Balsa querry

[Mr Doof]

An opportunity is coming up that would bring some raw balsa timber beams into my posession.

None are longer than 7 feet, some may only be 6'6", and maybe all will only be that long. Probably just enough for a single board, and not enough so that I could arrange/stagger the beams in a longer fashion.

So my question is: How worthwhile is it to have a sub 7ft. balsa board?

What are pros? Cons?

 

[cant]

Have you read Paul Jenson's feedback about the wooden boards he's shaped? They're not solid balsa, but I'd imagine there would be some similarities if the design was similar.

About 1/2 down the page under "The Ride," he compares the 2 a little.

http://www.hollowsurfboards.com/howto.htm

 

[TRI FINS ARE DANGEROUS]

I suppose there is no reason why a balsa board has to be a gun. Is there enough wood to make a short eggy board? At least then you could probably ride it. I'm not sure how a shortboard balsa would perform although it would make a nice wallhanger. Are you going to shape it yourself?

I know, ask the balsa guru himself, Jim Phillips. He hangs out at www.swaylocks.com

 

[Mr Doof]

Captainn---->Thanks for the link. However the work this fellow is doing is a bit beyond the scope of my original idea. I like the idea and all, but I don't have the skills to do it, nor would I care to pay someone to learn how to do it one my board.

TFAD---->I would not do the work myself; I prefer to have something that works at least as good as one of the boards I have now and not some hatchet-job from a first-timer.

I am hoping I could get away with a board that has a little more planing area to make up for the higher density of balsa while still keeping it on the smaller size (as in sub 7 foot).

I had forgotten about www.swaylocks.com I will have to check that website out again. Thanks for reminding me to check out my unused bookmarks.

 

[TRI FINS ARE DANGEROUS]

So, how did it turn out?

 

[Mr Doof]

The first chance to get 4x4x96 inch beams passed me by.

But it is coming up again!

But I still have my concerns.

I've read I should shape it just a little thicker than foam, due to the buoyancy, but is it 5%, 10%, or what?

Also, how thick do I want a balsa block in order to put in enough rocker?

Next concern would be fins. Glass-on, fin box, or some other system (not sure how the many different "systems" out there would go with balsa.

Sigh, still don't have all the answers, and every answer I do have begets another few.

Such is life I guess.....I just wish all my problems were this big <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[dk]

doof,
i have been trying to round up information to try the balsa thing. from my understanding, the woods differ. certain balsa wood is very strong and boyant, while other wood is weak. talk to whoever your gonna have shape it and ask if it is sufficient. let them be truthful, and beleive them.

as for how much to add to the thickness, i am not sure how big you are, but a board around 7 should have a good amount of float already. i'd say just jack the board up a 1/4 of an inch thicker. it should be fine.

for fins, i would go glass on. just for the sake of it being a balsa board, and hopefully a peice of art. somethign like redx might kill it totally with holes commin through the top. And you wouldn't want some fcs plugs rippen out and throwin the pretty look off. if u got the cash order you some custom wooden fins. paul jensen seems to make some nice ones.

good luck, keep us updated.
dk

 

[LeeD]

Hey
I've never considered Balsa, but the shop I go to, Wise's has them up around the wall for display.
My bud makes bamboo laminate windsurf boards, styro core, epoxy resin, no carbon or kev.
Seems I'd need more than 4" of rocker for the nose of a shortboard, but the tail should be fine.
Maybe make a semi classic single fin with that thickness.
Woodglueing 5 pieces together should be OK. Maybe too heavy, as you still need a layer of glass, and glass on fins might need two layers at that area.
For sure you need two layer deck behind center of the board, to prevent dents/delams.
Good for show, I'm not sure about go.

 

[surflab]

wanna sell some????????????? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

 

[000]

I'D LIKE TO PLAY WITH BALSA. but the blannks- if u can call them that- must realy suck. use rocker templates for sure!