Estes Skylab #001973, Build, Part 18, Cut, Smooth & Fill

I usually use a break-off blade knife for most of the builds. This is one of those times where a more expensive X-Acto style blade is needed,

In the side cuts, my (new #11) blade was set at an angle almost laying down on the fairing sides.

The top line against the tape goes straight in at a 90 degree angle.

GO SLOW! 

Don't try to cut through with a single cut. 

After the piece is removed the cuts look pretty rough.

Notice the side cuts aren't right against the fairings. I tend to cut wide and trim down to fit. 

I ended up doing a lot of small trim cuts to clean everything up.

First, CWF fill was used in the joints and sanding with 400 grit.

Filler/Primer was sprayed in a small cup then dabbed onto the joints to fill any remaining gaps.