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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Paul Taylor on January 15, 2007, 11:45:30 AM

Title: Balsa wood?
Post by: Paul Taylor on January 15, 2007, 11:45:30 AM

I was looking at a Sig Akromaster kit. All the balsa wood seem soft except for the the stab / rudder sheet. It was much harder wood.

So if I was to order some wood from lone star, what would I look for?

Thanks
Paul

Title: Re: Balsa wood?
Post by: Leester on January 15, 2007, 01:15:20 PM

Paul: First I'd just go with the kit wood but from Lone Star I believe AAA is harder than 4-6 lb

Title: Re: Balsa wood?
Post by: Bill Little on January 15, 2007, 07:54:16 PM

4-6 lbs density is "light", and not necessarily "soft", but usually is.  I have sheets of different GRAIN wood that weigh the same but the "C" grain is "harder".  "A" grain is not as stiff, will bend much easier, "B" grain is in between, and "C" grain is cross grain which is the stiffest.

For fuselage sides, ribs, flaps, and Stab/Elev, "C" grain is usually the choice.

Blocks, and such, are nice if they are "A" grain since they are easier to carve if "A"! :D

Bill <><

Title: Re: Balsa wood?
Post by: Randy Powell on January 15, 2007, 08:17:12 PM

Bill is pretty much right on. Remember, lightest wood is not necessarily the best depending on the application. 4lb "A" grain is a bad choice for a stabilizer, for instance. But a great choice for wing sheeting.