Make sure the table you are using for the build is FLAT and STURDY. No flexing or warping. Any warp in the table could translate to warp in the plane.

For pinning, you can either use an acoustic ceiling tile (relatively light), or you can also use a piece of drywall. The drywall is a little heavier, but I like the way the pins will stick in it better.

Cover the plans with wax paper and pin them down to the table to build directly on the plans. To flatten the plans out, you can use an iron.

Work slowly and carefully. Read the directions 5 or 6 times before you cut. Measure carefully. Measure twice, cut once.

Save all the punched plywood or balsa sheets. If you screw up a part, it can be used as a template to make a new one.

If you screw up a piece of balsa, you can always buy another at the LHS or craft store. Its not expensive.

If the directions say use 30 minute epoxy, use 30 minute epoxy, not 5 or 15.

Thin CA is wonderful stuff for building, but make sure you have good ventilation, and wear a half face respirator with a NIOSH approved organic vapor cartridge. CA reactions don't start bad, but over time can get really nasty. I don't even open the bottle anymore until I have the respirator on. You can buy them at the local home improvements center (look in the paint section).

Take your time. Work slowly. Enjoy the process. If you rush to flight, you'll be disappointed with the results.

Have Fun.

Brad