Initiator001
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- Jan 18, 2009
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(snip)
I have no idea why the tube isn't pre-slotted; that is below standards for MPR kits these days. Might have to do with the expense of automating tube handling for the rotary stage in a laser cutter? I know at least one local manufacturer that has an ingenious multi-tube rotisserie fixture for his laser that allows doing some number of tubes at once. There's really no excuse for that one except the manufacturer lacking the capability.
(snip)
At the time the SBB was being released Estes' parent company (Hobbico) wanted to save money by not slotting the tube. It was cheaper just to include a marking/cutting guide for the fin slots.
FYI the SBB was originally going to be packaged in a bag. When the first shipment arrived from overseas the body tubes were damaged from the way the kits were packed in the shipping box. Estes changed the kit to be packaged in a box.