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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Keith Spriggs on October 22, 2007, 09:49:47 AM

Title: contest balsa
Post by: Keith Spriggs on October 22, 2007, 09:49:47 AM

I am sure this has been discussed many times and I have even read about it several times, but I still don't understand what "contest balsa" is. I know that it is light weight, but most of the really light weight balsa that I see is "mushy" and doesn't have much strength. Can anyone try one more time to explain to me what the grain should look like. A good close up picture would be great. I realize that no two pieces are going to have exactly the same grain, but just something typical.
Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: contest balsa
Post by: Bill Little on October 22, 2007, 10:25:52 AM

Hi Keith,

I have always heard 4-6 lb balsa referred to as "Contest" grade balsa.  It can be "A","B", or "C" grain.  "A has long pretty even grain line (soft), and "C" looks speckled(end grain).  "B" is in between.  "C" grain is the hardest feeling.  Grain is just the angle the balsa plank is cut from the log.

Title: Re: contest balsa
Post by: Keith Spriggs on October 24, 2007, 12:52:58 AM

Thanks. I think I have a better understanding now. Tommorrow I will go several places and pick through their balsa.

Title: Re: contest balsa
Post by: Circlejerk on October 24, 2007, 05:53:44 AM

Good explanation with pictures


http://www.dave-cushman.net/aircraft/balsa_selection.html