mobile1 Posted November 29, 2015 Share #1 Posted November 29, 2015 I have been having difficulty cutting small and thin pieces of balsa wood with Xacto knives. They usually crack and break apart. What is the best way to cut small and thin pieces? Any tips or tricks? Thank you for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justsayrow Posted November 29, 2015 Share #2 Posted November 29, 2015 Light pressure. Many passes. Slice the wood by drawing the knife across the fibers, don't press the knife against the wood with a lot of force; cut, don't crush. And keep your blades sharp - every several slices, draw the blade over a fine stone to restore the edge. I've found a self healing cutting mat helps too. Good luck! CaptainSteve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canute Posted November 29, 2015 Share #3 Posted November 29, 2015 Sharp blades and a cutting mat work well. But, balsa is a very soft wood; really only useful as filler for a hull, between the bulkheads. Trying to shape items, like deck furniture, is difficult because the wood is so soft. The edges don't hold up if much pressure is applied, so fine detail is hard to achieve. You may want to try some basswood. It's still soft, but it doesn't have the issues of balsa. avsjerome2003, Modeler12, thibaultron and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted November 30, 2015 Share #4 Posted November 30, 2015 What might help also, is to put the balsa on a slab of basswood with some PVA. cut what needs to be cut and the drop it in an alcohol bath. Once the glue dissolves, let it dry and you can use it. Modeler12, CaptainSteve, thibaultron and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modeler12 Posted November 30, 2015 Share #5 Posted November 30, 2015 (edited) I find it interesting that a soft wood like balsa is harder to cut accurately and uniformly than a hardwood like pear or boxwood. The problem with balsa is that the fibers are large (even though they are spaced apart to give it the low density). To cut balsa across those fibers is easier than cutting them at an angle or slightly off center. Likewise balsa does not sand nice and smooth like a hardwood. It should be kept for fillers as Mark suggests or for really lightweight places like model airplane frames. I might add that cutting balsa with an Exacto knife is not as good as using a razor saw. Again it is a matter of cutting those fibers and a saw does a better job than a knife. Edited November 30, 2015 by Modeler12 mtaylor, Canute and CaptainSteve 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted November 30, 2015 Share #6 Posted November 30, 2015 Crackers, Yes. That would work. Canute 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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