Balsa

[el...@psdschools.org]

Hi everyone, 

Where do you get your balsa from?  I use a local company but I think they are saving the good stuff for better teams. The last couple of years we have paid a lot for bad wood.

Thanks!

Elizabeth

[Harpreet Bal]

You may try Specialized Balsa @ https://specializedbalsa.com/

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From: 'el...@psdschools.org' via Science Olympiad Coaches <ScienceOlym...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2026 13:24
To: Science Olympiad Coaches <scienceolym...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [Science Olympiad Coaches] Balsa

 

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[Kathleen Guinnane]

This is where I have got most of my Balsa

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[Jeff Anderson]

Most of the online sources are fine, but quality and density vary widely even from best sources.  

You should be buying contest grade if they have it.  Still variable, but at least a first order cut for lighter/lower density balsa.

That all said, if you want to ensure good quality balsa and have local hobby shops or craft centers that carry balsa (like Michael’s), it’s best to buy locally so you can select what you need.  Note, I only buy sheet balsa and strip it myself, you really can’t tell quality of sticks.

Here’s how you do it.  First know what you are looking for.  Density, stiffness, etc.  Then, when you head to the store carry something to weigh the sheets, doesn’t need to be real accurate, I use an old mechanical postal scale.  St the store, first sort through the sheets selecting those of the target density.  Then sort rose by holding up to the light and looking for straight grain.  Finally sort those for stiffness by bending gently and picking those that just feel stiffer.

It wouldn’t hurt to have your builders do this.

Takes time, but ensures best quality wood.

Good luck,

Jeff Anderson

Livonia, Mi

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