New BAlsa Supplier

[Posthole_digger]

Here is a another balsa supplier that I was not aware of:

http://www.thebalsastore.com/


Paul

[Steve Kocher]

Paul,

You just made my day!  I live in Memphis and didn't know about it.  I'll have to check the place out. 

I wonder if Louis Rankin can talk them into setting up a booth at the Memphis Stunt Classic (Sept 11th and 12th).

Steve.

[Tim Wescott]

Interesting.  Their index page talks about maple, but when I go to their catalog section all I find is "hardwood sticks".  Strictly speaking the term "hardwood" covers half the wood out there (strictly -- or botanically -- speaking _balsa_ is a hardwood!) that doesn't give me a great feeling of comfort.

Do you know how long they've been in business?  Some glitches are to be excused in a start up.

[Bill Gruby]

 The first page states in RED, "All thicknesses 4" wide or greater are either out of stock or will be until furtrher notice. That's not a good sign.

 "Billy G"

[Tim Wescott]

The first page states in RED, "All thicknesses 4" wide or greater are either out of stock or will be until furtrher notice. That's not a good sign.

There was a riff on that theme on the Lone Star site -- balsa is getting pretty popular in industry for soundproof doors and Corvette floor boards (they stick a big chunk of balsa between the fiberglass layers for soundproofing).  Model airplane balsa is a very small part of the overall market, so they get low priority.

Hence, sometimes your supplier will run out, and you'll have to wait until they get another container full in before they'll have balsa to cut.

Having said that, finding a supplier with stock that's consistently in will always be better.

[Randy Powell]

National Balsa's prices are a bit better. I get what I need from National and Lone Star

[Bill Gruby]

 National is where I go. They are only a few hours from here. I have only had trouble once. Inconsistency in thickness of 1/16. They have never to my knowledge been out of anything.

 "Billy G" 

[Paul Taylor]

Hey this is in my back yard... I am going to stop in on my lunch hour one day and check it out. I will post what I find.

[Willie Johnson]

I just left this business.  The owner, Clay was fun to meet and talk to.  His wood selection is very impressive.  Local guys should call or email in order to pickup and save on shipping.

[Steve Kocher]

Willie,

I drove by the address listed on the web site.  It was a residence.  Does he work out of the house? Where is the warehouse located?  I was planned to give him a call but I just haven't had time.

Steve.

[W.D. Roland]

Another demand on balsa supplies is from aircraft, aerospace, formula cars.

End grain balsa slabs are used between Carbon or Glass fiber lay ups for ultra light composite construction.

Nomex and other honeycomb is easier to shape into lay up but not as strong or light.


This is old education and thing have probably changed.



David

[Howard Rush]

Nomex honeycomb is about 2 lb./cubic foot.  1-lb. stuff exists, but I've not been able to get any. 

[W.D. Roland]

Howard
I think that the resin filling the honeycomb voids is the weight difference.
With the balsa only needing resin to on its surface with some penetration for bond.
Resin is the weight.

Something else I notice when repairing nomex honeycomb core parts is the inconsistent filling or trapped air pockets in the hollows of the honey comb.
The few areas I have seen that are not full of resin the Nomex seems to allow the outer skins to "shear" or slide and tear the nomex paper. Most of these observations are on crash damaged parts.

Always learning...

Have wanted to experiment with all of these methods but resins and the Liver don't get along anymore.
I do as little repair as possible now days.

Will ask around for a source on the 1lb/cf Nomex
Was it used in Shuttle tank layups?(south Louisiana)

David

[Willie Johnson]

Steve,

I did the same thing about a month ago.  I got the urge to build after the MSC and needed some wood and thought I would try local.  I registered on the site and started an order on yesterday but stopped when it came to chosing shipping.  I figured I'd email later to see if I could pick it up.  I walked away from the pc and my cell phone rang.  It was the owner who saw that I was online and from Memphis.  I emailed him my order and picked it up after work.

He does cut and ship in his shop in the back of his house but it is not a small volume operation.  After talking about his offerings, I asked about 1/16 ply.  He didn't have it in his shop but had it in his warehouse.  We got in his van and and drove to 2 of his 3 storage locations.  He had enough balsa planks in his van to supply most modelers for a while.  Give him a try.  He is an avid r/c modeler and travels to a lot of events and shows.  The balsa I got is very nice.  I also picked up CA.

[Paul Taylor]

Willie
I will buy you lunch if you can take me there. I did the same as Steve. Drove to a house.

[Willie Johnson]

Paul, you were likely at the right place.  Give me a call when you get a chance.