ORIGINAL: RFJ
Spot on Duane. As was mentioned in post #286, using grams is more accurate for the light weights we are measuring. 6llb or less wood is very difficult to find these days, at least in this part of the world, so I only use it when I really have to and drill holes in everything else.
Ray
National Balsa considers their "Aero-Lite" CONTEST BALSA (in two grades regular and "bargain"), to be 4-7 lbs/cu ft. I ordered some of both the best quality Aero-lite, and "bargain" Aero-lyte balsa, (which is supposed to be equally light, but has more "staining"), to see if the "bargain" is really as light as they claim. National claims the only real difference is the darkness, (staining).
They say the non-bargain (best quality), isn't necessarily more clear or have better grain or less imperfections, but I believe it probably does, as Ed mentioned earlier. National recommends the "bargain" Aero-lyte for models that will be covered and painted so the "staining" won't matter.
I have three upcoming models to sheet, (two are foam wings), and it will all be used. I'll let everyone know what I find from my order, and it will be interesting to compare notes with the rest of you. Where did you guys order your balsa from? We might as well have our own "critique" of the balsa companies.
Duane