Hi everyone, I'm not a turner, don't have a lathe, and haven't even used one since the 80's. However, I'm trying to make a toy Corsair plane for my son for his 3rd birthday. I'm planning on getting some time on a lathe at the local Hackerspace, and I have my blank all laid out. The part that really needs to be turned is the fuselage (douglas fir).
Now, after reviewing my design, I have deemed it non Toddler-Proof. I think the best way to attach the wings (black walnut) to the fuselage, would be to cut a mortise all the way through the fuselage, and have the wings meet in the center with dowel pins. I think that would give maximum leverage to the wings on drops.
So my question to the forum: were I to cut this mortise prior to turning, will I get unacceptable (i.e. would not pass for "battle damage") tearout around that through mortise when I turn the fir blank? Am I better off turning it first, and then building a jig to hold it steady and cut the mortise with a forstner bit on the drill press?
Thanks!