RE: ATM End Grain Balsa Wood

[cnebark@ix.netcom.com (Chris & Elizabeth Barker)]

Gerry,

    End grain balsa is not a problem if you have some glue and a hand 
saw.
    If you buy a chunk of balsa say 2"x2"x12" with the grain running 
the regular way (I don't know what size you need), all you need to do 
is cut off pieces 2" long from the block. Turn the piece on it's end 
and then glue another to it edge to edge. The size depends on what you 
want, the thicker the piece the less gluing you have to do. Viola, you 
have end grain balsa. I would recomend using a white or yellow "elmers" 
type of wood glue. I don't know how much you need but if it is alot, 
balsa can be kind of expensive.
    For an alternative, a foam block can be carved out (not styrofoam, 
as it is made up of pellets and doesn't carve very well) and laminated 
with epoxy resin and fiberglass. Carbon fiber or cloth can also be 
used. 
    If you want to use polyester resin,  use urethane foam, otherwise 
the resin will eat into the foam. 
    I find that epoxy resin is tough but a little flexible, though it 
may depend on the formulation. Polyester resin is harder but more 
brittle.
Good Luck,
Chris