframe must be in your cart as well. Forgetting to add the airframe means the service cannot be performed.
- Provide slot details in order notes: In the order notes, clearly write: distance from aft to slot start (in inches or mm), slot width, and slot length. Use the same units for all measurements. Missing or unclear notes will delay your order.
- Account for lead time: Custom slotting adds 3-5 business days to standard shipping. Plan your build schedule accordingly. If you need the airframe quickly, choose a pre-slotted option like the Phoenix 4.
Slotting service and compatible products
- Custom Airframe Slotting for 1.5"-7.5" Airframes: LASER SLOTTING FEE ONLY – available for 1.5"-7.5" cardboard, 1.5"-4" phenolic, and all quantum tube 36" or less only. Add airframe to your cart to pair with this service. In the order notes please provide how far off the slot should start from the AFT, as well as width and length. The price is listed per slot. Please allow 3-5 business days for custom slotting requests ON TOP of our standard shipping. This service lets you get precise, laser-cut fin slots without buying a pre-slotted airframe, but you must supply exact measurements and account for extra lead time.
