Balsa core alternative

[toey77]

well after my issues that i have just run into I have come across a alternative product that's supposed to be a lot cheaper to buy and its good for me cause they are in Australia although I'd say it in the U.S as well its called poly core here's a link if you want to check it out


http://www.polycore.com.au/News--and--Events.php

 

[Shife]

Re: Balsa core alternative

I wouldn't recommend a honeycomb core unless you're very comfortable with advanced composites work. If you do use it make sure you order the model with the film to prevent loading up the voids with resin.

Balsa is very easy to work with, very light, incredibly strong when laid up into a composite panel, and cheap. There are plastic/foam core alternatives that are very similar in use to balsa as well. Divinycell and Core-Cell would be examples.

Honeycomb cores are amazing for their strength to weight, but to get that strength requires very careful methods. I wouldn't waste my time with a honeycomb unless I was using carbon skins and vacuum bagging.

 

[toey77]

how far do i need to replace (blasa core)

how far do i need to replace (blasa core)

i have been out the shed pulling out the balsa core from my hull I have hit what is wet balsa but still extremely strong as far as balsa goes, do I need to replace all the wet balsa or just the soft pieces, some of the wet stuff is still strong enough to pull resin of as I remove it from the hull, my hull is still extremely solid and has no soft spot left in it other than what i have already removed. I have hit a old repair, but the way its looking i think the hole floor is wet or damp, i know it has been like this for many years as it hasn't been in the water for that at least 8 years of more, so what i am asking is there any need to remove what is still solid

 

[toey77]

Re: how far do i need to replace (blasa core)

Re: how far do i need to replace (blasa core)

Help!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bigredinohio]

Re: Balsa core alternative

Mertons in the U.S. sells end grain balsa core for under $20 which is the cheapest that I've been able to find?...
http://www.mertons.com/Floatation/scored_end.html

Not sure what shipping runs but I agree with Shife's post with regards to avoiding honeycomb products.

 

[bigredinohio]

Re: how far do i need to replace (blasa core)

Re: how far do i need to replace (blasa core)

Try reading your other threads on the same topic

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: how far do i need to replace (blasa core)

Re: how far do i need to replace (blasa core)

I merged your threads. I know you will get better results that way.

 

[toey77]

Re: how far do i need to replace (blasa core)

Re: how far do i need to replace (blasa core)

Try reading your other threads on the same topic

I have again and I did at the start nothing is said about having to replace wet balsa if it is still solid, that's my question i did read that if it drys out it can fall apart, i am new to this game and am restoring a boat for the enjoyment and I cant afford to buy a boat outright, so I am after information that can save me money but not at the cost of a sinking boat, I was prepared to remove it all until I hit the really hard to get out and solid balsa core only thing is it is wet. I have been checking this all day and last night and reading over and over and researching so starting to get information overload but still learning.

 

[bigredinohio]

Re: how far do i need to replace (blasa core)

Re: how far do i need to replace (blasa core)

Any and all wet core needs removed. As the other guy commented, it will never dry. All wet wood will rot over time, treated included and sandwiching it between layers of glass will speed the process since air can't get in to dry it out.