Estes Low Boom SST #7289 Build, Part 2, Parts Prep

I've mentioned this before -
Laser cut parts are cut at an angle. The top of the sheet is the fine, narrow cut line, on the bottom of the sheet the line is wider and diffused. The thicker the balsa the wider the bottom line.
Lightly square and clean up the sides but don't change the shape of the parts.

If the edges aren't square you could end up gluing the parts on at a slight angle.



Here's another example of cleaned and squared edges.
On the right, I've sanded the edges but you can still see the hold down tics. Don't change the shape by sanding off any more than you have to.

Sand off some of the burnt edges. Glue will stick better to balsa, not burnt ash.






The nose cone molding seam was clean!
It took very little sanding to remove it and no filling.