Hull construction, balsa
 

Hi!

I am new to scale boating, and have a few questions regarding hull construction. If i want to build a ship, and use balsa sheets for the hull, how do i do to make the hull look realistic? if i just paint the balsa it will be obvious that i used wood, and the finish wont be very smooth. Can i use several layers of paint, and sandpaper it in between? or should i cover the hole hull with a fiberglass cloth and epoxy, then sand, and finaly paint it?


Thanx for your help!


//Ranstam

RE: Hull construction, balsa
 

Balsa is very soft wood and would damage easily if not protected. 1.2 oz cloth and 3 layers of resin should make it look terrific after wet sanding. Also thin down a mix and coat the insides for water protectiion.

Tug

RE: Hull construction, balsa
 

Hi!

Thanx for the tip! What kind of resin do i want to use? I found both polyester and vinylester resin? is it the same thing as 2-component Epoxy? where can i buy it?



Thanx!


//Ranstam

RE: Hull construction, balsa
 

I buy my products from this source.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/
West Systems epoxy is a bit expensive at first but it lasts a while and I have always had good luck with it. I also use the 1.45 oz glass cloth they sell. I am not affiliated in any way with this company it is just the source I use.

Tug

RE: Hull construction, balsa
 

it depends what use the boat is for if its a slow boat? or fast? i built this mtb from balsa its just sealed using epoxy 3 coats no glass.if your gonna go banging it about id glass it using .80 g cloth and polyeter resin as its cheaper.polyester resin and epoxy wont mix though so if you do use any epoxy on the hull dont use poly resin use epoxy resin otherwise its fine.if its a slow ship like a tug or battle ship the glass isnt needed.my ten yr old drives this boat and it has held up well so far .and its pretty fast.
[img][/img][link]http://media.putfile.com/sams-pt-boat-xmas-2006[/link]


also try this company for cloth and resin this is the cloth i use or you can use the 126g
[link]http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/store/-c-43_102_103.html[/link]