Author Topic: Stripping 3/8 & 1/2 inch balsa (Read 6241 times)

Tim Wescott · « **on:** July 06, 2015, 12:56:17 PM »

I'm kind of stalled on my current big project, mostly from the Deadly Sin of Sloth, but partially from Despair.

I need some Really Freaking Light 3/8 x 3/8 sticks. Normally, if I want sticks I strip them off of a sheet that I like -- but stripping 3/8" balsa with a knife is a bit extreme, and 1/2" is even more so. It's hard to maintain a nice square edge, and the knife likes to wander. So part of me wants to just buy some 3/8" and 1/2" contest sheets and whack away with straightedge and knife, part of me wants to see if I can buy light sticks, and part of me wants to take a break and buy or build a small table saw. I really need to stop dithering and order balsa.

What do y'all do when you want a nice square light stick?

Paul Smith · « **Reply #1 on:** July 06, 2015, 01:00:42 PM »

I have a nice new table saw. The cost of those sticks would be 1/8" of scrap per 3/8" stick. Maybe worth it for your project.

Balsa shops like Balsa USA will do custom cutting, assuming they have the light wood you want.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #2 on:** July 06, 2015, 09:20:31 PM »

I use a band saw and a fence.

Bill Little · « **Reply #3 on:** July 06, 2015, 10:33:44 PM »

Hi Tim,

I have a Dremel table saw, perfect for it.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #4 on:** July 06, 2015, 10:36:47 PM »

Quote from: Bill Little on July 06, 2015, 10:33:44 PM

I have a Dremel table saw, perfect for it.

I'd go there, other than the $$$.

Motorman · « **Reply #5 on:** July 06, 2015, 10:58:07 PM »

I'd just cut it with a #11 blade and sand it flat.

MM

Bill Johnson · « **Reply #6 on:** July 07, 2015, 05:57:22 AM »

You might consider this saw, Tim:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AEZ70AO/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687682&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000SNM32W&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1F66W0B7HQFE07WV2MF0

At $50 delivered, I'm considering one for this kind of work.

FLOYD CARTER · « **Reply #7 on:** July 07, 2015, 09:41:38 AM »

The trouble with any kind of circular blade is there is a lot of friction, which heats and warps balsa. A saw blade with carbide inserts cuts a wide kerf, so that the remainder of the blade has clearance, but that wastes a lot of wood.

My best solution is a band saw and fence.

Floyd

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #8 on:** July 07, 2015, 10:31:12 AM »

Quote from: Bill Johnson on July 07, 2015, 05:57:22 AM

You might consider this saw, Tim:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AEZ70AO/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687682&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000SNM32W&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1F66W0B7HQFE07WV2MF0

At $50 delivered, I'm considering one for this kind of work.

Cheap Ass Tools has something similar. I'm thinking that for $40 it's hard to go wrong, even if Floyd is right about warping.

Allan Perret · « **Reply #9 on:** July 07, 2015, 11:04:59 AM »

Frued Diablo D0436X .050 kerf [that's less than a 1/16"] it will not heat and warp balsa, it goes thru balsa like butter.
http://www.amazon.com/Freud-D0436X-Cordless-20-Millimeter-Reducer/dp/B0002TUFAO/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1436288119&sr=1-1&keywords=freud+d0436x+diablo+4-3+8-inch+36+tooth+atb&pebp=1436288124978&perid=1EQZPGAZ9SR4H00BY0FG
You can use any of the small trim saws to make a mini table saw better than the nearly unavailable Dremel.

I like the Rockell RK3441K, got it at Lowes around $80.

Bill Little · « **Reply #10 on:** July 07, 2015, 11:19:11 AM »

Quote from: Allan Perret on July 07, 2015, 11:04:59 AM

Frued Diablo D0436X .050 kerf [that's less than a 1/16"] it will not heat and warp balsa, it goes thru balsa like butter.
http://www.amazon.com/Freud-D0436X-Cordless-20-Millimeter-Reducer/dp/B0002TUFAO/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1436288119&sr=1-1&keywords=freud+d0436x+diablo+4-3+8-inch+36+tooth+atb&pebp=1436288124978&perid=1EQZPGAZ9SR4H00BY0FG
You can use any of the small trim saws to make a mini table saw better than the nearly unavailable Dremel.

I like the Rockell RK3441K, got it at Lowes around $80.

