Balsa Wood

BALSA WEIGHT COLOR KEY

To help the builder select the wood best for constructing a strong, light-flying model we started color-coding our balsa wood. Each balsa sheet is weighed, categorized, and painted according to our color code. This wood is used to create our strip wood so you need to understand that strip wood pieces are not weighed individually and may vary because ’Mother Nature’ creates variation in density across the sheet. There may be some differences and the builder must still decide if it is appropriate. Every builder has their own technique, understanding where they need strength for how they fly, and should feel free to build accordingly.

PINK = 4 - 6# BALSA STOCK. Best used where strength is not needed; great for filling in areas; suggest using for headrests, wheel pants, landing gear struts when reinforced with wire; detail features on scale models.

YELLOW = 6 - 8# BALSA STOCK. This works great for competition models and may require the builder to be comfortable with delicate strip wood in smaller sizes. Best used for stringers in smaller sizes, trailing edges, formers, ribs, and tail structures.

RED = 8 - 10# BALSA STOCK. This is the best all-around general construction wood for most modelers because of its inherent strength and moderate weight. Competition modelers will tend to limit their top weight to 8-10#. It is good for stringers and parts where strength is needed. Works well for critical longerons and formers, leading edges, and wing spars.

ORANGE = 10 - 12# BALSA STOCK, and BLUE = 12-14# BALSA STOCK. We recommend the use of 10-12# and 12-14# weight classes where strength is the objective. You must be very selective when and where you use these weight categories as it adds up quickly and we know weight affects flight performance. Builders that struggle with lightweight stringers should consider working more with these weights.