balsa bending

This discussion area is for basic structure building concepts. Not intended for advanced concepts.
*Good Example: Balsa can bend with the addition of boiling water.
*Good Example: Triangle is the strongest shape for most applications of bracing.
*Bad Example: Balsa can hold X pounds under these conditions.
*Bad Example: Use this shape for this application.
Basically I want you to think a design through with the basics instead of someone else thinking through your design for you.
Post Reply
nmurphy
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:30 pm

balsa bending

Post by nmurphy »

is there anyone who knows the best way to make a balsa wood bend into a arch for a arch bridge
User avatar
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 193
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 6:00 pm
Location: Colorado
Contact:

Bending balsa alternatives

Post by admin »

Try soaking and steaming the balsa. If that doesn't work then just use thinner balsa and laminate it together.
Jake Zimmer
jake@specializedbalsa.com
Specialized Balsa Wood, LLC
405 8th Street SE Unit #2
Loveland, CO 80537-6491
(970) 461-WOOD (9663) Phone
(970) 461-9662 Fax
http://www.specializedbalsa.com
nmurphy
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:30 pm

Post by nmurphy »

Thanx man i will try it and hopefully it will work
Garrett
Posts: 20
Joined: Sat Oct 08, 2005 8:32 am
Location: Georgia
Contact:

Post by Garrett »

I usually steam the wood for about 30 minutes or so. I have a pre-made (just a board with nails) that is the shape of the arch I want. Actually, I usually bend the wood more than I really want it, because the wood will "unbend" somewhat after it drys. I use clothespins to hold the wood against the nails.
marwen
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu May 18, 2006 4:54 pm

Post by marwen »

Timing on this comment is probably a WAY too late but nevertheless, information is where & when you get it!

Depending on the thinckness of the balsa you are attempting to "bend", the thinner stuff (as well as the thick) of course, steaming is a given, but you can actually spray some "window cleaner" onto your strips of balsa. The ammonia in it will do the work.

Spray it lightely, soak it, wipe off the excess, let it dry a little. Depending on the adhesive you use, the moisture content is also ian mportant factor.

marwen
dwalker
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed May 27, 2009 9:24 am
Location: Beverly,MA

Post by dwalker »

If it is not for DI or OM - soak the balsa in amonia overnight - then bend it to the shape you want... let it dry and then glue the member in place. This is an old modeling technique and works quite well... but make sure you bend it beyond the intended arc - the wood will "relax" a bit once taken off the curved form.
User avatar
Diguy145
Posts: 70
Joined: Mon Apr 03, 2006 9:26 pm

Post by Diguy145 »

lol, marwen said that she had bad timing... dwalker, you are like 3 years too late... lol Good advise though... I might go try it just for kicks.
Alexandre25
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Mar 19, 2014 10:02 am

Post by Alexandre25 »

use very thin balsa, i've done something similar but i have to admit it wasn't very resistant
Wallace05
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jun 13, 2017 3:45 am

Re: Bending balsa alternatives

Post by Wallace05 »

admin wrote:Try soaking and steaming the balsa. If that doesn't work then just use thinner balsa transfers CDG and laminate it together.
Hello, what about this?
Post Reply

Return to “Bridges & Towers”