Craft And Hobby Woods - Basswood - Balsa Wood and Others

Many hobbies involve building, carving, or wood burningModel railroaders can use balsa for scratch-building
which require speciality woods. These hobby and crafthouses and other structures, bridges, and structural
woods are available for just about any purpose.support for scenery.Basswood, or linden, is another
Hobbyists may choose from balsa, basswood,wood crafters and hobbyists find very useful. This
plywood, walnut, cherry, maple, among others for theirNorth American wood is grown primarily in northern
project needs. Sheets or strips of these fine woodsMichigan and Wisconsin. Heavier than balsa, it shares
are available in thicknesses from 1/32 " to one inch,many of it's characteristics - close-grained, strong, and
and in widths from 1/16 through six inches. You maylightweight. Basswood's hobby uses mirror those of
purchase either sheets or strips.Balsa is the mostbalsa, but its heavier weight limits its use in building
versatile of the hobby woods. Native to Southmodel airplanes. Because it carves easily, it is the
America, these sixty foot trees are grown on largepremier choice for both beginning and advanced
plantations. The wood is lightweight and strong. Southwoodcarvers. Novice wood burners will also find
Americans have been using balsa for boat and raftbasswood friendly, as it burns well. Like balsa, it is
building since antiquity. Anyone who can recall Thoravailable in strips and sheets. Additionally, specialty
Heyerdahl's Kon Tiki adventures will know of hisshapes for dollhouse building include molding, siding, and
successful attempt to reach the Polynesian Islandsroof shingles.Special project needs may require the
from South America on a balsa raft.Balsa's fine grainuse of hobby plywood. This extremely high quality
combined with its strength and light weight have madeplywood ranges in thickness from paper thin 1/32 of an
it valuable for a great number of uses. Its heatinch to 1/4 inch. Birch is the wood used, so it can take
retention ability has made it useful for insulatingany stain desired. It is very durable and suitable for
refrigerator and ship holds. It is used in aircraft tomany uses.Other woods are available for specialized
reduce vibration. Surfboards and life preservers havehobby projects, including walnut, maple, cherry, and
also been manufactured from balsa wood.Craftersmahogany. Twenty four inch lengths include both strips
and hobbyists will find balsa very easy to cut andand sheets. The maximum width for sheets is four
carve, making it ideal for a multitude of projects. It caninches.Basswood and balsa are the most commonly
also be painted or stained any color the hobbyistavailable hobby/craft woods. Other types may need
desires. Its greatest value for hobbyists is undoubtedlyto be special ordered from your local craft or hobby
in the construction of model airplanes. Free flight ,shop. Check out the selection today for all your project
control line, and radio control aircraft are all madeneeds.Paul Wonning is the owner of
primarily from balsa wood. Other uses for this versatileToys, Hobbies and a web site which has information
wood include model boat building and dollhouseabout many hobbies and crafts.
construction, as well as many other craft projects.