In talking with several Balsa vendors yes there is a shortage right now.. auto industry as well as the green revolution is creeping in... there is some other wood that Dennis Hunt (zimpro) used from south Africa it think a bit denser but still light when there was a balsa shortage many years ago... It take about 10 years for the trees to grow ans most plantations right now have already been bought prior to the trees even being full grown.

yes plug and mold making is a option and you will find it to can become costly and time intensive to start from scratch.....

What is the answer, hope that all the past vendors have orders in and get some good wood... I have been to Clay's place and seen the container load of wood and it was really cool to see that much wood in one place...

well back to the shop to make balsa dust.....

scott