Hi Allan,

I am sure you are correct but for the price I got my Dremel (free, working and 2 blades) I think I will use it! LOL!! It did not have a fence, but I have C clamps, a good ruler and a 2' level. Works like a charm.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

Gerald Arana · « **Reply #11 on:** July 11, 2015, 01:02:04 PM »

I have a Micro Lux (Mark?) and it cuts a 1/16" slot/cut. AFAIC it is really nice to have a perfect cut every time, but they aren't cheap. Fortunately I got mine when they were around $200 (on sale). I think they are $300-350 now.

Jerry

PS: Balsa is cheap, just saying.

PPS: Got my laminated spar done and the LE is in the clamp now. Next is the TE.

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #12 on:** July 18, 2015, 03:48:29 PM »

Quote from: Ty Marcucci on July 18, 2015, 03:46:25 PM

Why not just use a Balsa Stripper? It can be adjusted to the desired width. It will take two or three passes to cut the wood, But two or more light passes will not let the wood warp and one big cut tends to do. I believe that are still available from Micro Mark.

That seems to be a big cut for a knife blade -- but I'll give it a try. It'll certainly be my cheapest option since I already have a couple of strippers in my shop. (I'm not sure if my wife knows I keep strippers in my shop -- I won't tell if you won't).

phil c · « **Reply #13 on:** July 19, 2015, 08:10:27 AM »

Quote from: Tim Wescott on July 18, 2015, 03:48:29 PM

That seems to be a big cut for a knife blade -- but I'll give it a try. It'll certainly be my cheapest option since I already have a couple of strippers in my shop. (I'm not sure if my wife knows I keep strippers in my shop -- I won't tell if you won't).

Master Airscrew has a balsa stripper for about 8 bucks. I've used it for quarter square sticks doing two passes on each side. If you need perfect sides on the sticks they'd have to be stacked and sanded smooth on the stripped edges.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #14 on:** July 19, 2015, 10:12:55 AM »

Tim,

I picked up a 2 wheel Delta (old Delta when they were good units) band saw. I think it was about $60 used. It's been a very reliable unit. A bit of modification to the table and it's been very accurate with a fence. Might think about that. Jet makes a similar unit that runs about $100.

Jim Carter · « **Reply #15 on:** July 19, 2015, 12:47:20 PM »

Quote from: Tim Wescott on July 06, 2015, 12:56:17 PM

I'm kind of stalled on my current big project, mostly from the Deadly Sin of Sloth, but partially from Despair.

I need some Really Freaking Light 3/8 x 3/8 sticks. Normally, if I want sticks I strip them off of a sheet that I like -- but stripping 3/8" balsa with a knife is a bit extreme, and 1/2" is even more so. It's hard to maintain a nice square edge, and the knife likes to wander. So part of me wants to just buy some 3/8" and 1/2" contest sheets and whack away with straightedge and knife, part of me wants to see if I can buy light sticks, and part of me wants to take a break and buy or build a small table saw. I really need to stop dithering and order balsa.

What do y'all do when you want a nice square light stick?

Bud Nosen Models up in Two Harbors, MN is my preferred "go-to" supplier for nearly all of my wood needs. They have 3/8" x 1/2" x 36" listed as their p/n 1087 for $0.51 ea. and 3/8" x 1/2" x 48" as p/n 1483 for $0.67 ea. Sure beats the heck outt'a cuttin' and strippin' and possibly wasting some good wood in the process!

Jim

Randy Powell · « **Reply #16 on:** July 20, 2015, 10:50:23 AM »

Except Bud Nosen doesn't sell privately. They only sell to kit makers or hobby shops. You can become such a thing, but you have to fill out a supplier form.

Jim Carter · « **Reply #17 on:** July 20, 2015, 12:45:25 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on July 20, 2015, 10:50:23 AM

Except Bud Nosen doesn't sell privately. They only sell to kit makers or hobby shops. You can become such a thing, but you have to fill out a supplier form.

Granted, but that really wasn't the point I was attempting to make. Both Sig MFG and Balsa USA, two excellent suppliers, carry the same sizes of pre-cut wood, ready for use and he wouldn't have to worry about kerf, sanding waste etcetera or buying a table saw. Now it may be a different story if he's needing 100 + on a fairly continual basis. Certainly with that kind of consumption I would give consideration to getting a fairly high end, excellent quality Byrne's Table Saw and Thickness Sander for regular use, wouldn't you agree?
Jim

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #18 on:** July 20, 2015, 01:12:26 PM »

Quote from: Jim Carter on July 20, 2015, 12:45:25 PM

Granted, but that really wasn't the point I was attempting to make. Both Sig MFG and Balsa USA, two excellent suppliers, carry the same sizes of pre-cut wood, ready for use and he wouldn't have to worry about kerf, sanding waste etcetera or buying a table saw. Now it may be a different story if he's needing 100 + on a fairly continual basis. Certainly with that kind of consumption I would give consideration to getting a fairly high end, excellent quality Byrne's Table Saw and Thickness Sander for regular use, wouldn't you agree?
Jim

1/2 x 1/2 contest balsa, straight-grained, straight sticks, no knots or weak spots or significant change in density or stiffness from one end to the other, etc., etc.

