stunthanger.com
Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Randy Powell on September 17, 2014, 02:42:21 PM
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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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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.
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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.
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Thanks for the input, guys.
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I checked out Easybuilt's prices is it $6.67 for 1 sheet of 1/20 x3" x36?
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Yea, I was looking at National Balsa and the prices have increased like 200%.
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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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Seven bucks American is a bit steep for one sheet....
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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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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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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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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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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.
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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.
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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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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
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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^^
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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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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.
We have the best wood!
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Robert,
I suspect you will be hearing from me.