Yep, if you have the patience to do what you are doing, you can save alot of weight, especially on these Bridi designs. Built with the wood from the kit, the fuse could be used for batting practice. I have some half oz. carbon tissue I am considering laminating for the firewall as well. I will also be putting some of this tissue between the sheeting and the top of the wing where the landing gear mounts will be to firm up that area with minimum weight gain. As for the fuse sides on my Great Escape, the two 36" X 4" X 3/16" balsa sheets UNCUT weigh less than the kit supplied fuse sides. The trapezodial stock is mighty hard as well, but I don't care to try to duplicate it on my bandsaw.... I don't think mine would be accurate enough.

Weight savings like what you are talking about can make a huge difference on a hot summer day on verticals manuevers.