Balsa

Other Names:

Ochroma pyramidale, commonly known as the balsa tree (also O. lagopus),

Description:

Is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is a large, fast-growing tree that can grow up to 30 m tall. Balsa wood is a very lightweight material with many uses. Balsa trees are native to southern Brazil and Bolivia north to southern Mexico.

The density of dry balsa wood ranges from 40–340 kg/m³, with a typical density of about 160 kg/m³.

Advantages:

Light and easily worked. Historically the material for model planes. Can be fastened with most glues. Can be bent to some extent.

Disadvantages:

Weak. Will dent though application of warm or hot water removes shallow deformations.

Handling:

Cuts with knife or saw. Attention to the direction of the grain is needed for the application it is put to.

Suppliers:

Hobby shops.