Balsa Building Boards

[David Ruff]

Folks, I know you all have seen or used the Guillows balsa building boards.  They are 48x24 inches and 7/8 inch thick.

I have one of them and want another.  I cannot find anybody who makes them.

There is a place in the UK I am researching. 

http://www.slecuk.com/balsa-wood/Large-Balsa-Building-Board--600x1200-mm--SL523.html

Anybody have a line on the boards?

[David Ruff]

Thanks, Ty.  I did not see on their website but I sent them an inquiry.  Phone went to VM.
I will see if they have them.
Otherwise, the UK connection should be ok.

[David Ruff]

Guillows is out of stock with no idea when they will have more..

[George Albo]

Hi David. Guillow's is still in business.  When  I ordered mine from them, they were sent from Solarbo in Miami.

This is the address for Solarbo in Miami:
4440 N.W. 36TH STREET
MIAMI, FL 33142

you can write the owner for more info: KRAMER, JEFFREY
9829 SW Carrotwood Circle
port Saint Lucie, FL 34987

[George Truett]

David,
I'm not sure if it will work but you may want to look at end grain balsa core material used in composites.  Fiberglast sells a 2'x4' sheet you may be able to make into a building board.  http://www.fibreglast.com/product/end-grain-balsa/Vacuum_Bagging_Sandwich_Core

[Tony Drago]

What about the 2x4 ceiling tiles.

[Steve Helmick]

Lots of guys use plain old sheetrock for a pin receptive surface. Others use "Homasote", which is another fiberboard sort of stuff that is used in the construction trade, mostly in Arctic climes, but it is available with a little research. I think it's similar to the ceiling tiles that Tony mentioned above. Might need to cut up a sheet to make it easier to transport. I'm not sure what would cut it...circ. saw for sure, but maybe a utility knife?  Steve

[Mike Griffin]

I made a balsa building board several years ago 1/2" thick from scraps I accumulated.  I just edge and end glued the pieces together.  I guess I have tried about everything mentioned here but now use 5/8" Sheetrock .  Once it gets too cut up, I just simply cut a new piece.

Mike

[Dennis Leonhardi]

David, I too really like the Guillow's boards.  But I purchase Homasote in 8' x 4' sheets at Home Depot stores here in Minnesota, and they cut it as desired at no cost.

Typically I request 4 each 24" x 48" boards.  It's great stuff in my opinion.  Takes pins readily but holds them very well.

Good luck!


Dennis

[David Ruff]

Well, the well was dry except for the UK connection.  I sprung for two boards from them.
Not cheap due to shipping, but I will at least have them in addition to my Guillows board.
I am very much bias to balsa boards.
I am currently using some green foam stuff (insulation?) from Lowed that I thought would work.  It is OK but not as firm and secure as balsa when pinning parts.
I am building the Cardinal wing.  Interesting in that it is basically built off the surface of the plan.
Dang cats messed with the wing but I recovered.