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Author Topic: Balsa Sources  (Read 4953 times)

Offline Randy Powell

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Balsa Sources
« on: September 17, 2014, 02:42:21 PM »
So, I think it's been discussed here recently, but what are you all using for balsa sources these days? Last time I bought balsa was from National Balsa and it seems their prices have really skyrocketed. Any other places?
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Offline jfv

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #1 on: September 17, 2014, 04:20:24 PM »
I bought my last supply through Stunt Hanger Hobby and was very pleased with the quality and price.   The only limitation is the length is limited to 36 in.
Jim Vigani

Offline bruce finley

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #2 on: September 18, 2014, 04:07:51 AM »
Try Easybuilt Models  http://www.easybuiltmodels.com/bw.htm

David Niedzielski knows the importance of light and strong wood since the majority is for the free-flight hobby.  They also have their version of silk span, although I have not tried it.

Offline Randy Powell

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #3 on: September 18, 2014, 10:34:16 AM »
Thanks for the input, guys.
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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #4 on: September 19, 2014, 09:52:27 AM »
  I checked out Easybuilt's prices  is it $6.67 for 1 sheet of 1/20 x3" x36?

Offline Randy Powell

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #5 on: September 19, 2014, 11:16:00 AM »
Yea, I was looking at National Balsa and the prices have increased like 200%.
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Offline Jim Thomerson

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #6 on: September 19, 2014, 02:20:10 PM »
Hardware stores, lumber yards, craft stores often have a carton of balsa on the premises.  Worth looking through to see what you can find.  I have found an occasional very nice sheet. 

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #7 on: September 19, 2014, 02:33:09 PM »
  Seven bucks American is a bit steep for one sheet....

Offline wwwarbird

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #8 on: September 19, 2014, 05:30:54 PM »

 The price increases may have something to do with availability issues for the suppliers and distributors, Sparky is chewing it all up in his shop! :##
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Offline Randy Powell

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #9 on: September 19, 2014, 07:17:33 PM »
I used to have a local source. A local arts and crafts store. But they stopped stocking it. A Hobby Lobby opened just down the street from my office and I may check that out.
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Offline wwwarbird

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #10 on: September 19, 2014, 09:12:12 PM »

 Good luck Randy but any Hobby Lobby I've ever checked out just has the generic Midwest selection in their small cardboard display tower and the prices are downright outrageous. I'm lucky I guess, even though my LHS is 100 miles away they carry a very nice selection of both Bud Nosen and Sig wood, I can almost always pick up what I need at a reasonable price.
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Offline Mike Keville

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #11 on: September 19, 2014, 10:13:29 PM »
Some of the finest, lightest, straightest balsa I ever picked up was found at a Michael's craft store.  It's worth a shot.
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Offline Jim Kraft

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #12 on: September 20, 2014, 10:23:10 AM »
Much of the good balsa supply is going to manufacture wind generator blades. I read where there is a new technology using carbon fibre epoxy honey comb instead of balsa. That may free up some balsa for model use again, but I doubt it will bring down the price much.
Jim Kraft

Offline John Craig

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #13 on: September 22, 2014, 11:23:46 AM »
When purchasing Balsa at the craft stores, hobby lobby etc., you must do what the ladies do.  Use the 50%, 30%,  10% coupons.  Most of the stores will honor the other stores coupons just because they want your business.  Ask the Mrs. about the rules, regulations, & where to find the coupons.

Offline Randy Powell

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #14 on: September 22, 2014, 01:48:22 PM »
Yea, I went by the Hobby Lobby today. And they do have "some" balsa. $3.75 for a sheet of 1/16x3x36. I'd need coupons. A lot of them. Oh, and poor quality, too. Guess I'll try Michael's next.
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Online Lauri Malila

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #15 on: September 22, 2014, 03:17:59 PM »
Much of the good balsa supply is going to manufacture wind generator blades. I read where there is a new technology using carbon fibre epoxy honey comb instead of balsa. That may free up some balsa for model use again, but I doubt it will bring down the price much.

..or even better, start making models from carbon & honeycomb!

Sorry, L

Offline Jim Thomerson

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #16 on: September 22, 2014, 03:52:00 PM »
The Balsa USA ad on page 63 of the last issue of Model Aviation (the AMA magazine) lists 1/16 x 3 x 36 sheet balsa for $1.18. AMA members receive this wonderful catalogue every month.  H^^

Offline Tim Wescott

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #17 on: September 22, 2014, 04:06:27 PM »
Much of the good balsa supply is going to manufacture wind generator blades. I read where there is a new technology using carbon fibre epoxy honey comb instead of balsa. That may free up some balsa for model use again, but I doubt it will bring down the price much.

OTOH, what we get is the balsa that falls off the truck on its way to other things.  Balsa is grown in plantations, which will shrink if the turbine blade people aren't buying.  That may actually make it harder to get, after an initial oversupply.
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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #18 on: September 22, 2014, 04:09:16 PM »
Yea, I went by the Hobby Lobby today. And they do have "some" balsa. $3.75 for a sheet of 1/16x3x36. I'd need coupons. A lot of them. Oh, and poor quality, too. Guess I'll try Michael's next.

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Offline Randy Powell

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Re: Balsa Sources
« Reply #19 on: September 23, 2014, 04:47:08 PM »
Robert,

I suspect you will be hearing from me.
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