Friday, June 18, 2021

Estes Indicator #7244 Build, Part 5, Truing Up Fins & Balsa Fill




The outside edges of the the upper fins will need to be evened up with a block.
When gluing up the two piece fins, I was more concerned with the root edge fit against the body tube and adapter. With those edges held against the body tube and adapter - the outside edges weren't in line.
On the lower fins - 
I rounded the leading edge of the smaller strake piece before gluing the pieces together.
I find it easier to "feather-in" the other leading edge (inside corner) to the rounded strake after it is joined. 

Notice the angle of the sanding block. At this 45 degree angle you can sand in a 45 degree "pocket" into the corner.



Here's a pretty good example of the inside corner of the leading edges.


Most new builders freak out when the CWF filler dries, especially on thin balsa like this. Water based filler does warp the wood when only one side is painted and dries.
Don't panic - when the other side gets a coat of CWF, the wood will straighten out.

Years back - When sanding sealer dried it would warp balsa, but not to this extent. 



When sanding off and smoothing the dried CWF,
Hold the fin under a bright light and check the shadows. Here towards the small tip, you can still see a brush stroke. This will need a little more sanding to bring that filler down to the surface.

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