All times are UTC


It is currently Thu Dec 05, 2024 2:26 am



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 9 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Cutting Balsa Wood
PostPosted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:40 pm 
Craftsman
Craftsman
User avatar
Offline

Joined: Thu Dec 26, 2013 12:00 pm
Posts: 386
Location: At the Battle of Greenfields
Hi guys.

So I am just starting a project that will probably lead on to a few Hobbit Holes and I would like to hear how you all you very talented terrain makers cut Balsa Wood, especially cutting circles (as obviously lots of round doors shall have to be cut).

I have been making terrain for a while and have used Balsa wood quite a bit before. I normally use a sharp craft knife and it works for straight planks but when I try to cut curves, no matter what technique I use, it just gives a very rough finish which I really don't want for the doors and decorations.

Thanks in advance

_________________
My WIP: viewtopic.php?f=50&t=27174&start=180
Top
  Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Cutting Balsa Wood
PostPosted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 11:05 pm 
Ringwraith
Ringwraith
User avatar
Offline

Joined: Wed Feb 08, 2006 1:56 am
Posts: 1938
Location: Louisville, KY
Images: 18
Check out Dagorlad's Weathertop Article. In it, he drills holes in the balsa and then cuts them in half to create arches. Something like that might work for you.

_________________
Respectfully,
Jonathan

Do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly

Battle Companies
Top
  Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Cutting Balsa Wood
PostPosted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 5:58 am 
Administrator
Administrator
User avatar
Offline

Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 11:59 pm
Posts: 2780
Location: Adelaide
Images: 15
Cutting circles in Balsa is always a problem.

For smaller holes (e.g. Hobbits' windows) I start by finding a tube of brass of the right diameter at my local hobby store. Then I sharpen one end of the tube with a file.

On a flat surface, carefully position the sharpened tube on the balsa wood and, applying firm and even pressure, twist the tube in a circular motion. This will cut through balsa (and foamcore) up to 10mm thick.

For cutting larger circles, I have been known to use a hole saw attached to a power drill through thicker balsa. But generally I make sure I have a brand new blade in my knife and cut around a circular object of the right diameter - like a large coin or a washer. Be very careful when cutting cross the grain though as the knife tends to slip.

_________________
Dagster
Top
  Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Cutting Balsa Wood
PostPosted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 7:30 am 
Craftsman
Craftsman
User avatar
Offline

Joined: Thu Dec 26, 2013 12:00 pm
Posts: 386
Location: At the Battle of Greenfields
Ah ok. I never thought of using an already circular item to cut with. That makes sense now.

One other question. Would the brass rod work for something with the diameter of the cap of one of the large pritt sticks? I have discovered that the caps on those will work nicely as door frames once cut to size.

_________________
My WIP: viewtopic.php?f=50&t=27174&start=180
Top
  Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Cutting Balsa Wood
PostPosted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 8:18 am 
Elven Elder
Elven Elder
User avatar
Offline

Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2009 6:37 am
Posts: 3499
Location: Hull UK
Images: 14
I used a compass cutter for curved balsa I used. I used a different technique for the widows, I made them from card and used a plastic tube to use as an insert for the window frame, therefore you had the perfect circle even if the initial hole wasn't completely true. The plastic part has been painted green.
Image

_________________
Commission Service Available

mallysminiatures.blogspot.co.uk
Top
  Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Cutting Balsa Wood
PostPosted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 9:42 pm 
Craftsman
Craftsman
User avatar
Offline

Joined: Thu Dec 26, 2013 12:00 pm
Posts: 386
Location: At the Battle of Greenfields
Ok. Yes I'm using a similar idea for the door and windows to get a perfect circle as a frame. It's just more for doors I will have slightly open, I would like to use a Balsa circle than take a plastic circle and greenstuff and sculpt the wood every time on top (what I'm probably going to use for Bag End)

One question Gandlaf. Where did you get the plastic tubing? How easy is it to pick up from a craft store for example?

_________________
My WIP: viewtopic.php?f=50&t=27174&start=180
Top
  Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Cutting Balsa Wood
PostPosted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 10:04 pm 
Elven Elder
Elven Elder
User avatar
Offline

Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2009 6:37 am
Posts: 3499
Location: Hull UK
Images: 14
My plastic tube I got from ebay. I just did a search but made a point of looking for external and internal diameters of the tube. I went for one that gave a 1mm wall which gave me the look I wanted.
It wasn't too much, I think a couple of pound, it's just that you get about half a metre of it, so you have a bit of spare !!!

_________________
Commission Service Available

mallysminiatures.blogspot.co.uk
Top
  Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Cutting Balsa Wood
PostPosted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 2:53 am 
Elven Elder
Elven Elder
User avatar
Offline

Joined: Thu Apr 01, 2010 11:33 pm
Posts: 3688
Location: Atlanta GA. U.S.A.
Images: 14
Quote:
For cutting larger circles, I have been known to use a hole saw attached to a power drill through thicker balsa. But generally I make sure I have a brand new blade in my knife and cut around a circular object of the right diameter - like a large coin or a washer. Be very careful when cutting cross the grain though as the knife tends to slip.


One trick that helps prevent tear out in soft wood is to clamp the wood to a waste piece and drill all the way through. The correct shaped bit also helps.

Image

The spade bit will make a mess.

Image

circle cutters and hole saws will remove too much material in the center
the compass cutter will work but I recommend round wooden bases for doors.

Image

I have been planing some wooden buildings for Lake Town. This special wood burner tip will make quick work of texturing wood round bases. The razor saw blades are useful for odd shapes.

Image

round shapes can be pressed into clay or green stuff. I like the idea of a custom brass punch for clay but I have never tried it with wood.

Image

I made these strong enough for a five and eight year old in the summer 2012. I used PVC for the door frames. I made it so two could fit in a box.

I hope some of this was helpful. I am looking forward to see what you make.

_________________
"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"
Top
  Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: Cutting Balsa Wood
PostPosted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 7:18 pm 
Craftsman
Craftsman
User avatar
Offline

Joined: Thu Dec 26, 2013 12:00 pm
Posts: 386
Location: At the Battle of Greenfields
Great thanks for the advice Oldman Willow. I don't think I have the tools capable of that sort of job though but I will bear that in mind in the future.

_________________
My WIP: viewtopic.php?f=50&t=27174&start=180
Top
  Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 9 posts ] 

All times are UTC


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 26 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron