promocom

I'm looking for an affordable source for thin plywood and balsa, in the NW or online?

J330

My Feedback: (3)

Unless someone has a stash they're going to sell on a forum, National Balsa has good prices.
But don't expect to pay hot dog prices when you want to eat steak.

Outrider6

My Feedback: (2)

That is a good question. I don't know where I get it, but I wake up with it every morning. I call it morning wood. Oh, wait - I should be replying to the thread, and not just the title. TMI...TMI...

On a serious note, I don't recall ordering from National Balsa recommended above, but I will check their prices and selection the next time I need to order something. Too bad Lone Star Balsa isn't still around, so I have used Balsa USA when I needed enough wood for a whole plane, and I used to sometimes use SIG when I just needed an oddball piece or two. But I won't order anything from SIG again until they become forthright again and stop hoodooing their customers and blowing smoke up their butts (if they ever do).

And another note: I hate it that Michael's craft stores stopped selling balsa (at least the one here). I can't count how many times Michael's saved the day, when I needed just one balsa sheet or basswood stick (or some Testors paint), and I drove 2 miles away to get it, and the problem was solved an hour later.

A. J. Clark

I have gotten some of mine from Balsa Wood Inc. I was satisfied with the quality.

promocom

Thanks for the tips guys!

Another wood question... the plans designate some parts to be made from "lite plywood". I do have some strong 1/8" maple hardwood on hand, can i use that instead? oh, and how does basswood fit in?

A. J. Clark

Maple is hard and heavy. Might fit in some places but I would keep it to minimum. If it's used where it needs sanded and shaped gone more work. Light ply is ok it's used for fuse formers alot. The thing I not like about light ply is if it sets for a long time it can warp.

Hydro Junkie

Promocom, I'm surprised you haven't heard of B & D International, down in Tacoma. They sell 60" square sheets of aircraft grade plywoods in 3 and 5 ply, depending on the thickness. I've been buying from them for years. Their website can be found here:
Curved Plywood, B&D International (bd-international.com)

speedracerntrixie

My Feedback: (29)

A much great substitute for lite ply is laminating a couple sheets of 1/16 balsa together with the grain running 90 degrees to one another. I’ve done this multiple times and even added a layer of 1.4oz fiberglass cloth between the laminations for an even stronger part. It’s no heavier than lite ply and it won’t warp on you. The only downside is you should use laminating epoxy ( a must I’d you add the fiberglass ) and you need to press between two flat surfaces or vacuum bag on a flat surface.

Outrider6

My Feedback: (2)

Also, for spruce (who here remembers building with spruce? - lol), I have found it to be not very common, but I have ordered from this company in the past, and just placed another order a few minutes ago.

Nobody would ever guess the name of this company - Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Company. They cater mainly to full scale, but they do offer some sizes that work for us modelers:

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/wp/spruce.html

I like spruce when I need real strength. Stronger and springier than basswood, and at a similar weight.

Hydro Junkie

I would have to agree on ACS. Since my local source for spruce stick stock was forced to close, I've ordered all of my stick stock from them. Always get quick service and high-quality wood

J330

My Feedback: (3)

https://volareproducts.com/blog/?product_cat=balsa

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