Some of these TIPS aren't always mentioned in kit instructions.
1. READ THE DIRECTIONS BEFORE ASSEMBLY.
There is a reason why most instructions suggest this.
You might want to plan your paint patterns before gluing things together.
2. Start each build with a new blade in your knife and new sandpaper in your sanding blocks.
3. DRY FIT EVERYTHING before using any glue.
4. DON'T USE INK to mark fin position lines.
Use pencil to mark body tubes.
Ink can and will bleed through lighter colors of spray paint.
To test a kit supplied marking guide -
Wrap and mark the fin lines, then rotate the marking guide to the next pencil mark.
If the new marking guide position and pencil marks don't align, the marking guide is incorrect.
Go to: payloadbay.com. Go to "Tools", then "Fin Wrap Tool".
Enter in your body tube size and number of fins and print out.
6. Sand body tube ends flat using a sanding block.
Many tubes (especially larger diameter body tubes) many not have a clean, straight end cut.
7. Change out a wide wood glue nozzle with the nozzle from a white glue bottle. The size of the threads on the base of the white glue bottle nozzle will fit the wood glue bottle.
You'll have a better control of glue flow.
8. Don't "set" knots with Super Glue.
Super glues (CA glues) will harden shroud lines and shock cords. It makes them brittle and prone to breaking.