balsa core question

[toey77]

ok guys, there seems to be a few guys here that are really switched on , I have recently started removing wet and rotted balsa core from my hull, the question i have now is i have finally hit dry core after hours of chipping at it but I have noticed that some off the dry core doesn't have a sponge like feel when squashed although others do. they are all strong when compressed on the end grain as intended use of the core but when squashed along the grain some are soft, has the soft balsa been affected but the water infiltration or is this just the way that it is, so can I stop removing the dry balsa if it has a soft feel or must that be removed aswell, it still has a strong grain through the core, I am happy to have finally hit dry balsa after thinking the hole hull was going to be wet. I have no balsa core to compare it to, I have found 2 suppliers of the product in my state in Australia but haven't been able to get in contact and order some as yet.

 

[drewpster]

Re: balsa core question

I would suggest that you go ahead a buy the balsa you know you are going to need. Then compare the new stuff with the old stuff in question. Balsa is very soft and light, that's what makes it a great core for complex shapes.
If your finger can penetrate along the grain when you press it, it is most likely toast. While it is a noticeably soft wood, you should not be able to compress it in the end grain or along its length.
When you see the new stuff, you will get a better idea of my meaning.
Balsa is fun to work with. As long as the outer skin is intact, I think you will find putting it back far more pleasant then taking it out.

 

[toey77]

Re: balsa core question

I cant compress it along the end grain, reason I asked is that its a 130km one way (just under 100 miles) drive to get the core and I dont know how much I will be needing, so I dont want to over buy and never use it again or under buy and have to do 260km round trip to get some more