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