Here is something I started doing with my recent series of designs. I created a fin-alignment pattern that I print out on cardstock, then cut out the pattern with an X-Acto knife. I print up a couple of these for each model, and these slip over the body tube and hold the fins in their correct alignment until the glue dries. Until I started using this technique, I had a lot of trouble just positioning the fins. Now, the fins wind up where they're supposed to, at the angle they're supposed to be at.

Another tool I've found useful isn't home made, but still gets a lot of use. They're called "sanding twigs", and they come in 1/16", 1/8", and 3/16" wide strips. Sandpaper is glued to both sides of a sheet of thin sponge rubber, then cut into the strips. You can get a package of maybe 20 for a dollar or two at craft stores. Hobby shops are selling them individually for about $0.20 each. Great for tight places where a big piece of sandpaper might do more damage than good.


Craig