I want to make a model carving balsa wood, but I’m also thinking about getting some resin copies… How to give the balsa wood the proper smooth surface to make the copies? Thanks a lot in advance. Best regards.
José.
“Sanding Sealer” is what you need. You can also make your own by mixing talcum powder into clear dope. Since you’re using the balsa for a pattern, weight isn’t a consideration. You could just paint it until the balsa stops absorbing the paint…
Why balsa, unless it is a flying model? Basswood carves just as easy as balsa, and doesn’t dull knife so fast. And, more important, the grain is tighter and seals more easily. I find two coats from spray can Krylon primer usually does the job, sanding down to bare woood, and then one final coat sanded with very fine paper, and you are ready for color.
Dons correct. You want bass wood.bala is good for stringers on a flying model, but not much else
Well, balsa can be used for formers and ribs on a flying model too. Balsa flys nice, doesn’t paint nice.
Hi;
In doing what you suggest , I would Definitely use Bass-Wood . I have used my Bass-Wood molds for years now and that’s how I get a lot of my tankers built . Scratch-built center sections with a Vacu-Formed bow and stern ! Tanker - Builder
And unless you are going to produce them in numbers, you don’t even need to make molds and cast. Many of my finished models are basswood.
Oh, so bass wood, I didn’t knew about that. I’ll, try to find it. I’m architecture student and I have a lot of spare balsa from the last architecture model I made. Thanks a lot for yopur replies. Best regards.
José.
Check with a wood carving / turning supply store. They should have blanks of various sizes on hand.
Many hobby shops and craft stores carry basswood. Michaels carries sheet and sticks, but not much in blocks. Midwest Balsa is a good online source- they carry basswood in addition to balsa.