Semroc Defender Build Part 2 Balsa Parts Prep

Sure you can build a rocket right out of the bag, but I try to take some extra time and clean up the pieces.
This is the largest balsa reducer from the Defender kit.

The base of the shoulder is pretty rough and pitted.






Here's the same shoulder after sanding with 220 grit on a block.
The outside edge of the shoulder was sanded round with 400 grit over a fingertip.





The small nose cone was overhanging the body tube a bit.

The rocket will be painted black from the nose cone tip to about 1/2 the way down this body tube so you might want a smoother transition.

Set the nose cone in the body tube and sand off the overhang making the exposed shoulder the same diameter as the body tube.