Balsa components

[MR. CNC]

What is the first thing you apply to balsa parts?

 

[blackbrandt]

I prime balsa parts first.

 

[Aksrockets]

I prime balsa parts first.

Yeah, we know. Make sure to tape off the part you get glue on so the glue can soak into the fin. I would prime last...

Alex

 

[CarVac]

High temperature laminating epoxy first. That's what I did on my nosecone for Disappearing Act.

 

[GDJ]

1/64" Birch veneer both sides for fins. Add's near nothing to weight, but the rigidity increase is massive.

Nose cones I add a dab of filler, sand, and lay down 3 coats of epoxy paint.

 

[jpummil]

Anything I build out of balsa isn't meant for extreme duty, but a quick soak with thin CA seems to stiffen them up nicely, make them less prone to dents and dings, and it sands smooth for a nice painted finish.

 

[Rocketbuilder]

Thin CA, to harden the wood and help seal the grain. I'll then give it a good bit of sanding, and touch up the CA coating. Oh, and I use the cheap CA from harbor freight. It kinda sucks for sticking things together, but I've had good luck using it for soaking into things like wood and paper.

 

[Scotty Dog]

Dents,scratches, finger-nail half moons and the like.
All I have to do is look at balsa and it gets messed up.
Anywhoo- depends on the build.
Sometimes Ill CA first and other times Ill just put the wood filler to it.

 

[LW Bercini]

I first apply a thin coat of plain water.