Don..are you sure its balsa you are using ? Ensure the sheet you cut the balsa strips for the laminate has straight grain running the full length .. for a tight bend .. slowly pour a kettle of boiling water over the strips ..then leave soaking wet for half hour or so. You should be able to tie a knot in it then without it breaking. If its really tough old balsa .. throw it in the bath over night ..then the kettle trick. Because the balsa strip is only about a 1/4" wide x 1/16" thick .. ive never had to use amonia in the past..but it works wonders too .. just slow down and let the balsa get waterlogged get waterlogged