Custom Nomad Build Part 2 Parts Prep

On this build I'll concentrate on how to prep the parts, before gluing.
Your internal construction will be stronger and all parts should fit better.
Your finished model will have better structural integrity and last much longer.

BT tubing (Estes style tubing) are thin in the smaller BT-20 and BT-50 sizes. Strengthen any exposed edges with medium CA (Super Glue).

Place a drop on a scrap of paper. I use the back of old, used 400 grit sandpaper. Being 400 grit is used wet or dry, it is watertight and the CA glue won't soak in very much.

Use a Q-tip (or cheaper generic cotton swab) to apply the CA. Dip the swab into the CA drop and run it around the inside of the tube end.

Using a cotton swab gives better control of the amount of CA glue used.
After it dries, lightly sand the inside edge smooth with 400 grit.


Centering ring sides can be sanded flat.
Rings are cut using sharp blades. Depending on how sharp the blades were, the edges could be cut at a slight angle (a wedge cut) or rough.

Run them over a flat sanding block with 220 grit sandpaper.