Balsa Planking

[No-Idea113]

I am sort of new at model ship building so I though that I would ask you experts here :) !

Anyway, I am building the RCBM Yoda's Ark boat and was wondering if there is any tricks to allowing the balsa to form around curves. Like, How can I shape the balsa around a curve, without snapping it or breaking it, I don't have alot of money to pay with so I want to get it right the first time.

Any Help or tips would be greatly helping me,
Thank you,
Bill

[Climate]

There are several tricks to geting balsa to bend without breaking.
One is to spray it with warm water and over bend it to the shape you require with a mold or a press of some kind. Thais can be as simple as a few 2X4 planks laid out on a flat surface with the balsa bent over them.
A steam iron can be used as well.
If you want to get real technical, woodworking ammonia (available from most cabinet shops) will turn balsa in to rubber.
Also pick your balsa carefully. You will notice quite a range of balsa at most hobby shops. Go for the lighter color softer balsa if you want to bend it. Harder balsa will have a slight grey color to it, and the grain will be much easier to see.

Peter.

[No-Idea113]

THANKS CLIMATE!

Bill

[No-Idea113]

Ok, One More question for you guys.

1) Above Climate talked about woodworking ammonia is that different from regular ammonia? Most Important
2a) If so, would a good hardware/lumber yard have it? (I am not sure what Climate ment buy a cabinet shop)
2b) If a good hardware/lumber yard would not have it, where might i find it?

Thanks in advance,
Bill

[J Tracey]

Yuo can use everyday ammonia for household cleaning to soak the wood. It will bend nicely.

[Doug Forrester]

There is even enough ammonia in Windex glass cleaner to be effective in relaxing the wood fibres. Once the wood dries out again the wood regains its stiffness from before.

[No-Idea113]

OK, Thank you everyone for replying, This has really helped me out. This may sound like a very dumb question to some, but I have to ask. What is the difference between Balsa and Balsawood? What would be better for hull plaking, is the much greater price of Balsawood really worth it?

Thanks,
Bill

[Climate]

I think you mean Basswood.
Balsa is balsawood.
Basswood is a bit denser than balsa and slightly stronger for the same thickness.
It is good for places where strength is a concern, but weight is not.

[No-Idea113]

Oops, You are right again Climate it was Basswood, oops.

Anyway thank you to everyone that replied, it was a great help!
Thanks,
Bill