I cut up a batch of 1/8X1/8 sticks. Hard to compare the weight on those. I don't have a scale that will weigh that little. I'll have to see if I have a larger balsa stick and cut a cypress one and compare weight.

My thought is not so much to use it in place of balsa. I'm thinking it could be used in place of balsa where you need a little more strength but don't want the weight of Basswood and where basswood is overkill. Kind of use it as a midrange between the two.

It's just a thought. May not pan out at all.



Did some looking into the Paulowinia trees. I'm thinking of planting one in the back yard. It'd make a good shade tree and it can be cut down and harvested for lumber over and over again without replanting. It grows like a weed except that they don't spread.

The best price I found on the lumber is ~$5bf plus shipping. No one locally carries it. That's not cheap wood. I can buy Mahogony for just a little more. Cypress is from 1.20-2.00 depending on grade.