I'm sure that Sig or Nosen or Balsa USA would happily toss some bent 10 to 16 pound balsa into a box if I ordered it. Indeed, I have some otherwise very nice bent 20 pound balsa that came in the kit that I'm building. But that's not what I want.

Jim Carter · « **Reply #19 on:** July 20, 2015, 04:19:39 PM »

Quote from: Tim Wescott on July 20, 2015, 01:12:26 PM

1/2 x 1/2 contest balsa, straight-grained, straight sticks, no knots or weak spots or significant change in density or stiffness from one end to the other, etc., etc.

I'm sure that Sig or Nosen or Balsa USA would happily toss some bent 10 to 16 pound balsa into a box if I ordered it. Indeed, I have some otherwise very nice bent 20 pound balsa that came in the kit that I'm building. But that's not what I want.

Sorry, I must be missing something

Why would you order some "bent 10 to 16 pound balsa" unless you had need of it

Oh well, sorry I commented ... I'm done!!

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #20 on:** July 20, 2015, 04:21:47 PM »

Quote from: Jim Carter on July 20, 2015, 04:19:39 PM

Sorry, I must be missing something Why would you order some "bent 10 to 16 pound balsa" unless you had need of it Oh well, sorry I commented ... I'm done!!

Why indeed. I've never gotten straight, light sticks, so ordering sticks of any kind is more or less the same thing as ordering bent, heavy wood. And, that's not what I want.

Avaiojet · « **Reply #21 on:** July 20, 2015, 04:41:56 PM »

Quote from: Tim Wescott on July 20, 2015, 04:21:47 PM

Why indeed. I've never gotten straight, light sticks, so ordering sticks of any kind is more or less the same thing as ordering bent, heavy wood. And, that's not what I want.

You never mentioned what you're using this 3/8 x 1/2 contest grade balsa for?

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #22 on:** July 20, 2015, 07:38:20 PM »

Quote from: Avaiojet on July 20, 2015, 04:41:56 PM

You never mentioned what you're using this 3/8 x 1/2 contest grade balsa for?

Tail feathers on a Legacy.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #23 on:** July 21, 2015, 08:41:26 AM »

Have you guys not heard of soaking the strips and then clamping them down straight. I have even sprayed them with "Windex" before gluing in place.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #24 on:** July 21, 2015, 11:48:38 AM »

Quote from: Bill Johnson on July 07, 2015, 05:57:22 AM

You might consider this saw, Tim:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AEZ70AO/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687682&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000SNM32W&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1F66W0B7HQFE07WV2MF0

At $50 delivered, I'm considering one for this kind of work.

I sent for this one as soon as I read your post. It arrived and I'm quite imprssed for the price. It's a heavy little rascal, ribber grip feet on it, and I think it will do the job.
I'll likely also use it to cut .090 hardwood for guitar sides which will be a big help.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #25 on:** July 23, 2015, 06:21:09 PM »

Quote from: Bill Johnson on July 07, 2015, 05:57:22 AM

You might consider this saw, Tim:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AEZ70AO/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687682&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000SNM32W&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1F66W0B7HQFE07WV2MF0

At $50 delivered, I'm considering one for this kind of work.

Harbor Freight's equivalent appears identical, is cheaper at about $37, and there is currently a 20% discount coupon available you can print out from their website. No sales tax in Oregon, this sounds like a good deal. It is orange instead of that pretty yellow, however.

Steve

https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AgGyTuh33A9J_B8jo_Se_kKbvZx4?fr=yfp-t-901-s&toggle=1&fp=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8&p=harbor%20freight%2020%25%20off%20coupon%202015

Gerald Schamp · « **Reply #26 on:** July 28, 2015, 05:38:34 PM »

How about calling Tom Morris and telling him what you need and have him cut if for you, then he will ship it to you all wrapped nicely, no fuss, no muss and no bother.