I always have plenty of sheet stock on hand. I tend to build a lot of scratch projects so needing balsa sheet and ply (lite or aircraft quality) is the least of my needs.

Having said that, I keep bigger sections that I know I might LIKELY use. Balsa for ribs, balsa for aft belly cross planking.

I swap out a lot of materials supplied in the few kits I build. If the supplied wood is too soft and light, I stash that for a better application, and replace it with something more appropriate.

I buy a lot of started projects that really have little value. For 10 of 15 bucks, I can snag 5-6 sheets of raw stock, a pair of wheels, a dural gear, some other do-dads that I know I'll consume in time.

Why?

Hmm... I just bought a Hot Canary (A '70's biplane). I have zero desire to build it out.
But, one wing is built and suddenly I see a flying wing project.

I have gobs of servos, receivers... covering material, hardware, CA...
It'll be something else to fly in a hurry (I have only 6 planes ready to fly... that's just destitution on display!). I'll build it out as a rough "proof" prototype, and recall it's a biplane kit to begin with. All the bits to fine tune a second version are "there". First version will be a cheek nose... second version will be a spinner blended to a full rounded nose.

When I started the Spacewalker, I knew I'd grow weary of it in a hurry. It's a "complete" project with no expense spared (And it'll be electric so the expense will be HUGE), no corners cut... it'll take some time! This is a plane I expect to have for years and years; I have to be happy with every detail. It's in the build the rotation with an Ultimate Bipe.

I have the wings and tail-feathers built and some covering done. Time to box it all up, and have some fun thrashing!

I have 2 rolls of dayglo snot green and chrome to get rid of... I see an end already!

Exploiyager Projects v.21.0

Drawing as you build rocks!