Balsa Supplier

[Bruce Guertin]

Where can I find a supplier of good balsa to start a stash with? I've cleaned out all the local craft stores of any decent wood that accidently ended up there.

[Mike Griffin]

Tom bought from the same supplier I did/do and it is always good.  Contest balsa is getting harder to find and it has gone up by about 50%.  Last time I talked to Bud Nosen, they could not guarantee me that I would get the contest that I ordered. 

Mike

[Bruce Guertin]

I can still buy through Stunt Hanger? Or do I need to go to Bud Nosen directly?

As I mentioned, I want to build a supply here at the house. It wasn't so important to do when an LHS was just around the corner but, in the days of online buying, I'd like to have enough here to substitute some of the wood in the kits I have. Balsa isn't all I need. I need things like a selection of plywood, maple for engine bearing, and things of that nature. I figure $200-300 may get me enough to have so I'm not continually ordering wood.

Would it better to have a mix of contest and some heavier wood? Do I need all very light wood while I'm still in the lawn dart phase? I'd sure hate to waste contest stock on that.

[Fredvon4]

Bruce most of the better kit or plans producers have good engineering sense and will call out a particular dimension, weight, and grain for the various structures....so yes you need a selection of lumber for scratch builds or repairs....

years ago at a local RC swap meet I bought a Giant Douglas DC3 kit....I think TopFlite...Sunday close down owner wanted it gone and accepted my $25 offer....82" WS multi engine model....was a lot of ply, bass, and various weight balsa....lots of sticks, flat sheet, and tapered or moulded trailing or leading edges

My local Home Depot and Lowes do not carry the typical balsa display but we have a upstart called Home Base that does have a selection similar to Hobby Lobby

send me a PM with address...I am one more stroke away from all stash ending up in same dirt hole as my carcas....this last few months slowly liquidating.....add a engine , fueltank, kit,  or building supply wish list to your note

[Gerald Arana]

I can still buy through Stunt Hanger? Or do I need to go to Bud Nosen directly?

As I mentioned, I want to build a supply here at the house. It wasn't so important to do when an LHS was just around the corner but, in the days of online buying, I'd like to have enough here to substitute some of the wood in the kits I have. Balsa isn't all I need. I need things like a selection of plywood, maple for engine bearing, and things of that nature. I figure $200-300 may get me enough to have so I'm not continually ordering wood.

Would it better to have a mix of contest and some heavier wood? Do I need all very light wood while I'm still in the lawn dart phase? I'd sure hate to waste contest stock on that.

Bruce,

You might want to join some RC groups in your area and watch for estate sales. Heavy wood is good for spars and other things where strength is required. Most guys that have been in the hobby for a number of years have some , if not a lot, of RC (heavier than CL) wood. Usually it can be purchased for little (almost nothing) because nobody bids (wants) on it.

Good luck, Jerry


PS: Get a hold of Fred. Sounds like he has some goodies you may want!

[bobsrc]

Sig Mfg. cuts and sells balsa also.   www.sigmfg.com

[Bruce Guertin]

Bruce most of the better kit or plans producers have good engineering sense and will call out a particular dimension, weight, and grain for the various structures....so yes you need a selection of lumber for scratch builds or repairs....

years ago at a local RC swap meet I bought a Giant Douglas DC3 kit....I think TopFlite...Sunday close down owner wanted it gone and accepted my $25 offer....82" WS multi engine model....was a lot of ply, bass, and various weight balsa....lots of sticks, flat sheet, and tapered or moulded trailing or leading edges

My local Home Depot and Lowes do not carry the typical balsa display but we have a upstart called Home Base that does have a selection similar to Hobby Lobby

send me a PM with address...I am one more stroke away from all stash ending up in same dirt hole as my carcas....this last few months slowly liquidating.....add a engine , fueltank, kit,  or building supply wish list to your note

Fred, I'm working on a list. I'll get that to you. My race season starts Thursday so it may be a week or so before you hear from me.

 I confess I was going to e-mail Tom and beyond the stuff I know for sure I needed I was going to just have him select what else I needed and send him the check.

[RC Storick]

I can still buy through Stunt Hanger?

Yes