Help needed....bending balsa.
 

Hi
I have never built any kits yet, but I am trying to repair the landing gear area of my Edge 540 and need to bend some balsa to follow the contour of the fuselage. What is the best way to bend balsa?



Thanks
Graham

RE: Help needed....bending balsa.
 

there are all sorts of methods but just soaking in warm water should do.

RE: Help needed....bending balsa.
 

Thanks, I will try it tonight.



Graham

RE: Help needed....bending balsa.
 

Better than soaking it is to just wet the outside. The water will make that side expand and the wood will automatically curve.

For drastic curves you can try adding a little ammonia to the water, but I find that warm water alone usually works just fine

RE: Help needed....bending balsa.
 

with my method you have to set it in place and find a way to hold it there long enough for it to dry which will conform to the new shape then you can glue it. In Minn's method you could probably glue right away if i am correct?

RE: Help needed....bending balsa.
 

Ammonia.

Try it.

David

RE: Help needed....bending balsa.
 

Ammonia and water, about 50-50 mix.