Estes Black Brant XII, Kit # 9723 Build, Part 3, Prepping The Fin Pieces

If you don't have a good sanding block - get one!

You'll definitely achieve the best results using the Estes Ultimate Sanding Bar. I have two blocks, one loaded with 220 grit, the other with 400 grit.

You won't have to concentrate on holding onto the sandpaper, the paper has an adhesive back and sticks to the flat face. These are the only style blocks I use for shaping fins like these.

I buy my sandpaper on rolls. I hope Estes can offer sandpaper this way. Cut off the excess with scissors. TIP: The sandpaper cut also sharpens your scissors.

Here's how the lower fins (on the left) and the middle fins will glue up.

Each of the eight balsa fins is made up of five laminated pieces.

On the left is the fit of the outside layer pieces right off the balsa sheet, Note the gap between the pieces from the hold down tics.

On the right, the tics and the laser angle cut have been sanded down using the block. The dry fit is much tighter. 

TIP: That centerline butt joint ends up as the high point of the diamond taper shape.