hi guys, Im making an rc boat witch requires 12mm balsa wood, was wondering the best practice for cutting/shaping it? would a craft knife be able to handle the 12mm thickness?
Cutting 12 mm balsa wood
- Thread starter Roboboyo
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Yes, but you'll need a series of cuts - as in try not to go right through first cut.
Did you know that Balsa is one of the strongest woods available, and the white stuff is actually the sapwood. The heartwood can be far denser.
Did you know that Balsa is one of the strongest woods available, and the white stuff is actually the sapwood. The heartwood can be far denser.
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Jameshow
Established Member
What is the model? Intrigued!
Gerry
Established Member
Soft balsa is easy with a knife but quarter grain I would use a scroll saw just for ease and speed.
Gerry
Gerry
AES
Established Member
Yup, along the grain, especially if it's not quarter grain, a Swann Morton scalpel with a fresh blade, 2 or 3 cuts, all made against a steel straight edge, if necessary, held in place with a couple of pieces for double-sided tape. Make sure to keep the knife vertical for each cut.
If quarter grain, or cutting cross grain, a scroll saw is ideal, either hand or a machine.
If quarter grain, or cutting cross grain, a scroll saw is ideal, either hand or a machine.
Dare I suggest a CNC laser 
When cutting with a scalpel and ruler Watch out for that thumb 
I cringe when I see so called experts on TV using a steel rule. For about £4 invest in a Maun safety rule and a proper cutting mat.When cutting with a scalpel and ruler Watch out for that thumb
Woody Alan
Established Member
AES
Established Member
Dare I suggest a CNC laser
Unless he's going to do a HUGE amount, from the cost viewpoint alone, isn't that an elephant to crack a nut? People have been cutting thick balsa "by hand" since it was 1st used for model aero - 1920's/30's
AES
Established Member
I cringe when I see so called experts on TV using a steel rule. For about £4 invest in a Maun safety rule and a proper cutting mat.
Really NOT a huge problem, WITH care. As post above, "kids" have been doing this stuff for nigh on a hundred years now, and a majority of thumbless ex-teenagers are conspicuous by their absence. See the tip above about a couple of bits of double-sided sticky tape, and do NOT rush the cut. Easy peasy! AND BTW, I do NOT consider myself any sort of "expert", but have lost count of the number of times I've done that sort of cutting - SAFELY.
But "cutting mat"? Yup
AES
Established Member
Eh????????? In my world, 2 + 2 USUALLY equals 4. It's a form of "logic" Sorry, I just cannot see any logic whatsoever in how my comment could be interpreted as "Festool is no good".
AES
Established Member
Ah yeah. NOW you're talking! But if the OP has anything like the difficulties I have with justifying purchases to the domestic authority, then I guess he's min BIG trouble trying to justify the cost of a laser cutter just to cut a bit of 12mm balsa.
But IF he CAN swing it, then he'd better let us all into his secret.
Been there and tried that, have the scars to prove it.The secret is to not let your OH know, just say "what you mean this thing I'v had it age's".
@Roboboyo admit it, you were looking for the CNC suggestion
Yes I have certainly used the, "Oh you mean that old thing, had it for years". But you can be undone by technology, hadn't realised until recently that my nectar points are shared with the boss, so the conversation goes " what have you been buying? ", "who, me?" , "yes you, I suddenly have 200 extra nectar points, so what have you been buying?". Well and truly capturedThe secret is to not let your OH know, just say "what you mean this thing I'v had it age's".
