Useful for Hobby Crafts and Design Projects
Due to its lightweight and pliability, balsa wood can be used for a wide range of model-building and design project applications. This set features 75x305mm strips that are 1.6mm thick, making them easy to work with. You can draw your desired shapes and designs onto the balsa wood, then simply cut them out with a craft knife and smooth the edges with sandpaper. Craft bond could be used to glue pieces together. The finished balsa creation can be painted with acrylic, enamel, and also Tamiya spray paints.
*For models for use in or near water, such as boats, waterproofing work (for example, coating with lacquer paint) is required.
What is Balsa Wood
Balsa wood is mainly produced in the tropical regions of South America (the wood in this set is product of Ecuador). It is extremely light and pliable, make it easy to work with, so it is widely used all over the world for various hobby and design applications.
Part Outlines
Use a pencil or pen to draw the outlines of your shapes onto the balsa wood. To avoid making grooves in the wood, do not press too hard.
Cutting
A craft knife can be used to cut out the drawn shapes. Do not try to cut the part out in one stroke, but instead apply 2-5 cutting strokes, using a new knife blade and cutting at an angle for best results. A ruler can help for cutting straight lines. Like other types of wood, balsa wood has grain direction. It is easier to cut with the grain than cut against the grain, so please note the grain direction when cutting.
Finishing
The balsa wood can be whittled with a craft knife. You can also use Tamiya Finishing Abrasives (P180 - P320) to create a smooth surface.
Gluing
Wood glue / craft bond is the most suitable.
Painting
Balsa wood can be painted with Tamiya&39;s wide range of hobby paint products, including acrylic, enamel, spray paints, and markers. You can also use standard artist paints or oil-based coloring pens.
Reinforcing
When building a three dimensional model, it is recommended to reinforce the structure from the inside using triangular-shaped pieces. Another method is to apply more glue around the joint. For smaller parts, applying instant cement on them will make them more difficult to break.
