Centuri Argus #KB-9, Build, Part 11, Toughening Up A Balsa Nose Cone

TRIVIA: Centuri would often include "The Right Materials For The Job" in their instructions.
Note the "Nose Cone and Connectors" section: "Nose cone must have durable surface because upper section descends nose first."






From the same instruction set, this shows the two parts descending on separate parachutes. Mine is set up this way, but has balsa nose cone and adapters. The softer balsa nose cone could get banged up on a hard landing.





Here's one way to toughen up a balsa cone -
TIP: Wipe some CA glue over the nose cone tip with a Q-Tip. I probably should have done after filling and before the nose cone was spray painted. Even going on after the paint, it isn't noticeable. The finish isn't as shiny with the CA glue wiped over paint. It would be smoother if it were applied and sanded smooth before spray painting.