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Author Topic: Balsa Density Calculator  (Read 4075 times)

Offline eric rule

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Balsa Density Calculator
« on: November 14, 2015, 02:30:25 PM »
Recently found on line a neat balsa density calculator. Although I am sure most of you already have something like this some may not so I have added the web site link.

http://www.nclra.org/Programs/BalsaDensity.php
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Offline Mark Scarborough

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Re: Balsa Density Calculator
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2015, 09:42:12 PM »
some smart guy needs to build an app for this calculator,, so we can carry it with us on our phone!
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Offline RC Storick

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Re: Balsa Density Calculator
« Reply #2 on: November 15, 2015, 06:29:43 AM »
Not to take away from Eric's thread but this link and many other have been on the useful downloads page sense 2009

http://stunthanger.com/smf/download-area/balsa-density-calculator/

Many useful links like convert and airfoil etc..
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Offline Fredvon4

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Re: Balsa Density Calculator
« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2015, 08:26:08 AM »


Mark said
"some smart guy needs to build an app for this calculator,, so we can carry it with us on our phone!"

I would add: Also a built in precision weight transducer so we just poke in the dimensions, lay the phone down, weigh the wood and see the result

Why not? My phone can tell me how fast my heart is beating from an app that uses some sensor inside it.

OK seriously

My good electronic scale at 6.5" x9.5" is a bit much to schlep around to the places (very few) that I would like to select balsa from their meager lot of wood

I know several do this--- so I ask...can you suggest/recommend a good SMALL scale to use
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Offline PerttiMe

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Re: Balsa Density Calculator
« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2015, 09:06:33 AM »
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Offline Avaiojet

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Re: Balsa Density Calculator
« Reply #5 on: November 15, 2015, 09:13:02 AM »
I'll be the first to admit, and I did, that the balsa wood I used for the original Loser, which became the Mig-3, was built with my old stash of Balsa USA wood from my R/C days.

Yes, and as I said, probably quite a bit heavier because of the wood. So, the model is heavy.

The New American, which is now the ARGO, somewhat the same. Fuselage wood from Brodak. Ribs from Sig. Sig is known for using anything but contest grade balsa, at least in their R/C kits. I've built a number of them.

ARGO wing sheeting, 3/32 instead of 1/16 AND again, my old stash of heavy Balsa USA wood.

So, unfortunately, the model is a bit heavy.

I used up all my balsa from my R/C days.

Enter my "Balsa Density Calculator." His name is Tom Morris.

Now, and from now on, I purchase ALL contest grade balsa from Tom Morris.

My Stuka tank buster, all contest grade wood from Tom Morris, I'm pleased with the weight so far even though I have some unneeded scale details.

"Balsa Density Calculator" = Tom Morris.

Works for me and I don't even have to think.

Charles

« Last Edit: November 16, 2015, 10:38:10 PM by Avaiojet »
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Offline Fredvon4

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Re: Balsa Density Calculator
« Reply #6 on: November 15, 2015, 10:04:33 AM »
Dang PerttiMe

I do reloading but never thought of it as a hobby and set up in another room. It simply never occurred to me that my small powder scale (like you suggested) would be perfect to put in my coat pocket for the trim to my LHS

Feel dumb now
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Offline Motorman

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Re: Balsa Density Calculator
« Reply #7 on: November 15, 2015, 10:24:53 AM »
Don't get caught carrying a scale around lol.


MM
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Offline PerttiMe

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Re: Balsa Density Calculator
« Reply #8 on: November 15, 2015, 11:04:47 AM »
Quote from: Fredvon4 on November 15, 2015, 10:04:33 AM
... my small powder scale (like you suggested) would be perfect...
As long as the balsa isn't too heavy. I don't think I've weighed anything heavier than a 230 grain bullet on mine.
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Offline Norm Furutani

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Re: Balsa Density Calculator
« Reply #9 on: November 15, 2015, 11:15:49 AM »
I like Eric's link. You can put the weight in ounces or grams and the thickness in decimals. Thickness can vary a lot.

As for scales, this HF scale http://www.harborfreight.com/digital-pocket-scale-93543.html has been outstanding. It's pocket-able, accurate (better than my $150 Acculab), batteries last a long time and CHEAP (Use the coupon).

FFNorm

PS- The scale reads in tenth of grams, it's good for small batches of epoxy
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Offline Fredvon4

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Re: Balsa Density Calculator
« Reply #10 on: November 16, 2015, 06:00:21 AM »
Motorman

You know it took me a while to understand your post

Then there was a item on the news, just as I was perusing this thread, about a drug dealer (alleged) in Austin that was arrested simply because some policeman decided that $5000+ cash was too much to walk around with

I doubt a swipe on my scale would turn up cocaine or meth but it would test hot for explosives.... certainly not something I want to go through TSA screening with in my pocket
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Offline Steve Helmick

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Re: Balsa Density Calculator
« Reply #11 on: November 17, 2015, 11:18:22 PM »
This one is pretty popular with the free flight crowd. Inexpensive, durable, carry it with you 24/7. You may need to push a T-pin into a sheet of balsa to have something to clip onto.  #^ Steve

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LAPD-POSTAL-LETTER-HAND-SCALE-WITH-POUCH-/220754791548?hash=item336602cc7c
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