ok guys i am a complete newbie to this but i really want to know

what glue is used for balsa - will 5 minute epoxy work

next how is balsa cut - please list the tools names

how can i shape it (like for an airfoil) - can it be sanded if not then how

and any other very usefull items you would like to keep with you while working on balsa


subbu

cyano works very well on balsa. but make sure its fresh one, a cyano named "bond all" or smthing like that is commonly available with the men who make banners (sign boards ) but make sure take fresh pack, a month old pack makes it viscous not good giving good strength in basla.
and u can cut balsa with common thermocol cutter or better if u use surgical blade " scalple",
and sand it with file or sand paper.
overall its very easy to work on balsa

subbu,
  Been using balsa for a long time, here is a list:

1. Blade saw from Xacto - least wastage when cutting balsa - remember, for the price per sheet that you pay sawing will powder-ize a good amount of balsa that can be saved otherwise. Hacksaw blades also are good, but wastage is more.

2. Xacto blades or the locally available cutting blades - useful for cutting thin sheets and spars.

3. For glue you can use fevicol, but it can't be sanded. Elmers wood glue is great, can be sanded, not sure about availability.

4. CA can also be used, but makes the joint brittle, epoxy is best used in specific areas, like wing joints.

5. Fine sand paper and a sanding block. The block can be made out with spare wooden blocks.

What are you building btw??

i was just thinking of building an airfoil for the v22

Subu,

saw your foam model of the v22. If things are going fine, then why are you looking for balsa for aerofoil.

Some pointers (even if you don;t need it).

I have used balsa with surgical scalple. Normally, balsa cant be cut easily, but be warned that some cases, you need to apply good amount of pressure. With a sharp knife, do take extreme care so as not to hurt yourself till you get hold of handling the knife and wood.

I had used quickfix adhesive to joining, used to take a long time but its more fun when it takes time  , and I never had problem of sanding.

Building a balsa frame based wing is a lot of fun..... you would need to draw out the ribs and create a template of sorts. Then once every rib is cut, you would need to sand them together. Then when the ribcage is ready, then applying paper and then dope is a lot of fun actually, but time consuming.

If strength of thermocol/foam is you issue, then you might want to strengthen your wings with some spars. I have seen some folks do this as well...

Pankaj

actually the weight of the new motors and the tension spreading tilt brackets are a bit too heavy to be laid out on the foam wing even after reinforcement





subbu