Balsa wood

[beakerboysracing]

Hey Guys,

I'm going to dive into something that I know nothing about and would like some suggestions and advise from all you more experienced and smarter than me builders.

I went by the hobby store today and picked up a couple of 2x2 Balsa wood blocks. I wanted to use this in my build of a hotrodd66 for BGN.

The idea I had was that I could build a pine wood chassis, say a 1/4 thick flat car and carve out a hr66 out of the Balsa and glue to the top of the 1/4 thick car. I think I might be able to gain some advantage by using Balsa because it is SO LIGHT! Maybe be able to transfer more weight to the rear.

My question is this as I have no experience with Balsa and the guy at the hobby store with three ear ring in is nose didn't appear to me to know what I was asking.(No offense to those of you out the that are pierced, BODY PIERCING SAVED MY LIFE WHEN THEY NAILED CHRIST TO THE CROSS).

Anyway, what do you use to prime and paint Balsa? I know it is extremely porous and probably soak up a paint of primer adding weight and defeating the purpose. Are there paint products out there for the use with Balsa?

Second, when I glue this Balsa body to the pine chassis, what type of glue should I use? Will two part epoxy work or will that damage the Balsa?

Third, What should I cut this block with? I have a scroll saw but I didn't know how bad it would chew up the Balsa.

How about weight holes. Can you drill balsa like pine or is there some special trick?

Sorry if I sound stupid, I just don't want to mess up, especially with the paint as by that time I will have alot of time in the build.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

See ya

Scott

Beakerboys

[khouse]

When I used to build and fly RC planes I used monocoat. This is a colored mylar with heat activated glue. You just iron it on. It also shrinks so it's very tight. Go to www.towerhobby.com to see it. When I painted balsa I just mixed up 5 minute epoxy and used it as an under coat. Sand then paint.

[slkrnsntracing]

Scott,

When I built The Grump I & II, I built a thin pinewood frame that held the weight and axles. I shaped it the same as the body.

I cut the balsa wood out with a band saw and shaped it with a belt sander.

Next, I hollowed it out as much as I could with my Dremel tool with a router bit in it.

Next I fit the top to the frame so it would fit.

As far as glue, there is nothing like Gorilla Glue.

I just primed mine and painted it. It actually looked really good until I accidentally put a nick in it, and tried to fix it. The rest is history. I messed it up pretty bad.

Sounds like you have it under control. Good luck and post pictures.

Phil

[cheelwheels]

Khouse - can you put a direct link to that mylar finish page at tower hobby? Could not find.

[Sappington R]

Hey Cheelwheels, glad to see you are still out there. Do you have prior experience with Balsa? I sent you a PM.

[khouse]

www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0095P?FVSEARCH=monocoat&search=Go

Looks like coverite is the same. You will have to buy an covering iron.