Estes Little Joe 1, #7255, Build Part 2, Fin Assembly

It might be tempting, but never punch the fins off the balsa sheet. Use a sharp knife and cut through the tics to free the parts.



It seems balsa is wasted in some kits. Hang onto the big leftover pieces for 3/32" thick repairs later on.

Laser cut parts are great except the cuts aren't clean. The beam gets diffused cutting through to the bottom side of the balsa.

Square up the sides with a sanding block but don't sand too much off or make the pieces any smaller.
This picture shows how the sanding block cleans up the "wedge" laser cut.



When gluing the sides onto the center piece, be sure they are glued on at a 90 degree angle, perpendicular to the large middle piece.

The picture on the left shows the center piece at an angle. The picture on the right is correct showing the piece sitting square on the tab.
Also on the right notice the light sanding on the (facing) center piece edge to square up the angle of the laser cut. Don't sand the pieces any smaller! Sand so the sides are squared up and adjoining pieces will glue on straight.

To fit, the ends of the long bottom piece must be tapered.

In the top picture, I shaded the ends to show what has to be sanded at an angle.

The bottom picture shows the fitted piece making contact with the base of the center piece.