Dunno if I'm a pro or not..hehe. What I do it make sure the ends of the sticks fit flush against the stick its attaching to. If the end of the stick isnt shaped straight up/down, then theres only a small area it will contact to. If the angle of the stick is off a bit from the plans, I dont worry about it. I'll make a new one though if I over sanded it.

I dunno if I explained it well but I do as the instructions say and try to make everything fit well, no excess gaps on ends of sticks. I could take some pics to demontrate if need be.