balsa wood

[Anonymous]

Has any one had any experience working whit balsa wood outdoors? I would treat the balsa wood with outdoor wood preservitive. I know balsa wood is an extremely soft wood material and would be brought indoors just like any of my other structrues during the winter months. I have my doubts but I would like to know just in case since balsa wood can be purchased in a variety of packs.

Thanks
mikadousrp

[John Busby]

Hi mikadousrp
It has been done
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20358
some where in that topic Phil uses balsa wood parts on the structure
and it lives out side full time.
If you read Phil's articles on the retired box car in Garden Railways Mag
the July and September 2005 ones I think.
You will find yet again parts of it are balsa that structure yet again will live out side full time.
regards John

[kstrong]

If it's properly sealed, it will withstand rot as well as any other properly sealed wood. Balsa's problems outdoors comes from its weight (or lack thereof) and strength. There's a reason they use balsa to make the banisters and chairs that get broken up in old western movies. But so long as you're not putting unusual strain on the parts, it will work well enough--certainly no worse than pine or spruce. It's not anywhere near as naturally rot-resistant as redwood or cedar, so you'll have to keep on top of making sure it's properly sealed.

Typically, you can get basswood in the same kinds of packs as you can balsa, so I'd opt for that instead. It's just as easy to work with as balsa, but is far stronger. Also, if you look at some of the advertisers in GR, such as Smith Pond Junction, Kappler, etc., they sell similar packs in cedar. They may be a bit more expensive, but they'll last longer, too.

Later,

K

[bman36]

Hey there,
I think as far as cost is concerned Balsa is definately up there. Cutting up scraps from lumber yards is still the way to go for me. Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

I have been thinking for awhile, most likely basswood for the supporting timber and balsa wood for the non-suporting timbers. This would also make the stain I would apply on the wood appear differently in the different woods and the chemical presertive would still soak in well.

Thanks
Mikadousrp