RE: Lateral balancing techniques
Uhhh, am I reading that wrong, or are you only balancing the wing? If you are, you're doing it wrong.
The wing needs to be attached to the Fuse. Don't forget that you have a muffler hanging out from one side (Or an engine head and muffler depending on the plane) That adds quite a bit of weight to that side.
Balancing should be the LAST thing you do. The plane should be covered, assembled, and ready to fly (Minus Fuel). THEN balanced, both for CG and Laterally.