kilmerelrc

My Feedback: (8)

What is the proper method of dampening balsa skin before laminating it to foam for proper flexibility? A simple sponge soak or more?

Thanks

alan0899

G'day Mate,
I use Cloudy Amounia, it will soften the wood, but unlike water, it will not make the wood dry with any bows or warps. I also use it to bend balsa for cowls & any time I want to bend wood.

kilmerelrc

My Feedback: (8)

Will it effect foam at all. If not, I will give it a try.

Thanks

alan0899

G'day Mate,
I'm sure it won't effect foam at all, but try some on a piece of foam, just to be sure.
The balsa needs to be wet, I just use a clean piece of rag to apply it.

Crash Campbell

Hi,

I have found that a 50/50 ratio of ammonia to water sprayed from a hand spray is ideal (cheap pump spray from the $2.00 shop). Spray enough to wet the balsa, (on the outside), let it lie flat for a minute or two and then happy sheeting. It is a little easier on the nasal passages than neat ammonia.[:'(]

Allan when are you going to head north and fly with us at Gladstone? We fly off a strip in the centre of the old racecourse at Gladstone. PM me if you want directions. I don't think you have any excuse now you are on leave?

Cheers,

Colin

kilmerelrc

My Feedback: (8)

Excellent, I plan to skin this weekend so I apprecieate it guys.

Thanks

Kaos Rulz

Colin,

I like the way ya'll talk down there. Is the term "neat" being used the same as ordering a neat scotch?

Crash Campbell

Hi Ed,

Yes neat in as "full strength". When taliking nips of spirits I guess too many neat drinks ceases to be "neat"?

English is a wonderful language isn't it, where the same words may have different meanings.........and then when you throw in the idioms of the different "almost English speaking" countries or even areas within countries the meaning can be very different

Cheers,

Colin

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Just for the record - Unless you're doing a major bend, water alone is usually enough. I have even sheeted turtle decks with a single sheet using hot water only.

Jim Thomerson

As I understand it, ammonia works on lignin and subrin. Not much of either in balsa. I use water with just a little squirt of Simple Green, an "organic" cleaner which I presumes helps in wetting the balsa. With 1/32 sheets I get almost instant limpness. Glue fine with Titebond.