© 2007 Stevens AeroModel.
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21. Shape the leading edge. Grab your 400 grit sanding block and razor plane. Proceed to rough the leading
edge of the wing round using your razor plane then follow up with a few swipes of 400 grit paper on your
sanding block. Test fit the wing to fuselage often through this process. Just as the turbulators along mid-span
ribs sit proud by 3/32” so should your wing leading edge. That is to say, your wing leading edge should be
sanded flush with the profile of only ribs R1 and R5, and remain proud of the mid-span ribs by 3/32” (see step
12 and use scrap 3/32” balsa as height a gauge).
A razor plane makes short work of shaping components such as wing leading and trailing edges (we suggest
the Master Airscrew MAS4100 razor plane). If you do not have the luxury of a $7 razor plane for this project a
long sanding block or bar loaded with more aggressive grit paper (120-200) will suffice.
22. Run your sanding block across all exterior wing surfaces to remove the laser burn in preparation for covering.
Do not significantly modify the shape of the airfoil as you sand.
