"How Do You Do A Clean Build?"

I get an Email question like this once a month:
"How Do You Do A Clean Build?"

My answer: Experience, trial and error and don't rush.
I don't consider myself to be a great builder, maybe a good sport model builder. Seeing those scale model entries at a NARAM will put you in your place.
One out of every ten builds might become a "shelf queen". That's a model that turned out well. It isn't launched and stays damage free on the shelf.

For the newer builders - Before you start that new kit or build,

1. Clean off your work area. Place all tools around your work area for easiest access.
2. Change out your knife handle with a new blade.
3. Change out new sandpaper on your sanding block.
4. Keep your fingers and work area clean.
5. Read the instructions before you start cutting and gluing. Make notes, plan ahead. Once in a while you'll find instructions aren't printed in the best assembly order. Example: Decide whether or not if some parts should be painted before gluing, like on a Saturn 1B or the Semroc Taurus pictured above. Most of the Taurus color separations were like the nose cones - sprayed orange then glued into the painted white body tubes.

General Build notes:

1. SLOW DOWN! Take an extra five minutes on each step and do it right.
2. Use less glue initially - less glue dries faster. Try gluing on a fin using less glue on the root edge. After it dries, check your alignment. If the fin is off, it can be removed and re-set because you used less glue to initially set it in place. If the fin is good - then apply fillets for strength. LPR and most MPR builds do not have to be bulletproof!
3. A good final finish is a result of good surface prep. Well, that and "cooperation" of the spray paint formulas and the humidity. If your fillets aren't smooth, don't expect a clean mask line down the root edge of a fin.
4. Don't start with a Skill level 4 or 5 kit. I wonder how many first time Saturn V (unfinished) builds end up abandoned, shoved in the back of a closet. 
5. There's a problem with hobby forums. A simple question will get 20 different answers, some are  posted by inexperienced builders. We've all seen this one: "I seal and fill my fins by rubbing glue into the balsa!" Your personal experience will find the best methods for you. 
6. You've got to know when to "put a fork in it." Sometimes trying to over correct a flaw could make it worse! Every build has a spot you wish could be better. If you don't point it out, nobody will know but you.
7. Every new build is a learning experience. Your next build will be better.