Balsa Size Problems
 

I was wondering if anyone knows where to get balsa that is 5/16X3/4? If I can't buy it can I make it? If I have no way of getting it how do you remove the tail fin from the fusealage on a superstar?

Balsa Size Problems
 

The simplest way to make the size you want is to laminate a 3/16x3/4 and a 1/8x3/4. There are several adhesives that may be used. I would probably use ambroid as it dries slow enough to allow some repositioning for alignment and won’t swell the wood. However other choices would include thick CA, contact cement, aliphatic resin (tite bond II), etc. To use CA, put little poki dots of thick CA on one side only, then carefully align the other piece and press together. Once you press the two pieces together, they will bond instantly and can’t be moved. To use contact cement, apply a thin coat to each piece and let dry. Again carefully align the pieces and press together. The bond is instant. To facilitate positioning, I would cut a strip of waxed paper to fit between the pieces until they are in position, then carefully slide the strip out. They will bond as they come in contact. Finally to use tite bond, apply the adhesive to one strip only then press together. The pieces can be moved around to align. Apply pressure by using weights such as a stack of books and let dry overnight. The pressure is important as the water in the tite bond will tend to swell and warp the pieces without the pressure.

As to removal of the tail from the superstar, suggestions on that would require a look to see what was there. Your description in the previous post left me a little puzzled. I don’t know what a “rubber, super glue, foam like” stuff would be. Whatever it is, an exacto knife, heat from a soldering iron, or a dremel tool should be able to remove it.

Your dilemma is pretty common for folk who begin with ready built models. Unfortunately this hobby always involves crashes and the ability to make repairs is an essential part of it. If you plan to continue for the long haul, I suggest you build your next airplane from a kit. That way you will begin to accumulate the skills and tools to face the many challenges that always seem to come. If you build it you can fix it. In the mean time we will try to help in any way that we can.

Balsa Size Problems
 

Just buy a sheet of 5/16" balsa and slice off a length 3/4" wide.

Balsa Size Problems
 

Thanks for the help. About that glue comment “rubber, super glue, foam like” I found out what it was and I thought it was kind of amuzing. It turned out that the builder of my plane (who was a glueaholic) used superglue and cauking to fuel proof and attach all of the joints on the airplane. The cauk he used turned out to be that foaming kind you put on wires that go into your home. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Balsa Size Problems
 

I would never use Ambroid glue haven't used since the mid 60's.
I built a PT-19, and while flying it a plug-in-wing pannel came out, and rekitted the fuselage.
I used Ambroid on the joints, and most of them came apart where I used Ambroid.
Now I use CA, epoxy, and tightbond wood glue. With Tightbond you have a lot of time to get the part in place.
It works great where you have to sandwitch parts together. I then tack the parts on the edge
with CA, or some pins and weights to keep them from moving.

rcflyer

I don't know how this post appeared under my byline. However I built models from 1946 through 1965 using nothing but ambroid as did all the other modelers of that era, and never had a failure due to the glue. Today I use all the modern adhesives where appropriate, but there are still some jionts where ambroid is a good choice.

RE: Balsa Size Problems
 

Go to Balsausa.com They have it all.

RE: Balsa Size Problems
 

I tried finding 5/16" sheets at two local hobby shops an came up empty. [:o]

RE: Balsa Size Problems
 

1/4" plus 1/16" equals 5/16" Buy whatever width is available and cut it with you knife against a straight edge to the 3/4"

Enjoy,

Jim