Balsa wood???

[WillRiseley]

Evening all. now either im stupid(er) than I think or I cant find balsa wood in decent sizes anywhere. Is it just not available in say plank or 4x4" lengths? I need some to make a surfboard from but cant find any thats either the right size or not millions of pounds.

Any help?

 

[marcros]

Never seen it like that.

What about western red cedar as an alternative?

 

[WillRiseley]

would it be light enough? planning to use it in its solid form like an aussie company do. then there just epoxy resinned over the top

 

[Richard S]

One of the magazines, British Woodworking I think, ran an article on a surf board maker recently, search their back issues. You should find plenty of relavent info there.

 

[colinc]

You could try talking to SLEC http://www.slecuk.com/online-shop.html who supply balsa into the model world. I know that they are also involved in wood preparation for light aircraft (we use balsa too) so may be able to help and have machining facilities. I suspect that they import balsa a raw form and sort it. Also try the 'Balsa Cabin' and others who supply the model trade - the specialists who supply 'contest' grade will be best as they will have better contacts. I know that there is a big importer in the UK who supplies a lot to the trade but at the moment I cannot recall who they are.

Let me know if you find a good source - am going to need one if I win the lottery and get to build a Mosquito!

hope this helps a bit

Colin

 

[johnwc812]

Hi
Is there any advantage of balsa wood over a large block of polyurethene foam?
I am sure it is used for the core of surfboards and windsurfers.
Easily dented and marked so care is needed (but so is balsa).
Cheers John

 

[nanscombe]

A quick Google brought up BalsaSurfers based in Exeter.

They supply balsa blanks for surfboards, if you have about £500 to spare.