Cut Balsa Wood in a Proper Way
As we have introduced before, balsa wood is the soft and lightweight wood type which is suitable in making models and so forth. It is also very strong and easy to work with. And it can be classified into 3 different grains according to the corresponding features and standards. Frankly, balsa is different in its thickness. It is of great importance to cut balsa wood with the proper tool and in a proper way. Everyone should try their best to cut it properly to avoid the waste since it is very expensive.
In order to cut the balsa wood in a proper way, you are advised to prepare the things as follows: balsa wood, cutting board, modeling knife, straightedge, clamps, pencil, 220-grit sandpaper and so on. Or, you can choose to cut it with the saw actually. Then you need to prepare saw if you tend to use it.
First of all, you should place balsa wood sheet on a worktable. You are advised to place a cutting board between the balsa wood and the table to protect the table surface and the tip of the hobby knife blade. Generally, this should be regarded as the basic step actually.
Second, you should use a pencil to mark the cutting lines or trace the outline of the shapes to be cut out with a straightedge. Well, as we all know that balsa is very expensive, so it is important to measure and mark the cut lines before you really cut in case of the unsuccessful cutting.
Third, you are advised to place a clamp at two opposite ends of the sheet. Secure the wood sheet to the table with C-clamps or mini clamps. Well, place your straightedge along the cut line. The straightedge will help you a lot when you cut straightly. It can be regarded as a guide actually. Run your hobby knife blade along the side of straight edge applying light pressure to score the cutting line. Make a second run along the cutting line applying a bit more pressure.
Then, you should keep scoring the balsa wood until you have cut all the way through. You should cut it with great care. Do not cut by pressing too hard. To smooth the edge by sanding it with the sandpaper you have prepared. There are sandpapers with different sizes, and you should use the proper sizes actually.
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