1/8 X 4 X 48 balsa for fuselage

[Bob Reeves]

Need a couple pieces of Contest Balsa for fuselage sides, noticed National says not available and Stunt Hanger Hobby doesn't list it. Remember a thread some time ago mentioning something about 48" wood being scarce, guess that hasn't changed.

So what are the builders doing, using 36" wood with splices?

[Sean McEntee]

Thats what I would do.

Dont forget to stack the two sheets together and cut zig-zags to strengthen the joint.

[Crist Rigotti]

Yup, splice it.  I did my splice within the battery compartment so the doubler helps the splice.

See post #92

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php/topic,37716.50.html

[John Cralley]

I have no experience with this vendor but they list 1/8 -  4- 48 balsa http://www.balsawoodinc.com/product/48-20

[Brett Buck]

Need a couple pieces of Contest Balsa for fuselage sides, noticed National says not available and Stunt Hanger Hobby doesn't list it. Remember a thread some time ago mentioning something about 48" wood being scarce, guess that hasn't changed.

So what are the builders doing, using 36" wood with splices?

  That's what I do. In fact on the current airplane it is 1/8 at the front and 3/32 at the rear. If course, make the splice near the front where the doublers back it up, and over the wing, so  the wing takes the load off of it.

   Since I have lots of 4.5 lb wood, I didn't bother with 3/32 on the new airplanes, just 1/8 all the way.

    Brett

[Chris_Rud]

I call Sig and they will hand select the piece for you. 30 cents per piece they select. I just tell them how many grams I want the wood to be within and the grain. They select and send within the week.

Its the only piece on the airplanes I build that I order from sig so its expensive but I don't have to worry about splicing them together.

Hope that helps.

-Chris Rud

[Paul Smith]

http://shop.balsausa.com/category_s/202.htm

Balsa USA.  $4.87 per sheet.  All you want.

[Bob Reeves]

Thanks for the tips gang. Looks like a splice is it, afraid of the suppliers that don't specifically say 4-6 pound wood. Who knows what you might get.

[Steve Fitton]

I call Sig and they will hand select the piece for you. 30 cents per piece they select. I just tell them how many grams I want the wood to be within and the grain. They select and send within the week.

Its the only piece on the airplanes I build that I order from sig so its expensive but I don't have to worry about splicing them together.

Hope that helps.

-Chris Rud

That's good intel, I had totally forgotten about SiG.  If its good wood its worth every penny!

[Lyle Spiegel]

http://www.specializedbalsa.com/   Anyone know about this vendor? Has wide variety of size & weights.

[Chris_Rud]

That's good intel, I had totally forgotten about SiG.  If its good wood its worth every penny!

Yeah, I just make sure I tell them the weight and they are always within the range. And the other advantage is you can ask for pairs which are from the the same block. Just ordered 10 sheets last week.

1/8 4x48 25-38g

-Chris

[Dan McEntee]

   I would think a careful splicing of smaller sheets would not be of a great detriment, just a bit more work. Carefully sand the edges for perfect fit, using glue sparingly would not add a lot of weight. The resulting glue joints might actually add some stiffness and rigidity to the fuselage. Think about it. You can lay out and glue the sheets together, trace you fuse outlin onto the resulting larger sheet, sand smooth, then cut out and glue to your fuse crutch. Here's a chance to clear out your scrap box and odd bal sheet selection! Just make the joints as perfect as you can.
   Type at you later,
    Dan McEntee

[Bob Reeves]

HI Bob. I have some 48 inch stock, contest grade. Send me your mailing address and I'll get some off to you asap.  Ty

Thanks Ty, PM on the way..

[FLOYD CARTER]

I never saw a real need for 1/8" fuselage sides.  3/32" is just fine.  We use thin ply for doublers to at least the wing trailing edge. 

My electrics use 1/16" fuselage sides with 1/64" ply doublers.  They are plenty strong.

Floyd