Planning on building a model aircraft or ship from scratch? You’re in for a complicated and rewarding adventure, starting with nothing and building your way to the top.
At this early stage, you might be wondering what kind of wood is best for model building (especially if this is your first time building a model). We have a definitive answer to guide you on your way: balsa wood.
Soft, malleable and easy to cut with a craft or utility knife, balsa wood is the ideal choice for model building. At Frontline Hobbies, we stock balsa wood in sheets of various lengths. Browse through our collection and stock up on balsa wood online! We offer free shipping on orders over $150 as well as flexible payment options like Zippay, Google Pay and Apple Pay.
What is balsa wood?
The balsa tree (Ochroma pyramidale) is a huge, fast-growing tree that’s native to southern Mexico through to Brazil. The name “balsa” comes from the Spanish word for “raft” which says a lot about its character — balsa wood is lightweight and buoyant despite being a hardwood.
Originally, balsa trees could only be found in South America but can now be found in various other countries including Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Thailand and the Solomon Islands.
Balsa wood is very soft and light with a coarse open grain. In fact, balsa wood is the softest wood ever measured, making it excellent for hobbying — it’s even lower in density than cork! It has an almost spongy texture that’s low in density but high in strength, making it a popular building material for model bridges, model buildings, model aircraft and more.
Fun fact: balsa wood is also useful for makeshift calligraphy pens, surfboards, buoys and fishing floats and "breakaway" wooden props in the film industry and was even used to build the de Havilland Mosquito, a very lightweight wooden aeroplane that was used in World War II.
How to work with balsa wood
Balsa wood is light, velvety and easily cut with a craft knife, making it the perfect material for building model aircraft and whittling. Balsa wood is easily the softest wood that you can buy for model building but you will need to be very patient and careful so that it doesn’t break or crumble while cutting out your designs.
We recommend tracing your designs into the wood with a stencil (or freehand) and then carefully cutting out the pieces with a craft or utility knife. Be sure to lay the balsa wood down on a strong, sturdy surface that you don’t mind cutting into or lay down some plywood that you can use later — that’s how soft balsa wood is!
Here are some tips for working with balsa wood.
- After drawing the stencil/outline on the balsa wood, start cutting on a part of the line that crosses the grain of the wood. Balsa wood is very delicate and will break if you start cutting with the grain. Always start on a part of the stencil line that is perpendicular to the grain of the wood.
- Cut along the lines without cutting into or through the first cut/pass. Focus on following the lines you’ve marked on the balsa wood and apply light pressure to make a shallow groove on the first cut you made. If you need a hand keeping the lines straight, use a ruler or straight edge.
- Try to end your cuts on a part of the line that runs parallel to the grain. If possible, try to finish your cuts where the stencil lines are most parallel to the grain of the balsa wood. Stop cutting at the end of the line if there is no place where it becomes parallel to the grain.
- Pass your knife along the lines 2-5 more times until you cut through. The trick to cutting balsa wood is light pressure and patience. Keep retracing the stencil with your knife as many times as you need until you’ve cut all of the shapes out of your balsa wood.
- If the edges are rough, smooth them over with a piece of sandpaper. Carefully sand the edges after you cut them out of the balsa wood. This will ensure the pieces for your model fit together perfectly.
If you need more tips about working with balsa wood, get in touch with the team from Frontline Hobbies! We’d be more than happy to provide tips and recommendations so your modelling project goes off without a hitch.
Balsa wood for carving and whittling
If you’re looking to carve or whittle your own models and scenery, balsa wood is the easiest wood to work with! Whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned enthusiast, balsa wood will serve you well. Balsa wood is incredibly soft and easy to carve, making it a good option for beginners who are just starting to build some confidence and learn the basics.
The only downside to balsa wood is that it’s so soft that it can become deformed while you’re carving. This can deter beginner whittlers from adding intricate details and ensuring the durability of their models. The key is to carve simple designs and use thin, sharp hobby knives to cleanly cut the wood.
Shop balsa wood online with Frontline Hobbies today!
Whether you’re looking to build a model aircraft or whittle your own models, scenery and sculptures, balsa wood is the easiest material to work with. Soft and malleable, you can easily carve your way to success!
Shop balsa wood online for fast and affordable shipping throughout Australia. We offer flexible payment methods like Afterpay, Apple Pay and Google Pay both in-store and online. Alternatively, come and visit us in Lambton NSW! Our team would be more than happy to discuss building materials and ensure you walk away with the best possible wood for your modelling project.
