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Best balsa stripper?

Old 11-21-2008, 01:37 PM
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abufletcher
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Default Best balsa stripper?

So what's the best balsa stripper on the market? Price is no object, as long as it doesn't cost very much!
Old 11-21-2008, 01:45 PM
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vonJaerschky
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

I have heard this one is very good, but I've never used one myself. http://www.indoorspecialties.com/index1.html It doesn't quite meet your $$$ requirement, however. Hey, take note of the description - "Can be used to cut tapered spars"...... It's only 24" long, though.

Oops, just realised that gets you to the main page only. Select "Tools", and then "Micrometer Balsa Stripper"
Old 11-21-2008, 01:52 PM
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abufletcher
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

Thanks for the heads-up. Here's a good thread on balsa stripper over on RC Groups:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=808120
Old 11-21-2008, 01:57 PM
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vonJaerschky
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

I knew there was a good thread on the subject somewhere that I had read before. For what it's worth, I've been using a Master Airscrew stripper for the last 15 year or so. It does the job OK, but I wouldn't call it a precision stripper. I find things get dicey with 1/4" thick wood and over, as the blade tends to flex and you might get strips that are not perfectly square.
Old 11-21-2008, 02:02 PM
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abufletcher
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

It's great seeing all these different small machines. Gives me ideas. And, you know...necessity...mother...and all that. I'll definitely pick up one of the MA balsa strippers.
Old 11-21-2008, 07:10 PM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

I have had surprisingly good results using my bandsaw. I clamp a fence along the blade,lower the top guide. install a fairly wide blade
(teeth to back) small tooth size...just take your time and make some sticks, A few years ago I bought some planks and just knocked out a ton of sticks, I am getting pretty low again..

I don't think this will work well for making tiny rubber band kit sized sticks.. But i managed to make some tolerable 1/8 square ones.. A lot more sticks for the dollar !!!!
Old 11-21-2008, 11:27 PM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

I have the McCloud stripper. It is definitely a super fine tool.
Old 11-22-2008, 10:10 AM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

Here is what I have used for many years: A Master Airscrew Balsa Stripper mounted on a solid wood platform with a wood "fence" to keep everything straight. I always use a new, sharp, blade when cutting new stripwood and have the blade mounted so the point is raised just short of completely going through the balsa on a given pass. Very easy to just "break away" the stripwood and results in a nice edge. This stripper works great for anything up to 1/4" and I have used it on 3/8" stock with multiple passes; anything thicker and I just run it through my trusty Dremel saw.

First Pic: the stripper setup Second Pic: some of the recent stripwood made up for my plan build Astro-Hog build. Hope this helps.

Soft landings.

Joe
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Old 11-22-2008, 03:16 PM
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Walt Thyng
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

Joe,
what a great idea for solving the only problem with the MA stripper the last little bit getting out of spec. Gotta go make one right now!
Walt
Old 11-22-2008, 08:23 PM
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squeakalong
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

Thanks, Walt! I might also mention that I channeled a small grove (about 3/16" wide and deep) into the hardwood board right under where the #11 blade will track as the cutting dimension is increased. Also, a 6" metal rule with 1/32" graduations is always used to set the blade width; it's easy to adjust the #11 blade tip to the painted line on the rule rather than use the Master Airscrew settings. Set the square end of the metal rule flush to the "fence", adjust the blade out to suit your need and there you go! Have fun with yours!

Soft landings.

Joe
Old 11-23-2008, 12:49 PM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?


I can say I have been using a Master Airscrew stripper for years. It works fine for me. I build everything from 1/4 scale to peanut scale and have been very happy with the stripper. I build with Dave Johnson sometimes and he uses a very sophisticated metal straight edge and an exacto knife with a number 11 blade. His stripps come out better than mine .

For precision stuff there is a "Ray Harlan" (sp?) strip cutter that the indoor guys swear by. I think peck polymers sells it now. Nice unit and not too expensive.

Cheers,
Dave
Old 11-23-2008, 12:58 PM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

ORIGINAL: semeraro
I build with Dave Johnson sometimes and he uses a very sophisticated metal straight edge and an exacto knife with a number 11 blade.
This describes me. Metal ruler from the $1 store and a 20 year old X-acto knife. But, hey, I'm willing to move up to the "good stuff" in the $10 and under range!
Old 12-04-2008, 02:05 PM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

I have been using a small bandsaw for years. Built a rip fence for it from plans in Tim Batt's old "Scratchin RC" column that was in RC Report years ago. Use a fine-tooth, metal cutting blade to ensure smooth cuts with little sanding. I picked mine up at a yardsale for $50. I have seen them for as little as $30.
Old 12-07-2008, 11:04 AM
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Reg Hinnant
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

OK Don, Now I know that you never look at the CD I sent you years ago. []
It has a balsa stripper article in the tools section.
I built one & its the best one I have used.
2 pictures show using it as a stripper with a thin kerf diamond saw blade. Very safe to use.
Other 2 pictures show using a router tip to cut a 1/2 round in balsa dor landing gear wire faring.
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Old 12-09-2008, 07:52 AM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

Also used the Master Airscrew stripper for years, modified to accept different shims to cut beveled strips for planking. Great tool!

I was fortunate enough to obtain one of those Mc Leod units earlier this year. Initially thought it was pricey, until I observed the quality and functionality of the tool. Outstanding product!

NICK
Old 12-28-2008, 04:05 AM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

Reg, Im looking for a stripper and your seems to be the largest one. Any chance I can gey a copy of your cd? Its not in the Cd you sent me last year on the Pup is'nt it?

[email protected]
Old 08-25-2010, 11:09 PM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

i built this balsa stripper from plans i found on internet, sort of a mini mccloud style, hard as heck to push the balsa through (new blade too) and even harder to keep up against the fence. same piece of balse with the master airscrew stripper glides right through. i guess i need to make a push tool (haven't made one yet) and try that before i give up on it.
Old 08-26-2010, 02:18 PM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

http://www.gryffinaero.com/models/ff...alsastrip.html
Old 08-26-2010, 10:32 PM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

I would have to agree with all the guys that mentioned Master Air Screw. I bought one at the AMA model show about 20 years ago and it's still going strong. You neeD to put in a new blade every so often.
HughO
Old 08-27-2010, 05:39 AM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

yea i bought a second master airscrew just in case, wouldn't want to be without one, great for cap strips too.  not to get off the subject, but how do i attach a photo? when i hit the insert image it is asking me for a url?
Old 08-27-2010, 10:27 AM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

See attachment.

Note the only type of files that are supported, as well as the max size.

Wait until notification of File Uploaded Successfully.
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Old 08-27-2010, 11:07 AM
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mike526mp
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?



it's not there on my screen, thanks anyhow

Old 08-27-2010, 11:11 AM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

oh i see, it is not avaiable on the quick reply, nut is available on a normal reply thanks for the help
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Old 08-27-2010, 11:13 AM
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abufletcher
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

You have to post using the "Post Reply" button on the lower left of the page. You can't upload images for the "quick reply" box at the bottom. Once you click the post reply button you'll see the screen that was shown above.
Old 08-27-2010, 11:17 AM
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Default RE: Best balsa stripper?

thanks everyone, i found it

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