Looking for at least 1-1/8" square x 9" long "Medium Density " Balsa Wood.
"Medium Density" Balsa wood "Ended"
- Thread starter SCWoodturner
- Start date
Not sure what "medium density" is, but have a piece that is 3x3x'" or so.
Balsa comes in soft, medium and heavy density. Most of the stuff you see is soft density. I didn't know this either until I started making those balsa wood poppers. The soft density balsa is easiest to work but is too fragile for a fishing lure. The heavy density is too hard to push a sharpened brass rod through and is heavy to cast with a fly rod. So the medium density is just right. I still have most of the block I bought but I don't think it's 9" long. If it is I'm happy to cut you a slice ( @SCWoodturner ).
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- #5
Thanks. I ended up buying a piece from Woodcraft 2 x4 x 12 but not sure of density. It is very light. Going to try to make a top water lure with it. If you have something 7-1/2 inch long or close I would try it. Thanks.
Balsa wood has a Janka hardness of approximately 67 to 70 lbf (300 N), making it one of the softest woods on the scale. This low rating means it is very soft, lightweight, and easy to dent or scratch, despite being classified as a hardwood due to its botanical origin.
- Low Janka rating: With a Janka hardness around 67 lbf, balsa is one of the softest woods measured. For comparison, the Australian Buloke, one of the hardest woods, has a Janka rating of 5,060 lbf.
I wonder where they get the variance
Might help?
aero.balsacentral.com.au
Understanding Balsa Wood Density: A Key to Performance
The density of balsa wood, a critical determinant of its mechanical properties, exhibits a significant range primarily due to the inherent growth characteristics of the Ochroma pyramidale tree. This natural variability directly influences the wood's strength-to-weight ratio, a highly valued...
aero.balsacentral.com.au
Thanks. That explains it. Port Oxford cedar is 400 so 33% denser that dense balsa.Might help?
Understanding Balsa Wood Density: A Key to Performance
The density of balsa wood, a critical determinant of its mechanical properties, exhibits a significant range primarily due to the inherent growth characteristics of the Ochroma pyramidale tree. This natural variability directly influences the wood's strength-to-weight ratio, a highly valued...
Doug ( @SCWoodturner ),
Here's what I have. The two pieces of balsa have been used a little as you can see. The 2" dimension runs parallel to the grain. So these might not be big enough for what you're making. But happy to share if they would work.
The other block I believe is basswood. A WB member sent it me a few years ago after I posted some photos of balsa poppers. This piece is 7.25" long (with the grain) x 3.75" wide x 2" deep. It weighs 7.5 ounces. I can easily score the surface with a fingernail but it feels a little harder than my balsa. I think it would take a tool to shape it - knife, rasp, heavy grit sandpaper, etc. but have not tried it myself. I think it would work very well for a carved surface plug or something. Let me know if you're interested and I'm happy to send it. I've had it in my wood drawer for years and not sure what I'll ever do with it.
Here's what I have. The two pieces of balsa have been used a little as you can see. The 2" dimension runs parallel to the grain. So these might not be big enough for what you're making. But happy to share if they would work.
The other block I believe is basswood. A WB member sent it me a few years ago after I posted some photos of balsa poppers. This piece is 7.25" long (with the grain) x 3.75" wide x 2" deep. It weighs 7.5 ounces. I can easily score the surface with a fingernail but it feels a little harder than my balsa. I think it would take a tool to shape it - knife, rasp, heavy grit sandpaper, etc. but have not tried it myself. I think it would work very well for a carved surface plug or something. Let me know if you're interested and I'm happy to send it. I've had it in my wood drawer for years and not sure what I'll ever do with it.
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- #11
Thanks. I'll try the basswood. Let me know how to proceed. No hurries on getting it to me. I'm busy making Christmas presents.
Cool. PM me the address to send it to and I'll get it in the mail. After you get it and if it works, post photo of what you make. Anything beyond that is up to you.
Doug
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- #13
Thanks! Address sent. I can pay shipping and then some. Just let me know.
Here is a piece I scrounged - 3" x 3" x 5.5" - shipping only
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- #15
Thanks. I may be able to use it down the road. I'll PM my address. No hurry on getting it to me.
@SCWoodturner
Doug,
Sorry it's taken me a little while to get this organized. I had the basswood block and a perfect box but there was a little extra room in the box so I searched for some other little pieces you might like to experiment with. I'll get it in the mail Monday and send you the tracking number.
Doug
Doug,
Sorry it's taken me a little while to get this organized. I had the basswood block and a perfect box but there was a little extra room in the box so I searched for some other little pieces you might like to experiment with. I'll get it in the mail Monday and send you the tracking number.
Doug
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- #17
I received the package yesterday. Thanks for sending it and thanks the extras that were in it. Definitely looking forward to trying them too!
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- #18
Package received. Thanks for taking time to send it. Looking forward to seeing what I can make with it.
Just curious, have you have experimented with the basswood and the medium density balsa yet?
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- #20
Not yet. Goal is to make a prop bait. I would like to make a large version of the Bagleys Bango Spin. Here is first attempt at prop bait from cypress.
