Semroc Laser X, KV-33 Build, Part 4, Gluing Up Fins, Rounding Leading Edges

The instructions don't mention rounding the fin edges. Over the years I have developed a preference to round the leading edges.

These are two piece fins - it's always a chore to round the inside corner edge where the pieces meet.

TIP: I find it easier to round the upper "strake" piece before gluing onto the larger lower fin. This way one half of the inside corner is already rounded. It's easier to form the leading edge on the main fin with the rounded upper strake.

After rounding the upper fin, 

Glue the strake to the larger, lower fin on a flat surface. Use a straightedge to check the root edge alignment.

Set some weight on the joint and allow to fully dry.

On the left is the rounded strake. The larger low fin leading edge is still square.

Working in from the outside of the glue joint -

Round the leading edge working up to and feathering into the rounded edge of the strake.

The shoulder edge of the small nose cone wasn't well defined.

I paint on some CWF, a little over the shoulder. 

Press and turn the nose cone into the tube and lift clear. This should raise a bead of filler, a little wider than the diameter of the nose cone.

After the filler dries, slide it back into the tube.

With 400 grit on a block, sand down the filler bead even with the tube diameter. Try not to sand into the tube. You should end up with a very sharp new shoulder.