I found the balsa density calculator which is great. I have weighed my balsa and know what density it is. Now I need to know is there some rule of thumb for what density for different bits.
Example: Model shop sent me a 1/2" sheet that is nearly 13lb density. is this too heavy for a 35 size profile fuselage? What density range for solid tail feathers on this size? What density for ribs? So real control line beginners balsa selection stuff.
Done a few searches on here and tried google but not found what I was looking for.

Any thoughts or links to where I can find out this stuff would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Thanks for the replies,
Craig - yes, that makes sense and is a good rule of thumb. No Contest balsa here but, when the opportunity presents itself, I can carefully select the best available balsa.

Ty- I was surprised at just how heavy that sheet of wood felt in my hand! This is what got me thinking, I have already consigned the sheet to the 'other things wood pile' and have already thought of a couple of uses so at least it will not be straight to the bin; thankfully it was purchased just before the rising balsa prices so not too painful on the wallet!

Except for a couple of small orders, I have been building with "Hobby Lobby" grade balsa for a couple of years now.  When they get in a new shipment, I go through it and grab anything that looks reasonable.  Much of it turns out to be 6-8 lb and their recent stock has been pretty good. Fortunately for me, the other scavenger hunters are closer to other stores, so I usually get first pick.  Far cry from calling up MAL back in the day but what is - is.

I use 1/16 where I used to use 3/32 and cut out a lot more of non-critical balsa, hollow thinner, replace blocks with molded, etc.  My planes are coming out at 60-65 for a full size PA.  Not light but not heavy either.  The biggest savings however comes where most would question my sanity (some do that anyway).   The Finish.  For all but a handful of us those extra 4 or 5 points to go from a 14-15 to a 19-20 just aren't worth the weight.  I try, not always successfully,  to keep the workmanship clean but piling on the clear is just not going to happen anymore.  That is just me and I don't prescribe it for anyone else.

Ken